LibertyRide - A Grassroots Journ3y

[acptulsa]

Sorry I'm late. Sorry I made Michael late.

Seems I have a mental block about sunscreen. Generally I get by just fine without it. Listen to your body and you know when to hit the shade. Pedal 'on a schedule' (hahahahaha) and you just don't get all the shade you need when you want it. I learned my lesson some years ago--I don't forget my sunscreen on float trips any more. After Thursday, you can bet I won't forget it on a long, non-solo ride again, either.

My scalp under my hair is sunburned.

I should have known what I was in for before I got there. But riding up to Claremore to serve as guide through the tricky business of the 'burb of Catoosa and keeping him on Historic Route 66 was just too easy. Twenty-six miles in the cool of the morning, with a tailwind all the way, and taking the beautiful and pretty flat Port Road to do it. I didn't really realize I had that tailwind, though I had enough clues:

Notice the flag? I didn't; my neck doesn't swivel like those of lizards...

Anyway, I made it into Claremore in fine style. I had driven up the evening before to show him the (outside of the closed) memorial to Oklahoma's Number One Son, Will Rogers. We had chicken chunks, potatoes and sausage gravy, fried okra, and Shiner Bock all of which agreed with the man more accustomed to poi. And we hit the shores of Claremore Lake to shoot a couple of videos. It was a nice evening, and made the morning go more quickly.

Not quickly enough--or rather, it went by too quickly. By the time we met the intelligent and lovely Jessica Blythe-Ammons of the Claremore Daily Progress (everything nice Will Rogers ever said about small town papers is still true; they're still more interested in serving their readers than their masters), had a great interview with a couple of captains in the Rogers County Sheriff's Department (I told them any militia that doesn't listen to the Constitutionally mandated County Sheriff isn't Constitutional, though they may claim to be), and saw the exceptional J.M. Davis Museum of Arms, it got to be noon.

The curator was more than kind and hospitable.

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Some of the patrons were very interested in the message, and one was from Hawaii!

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And the extensive collection was, as always, more than fascinating. And no, this isn't a cannon. It's a gatling gun:

http://s262.photobucket.com/albums/ii95/acptulsa/LIBERTYRIDER013.jpg

So, as the noonday sun rose high over our heads, we set off into the teeth of a fifteen to twenty mile per hour headwind and a series of not terribly steep but very continuous grades. And, well, I tried to get myself in a good condition to do the LibertyRiderSix title justice, but nothing prepares you for those headwinds and one's own stupidity regarding sunscreen. But I like to flatter myself that my camera made me worth the time I cost him. Route 66 does have its photo ops (as you can see in Michael's post).

Besides, one of my mercy stops in the shade netted Michael a chance to preach liberty to another lovely lady who happened by (our lovely ladies all seemed particularly impressed by the well-tanned Hawaiian Iron Man)...

...and left me in a good postion to get photographic proof that he and I aren't lying when we say we saw a genuine black helicopter!

http://s262.photobucket.com/albums/ii95/acptulsa/LIBERTYRIDER016.jpg

We made it to the last trick to keeping the old route, rounded a corner to the west, rather than the south, and celebrated having defeated that relentless wind.

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We made it about another mile before I fell out. It wasn't my legs, and it wasn't my breath. It was my skin. When your sunburn gets to that point where your body has had quite enough of your foolish program, any touch of sun saps your strength on the spot. So, I decided I'd rather stand on my forty-four mile day (about half of Michael's day record, but still more than Michael did that particular day) than die for the cause, and I sent him on ahead and crawled to the nearest shady bus stop. Even when I cheated Michael handily outran me! Damn! You'd think he had thousands of miles of training or something. I wasn't feeling to bad about it--until I learned he's older than me...

Well, we got in another couple of Route 66 photos...

http://s262.photobucket.com/albums/ii95/acptulsa/LIBERTYRIDER020.jpg

...and rode another half a mile and up one more hill--the one I live on. There, we walked into the air, drank about 22oz. of well-iced spring water each. For the next few minutes we sang a round of gulp gulp gulp Ahhhhh!! May not sound very musical to you, but we sure enjoyed it.

He unpacked while I showered, then I lit the fires while he showered. Soon my living room was full of members of my meetup and a few of the ones near us, and I (with major help from the irreplaceable Julia of Switzerland, Tireless Art, and fundraising help from Sandra aka acainfonet) fed our man like a genuine Plains Native. He had barbequed buffalo filet, sweet maize on the cob steamed in the husk over a low charcoal fire, and fry bread. After a hard ride, that did indeed hit the spot! I then proceeded to land on the couch--and stay there.

The next morning, I donned full length jeans, a shirt with sleeves, and my panama hat, and conned myself into getting back on that damned heavy, high-geared old crate of a bike of mine, and we headed off. We varied from old Route 66 for just about a mile. Why? Because Tulsa's photo ops aren't all on that route, that's why.

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And neither is the sheriff's office.

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I had received a very nice email from that very office (which I wasn't able to log on and get until just now) regretting that the honorable Sheriff Stanley Glanz was out of town. But Michael did get an interview with a couple of high-ranking deputies while I guarded the bikes on the plaza and told the hot dog vendor all about what we were doing to return this government of the corporations, by the corporations and for the corporations to the people it was intended to serve. He was so happy to hear it he contributed two bottles of ice cold water to the cause (sometimes in the Oklahoma summer that is better than gold). Then mayoral candidate Clay Clark showed up and did an interview of Michael for YouTube.

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I then led Michael back to Route 66, he pointed his camera at my lobsterized face, and we were forced to go our seperate ways.

Wouldn't have missed it for the world. Pedal safe, Iron Man! Mahalo (did I say that right?)!

 

[mamakar]

Great post, and pics. Sorry about the sun, but am sure Michael was happy to have you along and for all your hospitality. I rather imagine he didn't have sunscreen to loan you, rather imagine he doesn't use it......whats a mother to do..

 

[t0rnado]

http://s262.photobucket.com/albums/ii95/acptulsa/LIBERTYRIDER015.jpg

It looks like you're going to punch that lady in the face.

 

[Cowlesy]

Fantastic post ACP!!! Thanks for sharing!

 

[ronpaulhawaii]

It looks like you're going to punch that lady in the face.

LMAO - sheesh... I guess it does... - lulz

Fantastic post ACP!!! Thanks for sharing!

+2010

Great post, and pics. Sorry about the sun, but am sure Michael was happy to have you along and for all your hospitality. I rather imagine he didn't have sunscreen to loan you, rather imagine he doesn't use it......whats a mother to do..

:o

Actually, I gave him the one packet I had left in the first aid kit...

and I'm thinking of buying me an umbrella for desert repairs, etc... bought a white long sleeve light cotton shirt in MO, just gearing up for some serious sun...

Had a cool write up from a Tulsa Blog

[url]http://www.purpleoakpolitics.com/2009/06/20/putting-the-active-in-activsim-liberty-rider/[/URL]

[h1]Putting the “active” in activsim - Liberty Rider![/h1]
Tagged with: liberty rider michael maresco ride for honesty

On June 18th I had the pleasure of meeting Micheal Maresco, better known as the “Liberty Rider” here in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Michael passed through Tulsa as he is traveling across the country on his bike, to promote the message of liberty and inform the public of the impending threats to our individual freedom.

It was an honor to meet Mr. Maresco and enjoy a traditional “Plains Indian” dinner prepared by local activist Anthony Platt who hosted Michael for the night. I visited with my husband and children and we talked to the Liberty Rider about his journey and what drove him to begin pedaling for honesty!

Michael explained that the growing government control has concerned him for quite some time, as has the evident transition of our nation to a police state, and the complacent acceptance of this transition by the people This public allowance of blatant tyranny can be largely due to fear, but Micheal believes much of it is thanks to just plain mal-education and lack of information. He feels strongly that if people are given the opportunity to learn, they will indeed and that will drive them to take action.

I admire Mr. Maresco’s faith in the human spirit and I pray he is right! I will say, he himself exemplifies the essence of this idea and I hope his journey encourages others to take action as well! When asked what prompted him to hit the road, Michael explained simply, “There are a lot of people talking about what needs to be done, and not enough of them doing it.”

Well said, Michael Maresco! I couldn’t have said it better myself!
You may not know this folks, but Michael is not a cyclist, and did not regularly ride prior to his political endeavor! He works as a rigger for the show and convention industry, and is, like you and I, simply an American who values individual freedom and is willing to do his part to protect and preserve the liberty our founders recognized and claimed for us - their future generations.

According to Mr. Maresca, it was the MIAC report and the events that followed that served as the shove that pushed him onto his bike. He explained that after much online discussion over how to reach the sheriffs in our local respective counties, the idea occurred to him. In his words “I’ll show you how to talk to the sheriffs” and off he went on a journey to touch base (literally) with as many county sheriff’s as he can across America and discuss with them the importance of maintaining and preserving the valuable principles of liberty for the people in their counties.

Along the way, Micheal stops at local gas stations, eateries and other various town locations to talk to people, hand out information and help spread this important education.

Michael very cleverly began his trip at the Statue of Liberty, signifying the Liberty of our nation, and will conclude his adventure at Alcatraz, the prison - symbolizing the potential imprisonment that can come if we fail to inform ourselves and act.

I would like to give a virtual standing applause to Michael Maresco, the Liberty Rider, for being the epitome of “activism” as he is very literally being ACTIVE while he pedals across America spreading the great message of American freedom throughout!

May the Liberty Rider be an example to us all!

*Please consider helping to support Michael as he travels, by donating to his cause. Donations help him to pay for lodging food and supplies.

-Veda

pedal pedal...

 

[mamakar]

Like the purpleoak...where red meets blue...very creative. Nice blog too. BTW I know you plan for the heat, etc....just couldn't resist a little NY humor. You know they make a hat with a little fan inside the top to cool you down...Bet ED could help you find one....... Pedal Pedal

 

[ronpaulhawaii]

[url]http://www.sapulpaheraldonline.com/articles/2009/06/20/news/doc4a3d110e7d63e999830378.txt[/URL]

[h1]Constitutional philosopher on cross-country ride[/h1]

Michael Maresco stopped in Sapulpa Friday afternoon as he pedals “from the Statue of Liberty to Alcatraz” in his one-man effort to raise understanding and awareness of the United States Constitution and what it means to a free people.

By Brian Patrick
Herald City Reporter

Published: Saturday, June 20, 2009 12:13 PM CDT

Michael Maresco is a man on a mission. “I’m riding from the Statue of Liberty to Alcatraz because that’s the way I believe this country is going,” he said outside the Creek County Sheriff’s Office Friday afternoon.

The Hawaii resident and New York native stopped in Sapulpa Friday afternoon on a Trans-continental bicycle ride that, when completed, will have taken him from New York City to San Francisco. He is stopping at sheriffs’ offices in every county he crosses during his ride.

Riding a bicycle and pulling a cart behind, Maresco displays five flags on a small flagpole attached to the cart. Each flag has meaning, he said. Beneath the Stars and Stripes, Maresco displays a 1776 Gadsden flag, commonly known as the “Don’t Tread On Me” flag.

The Gadsden flag, he says, was part of his inspiration for embarking on his journey. Maresco was shocked by a Department of Homeland Security report issued last spring labeling anyone flying the Gadsden flag, military veterans, those promoting anti-illegal immigration, anti-abortion or low tax views as potential terrorists.

“The final straw for me was labeling the veterans as potential terrorists,” Maresco said. “The freedom movement is not a domestic enemy. The guys in suits in New York and London are.”

In addition to the Stars and Stripes and Gadsden, Maresco flies the Washington Cruisers flag which the self-described “unorthodox Christian” considers a personally symbolic flag due to its bearing the words “an appeal to heaven,” and the First Continental Regular flag.

Maresco said he has taken one day of rest since beginning his ride on May 24. “It’s me alone pedaling, but there is 160,000 in a grass roots group supporting me,” he said. “I pedal alone, but I’m never more than a phone call away from help if I need it.”

Maresco said he has been joined at times by six other riders, all met during his trip, including one man who rode with him for 40 miles.

“People are fed up with the way this country is going and they’re ready for solutions,” he said. “I’m telling them that there are people that are working on solutions and that they are having success,” he said. “I think I’ve had two people that said ‘no, I’m not interested’”.

Maresco said the biggest challenge he has faced during his ride was climbing Pennsylvania’s Timmons Mountain. “I got a post on my blog asking if I was aware that that is where France sends its cyclists to train for the Tour de France,” he said.

The three-mile-long, 13 percent grade climb proved daunting for Maresco, who does not consider himself a cyclist although the journey marks the 48-year-old’s second time crossing the country by bicycle. Maresco is crossing the country on a $250 bicycle he said he purchased at Walmart.

“I’m a big fan of alternative fuels,” he said. “Environmentalists have abused their trust.”

Maresco said his biggest challenges have been logistics. “I have 100 counties to go through,” he said. “There’s 100,000 supporters we’re trying to rally to get the message out.” Maresco is handing out copies of the Constitution to people he meets on his journey. He said all of his literature, clothing and resources must fit into the cart he pulls.

Maresco spends his nights in motor courts and campgrounds.

Maresco said his ultimate goal during his ride is to get people back in touch with the Constitution. “I like the idea of keeping government local,” he said. “If, say, California wants to have socialized medicine, great. Let them have socialized medicine.”

“We have to learn that every time people have tried to set up a centralized government, absolute power corrupted and millions of people died,” he said. “Human nature doesn’t change.”

“Liberty demands responsibility,” Maresco said, “ and passing along a better world to our kids is part of being civilized.”

 

[JoshLowry]

Great write up.

 

[dr. hfn]

everyone should notify their local newspapers and call the reporters when Michael pedals into town!!!

 

[Cowlesy]

Great write up.

Seconded.

 

[eOs]

6/21/2009
Receipt ID e7eed43338050552
For: Ride For Honesty Support
Method: PayPal
Total: $17.76

donation bump

 

[ronpaulhawaii]

[h2]The Next Few Days[/h2]
June 21st, 2009

Out of OKC, made all the south and now turning west again, a navigational waypoint. Getting ready to bake a bit. I think I may go with the arab style of desert wear. Imagine this… an Italian exposing Fascism, using “terrorist” canards while dressed like an Arab, pedaling a Schwinn and flying significant flags… haha…

The schedule for the next few days looks like
Monday El Reno to Clinton
Tuesday Clinton to Erick
Wednesday OK/TX Border to McLean

I’ll see how the wind and sun treat me and if I can think about making up a day somehow, always good to keep a buffer…

Cities are tough, and OKC is pretty big. 25miles through city traffic, potholes, storm drains, redlights, construction, ugh… As much as I enjoy meeting all the liberty folk that concentrate in the cities, I must say I am thankful to get out in one piece… (and I even skirted downtown).

On the way in I stopped at the Chandler County Sheriff Office.

Skeleton Crew and the deputy seemed to shut down at the name Ron Paul… ah well… worse, I had been easily buzzed in a backdoor and had to go back out to get the books, in the process I set down my helmet… I was a bit disconcerted leaving and by the time I realized my mistake I had travelled down a fairly large hill… that’s OK, I was going to have to switch to a shemagh soon anyway…

In OKC, I met up with a facebook friend Terri Creech. Her son Ben, and friend Steve, became Liberty Riders 7 & 8

and had a great lunch with RJ Harris & (partial) Family. I do need to remember that just because other people are taking pictures, doesn’t mean I don’t need to… RJ’s eyes are those of a kindred soul and I truly hope we score a win with his race…

Anyway, I should hit the hay, will be working towards earlier starts as the heat increases… Here are some other pics though…

Getting Interviewed in Salpulpa

Senator Brogdon honored us with a visit

Get your kicks

pedaling does have its' rewards

 

[acptulsa]

How did I not get my favorite pic from the day posted?

Four more LibertyRiders in one state! Li'l ol' Oklahoma is putting some pretty damned populous states to shame, folks! You guys out west--you gonna let Oklahoma show you up?

everyone should notify their local newspapers and call the reporters when Michael pedals into town!!!

Worked for me! Actually, it isn't a bad idea to give them a few days lead time. One of the Tulsa newsweeklies showed an interest, and I should have another article to show by Thursday or so.

.....whats a mother to do..

If you figure it out, I'm sure my own would love to be let in on the secret!

 

[LittleLightShining]

Fantastic! Great posts, guys

 

[torchbearer]

I love this thread!

 

[acptulsa]

Oh, and a special note to my fellow race fans--drafting does indeed work on bicycles. If you don't take the Tour de France guys' word for it, take Michael's and mine.

 

[ronpaulhawaii]

...
Worked for me! Actually, it isn't a bad idea to give them a few days lead time. One of the Tulsa newsweeklies showed an interest, and I should have another article to show by Thursday or so...

easy as pie

[h2]About Pedaling[/h2]
June 22nd, 2009 Goto comments Leave a comment Edit

Hooo doggy… a bit warm out there on the blacktop… heh… 97 in the shade when I got off the road, more with the humidity… woohoo…all good, cranked out 60 miles, thought about going for 90, for about a second, (till a hot blast of wind caught my face, as I sat in the shade of an overpass, looking onward.) The forecast has a bit of east in the wind tomorrow, we’ll see how it goes, would love to make up a day, but ya know, 100 degrees is freakin hot,


Anyway, speaking of overpasses, I made another milestone today, am finally able to ride on the interstate. Quite the change. Thought maybe I’d share a bit of the road with you all.


Surface plays a huge role in both speed and comfort. Smooth, seamless, aged asphalt is the best, keep it clear of debris and I am in heaven. I may roll a bit faster on concrete, but the cracks and regular joints (Bump>Roll-Roll>Bump>Roll-Roll>Bump>Roll-Roll>etc…), for twenty miles, or so, can get a bit tiresome. Every bump, crack and pebble I hit slows me down, a mile or two an hour might not seem like much, to most folk, but make a huge difference to a guy traveling at ten. My brother Tony, Liberty Rider #2, noted on the Jersey leg how much, even the different types of asphalt, effects pedaling. One of the surfaces I dread is a large stone mix that’ll leave my forearms vibrating for hours. Surfaces change often, seeing one ahead usually elicts a sigh, whose tone varies greatly…


The wind is another large factor, and I am always making it. Consider me pedaling at 10mph on a flat calm day, I have a 10mph wind pushing back at me… Even a 10mph tailwind, is to me a flat calm. A direct side wind is moved forward by my momentum and becomes a slight headwind. A sailor will tell you the math involved, but that is what they are talking about with “true” and “apparent” wind.


Probably needless to say that a strong, gusty, in your face headwind is the worst. The last few days have seen the track “staircase” west and south into south, and SSW winds. So while the west bits were a slight headwind, seeing a south turn ahead always saw me shaking my head with a, “here we go again…”. Though turning west was a relief of sorts, it was still great to get out of it finally, at the end of the day, and I am stoked that my southing is done.
I mentioned in yesterdays post a bit about cities. Big and small, they require termendous concentration. Disregarding the traffic and navigation issues, the road is a bear; city hot, and all bust up. Lots of construction zones and tube eating debris. Worse than the potholes and cracks are the parallel joints between concrete curbing and asphalt roadway. Often the joint is either a small ledge or the perfect width to grab my tire like a rut, and that could be very bad. And I have to ride along, inches away, for miles. I suppose the silver lining is that I have to concentrate so much on staying out of the ruts that I hardly notice the traffic… haha


I saw all kinds of roads navigating my way here, including dirt (which thankfully did not last long.) Knowing there is a major bridge ahead is always a bit nerve wracking. No matter how closely you pore over it on mapping software, until you actually see it, you don’t really know what you are facing. Holding up traffic on a narrow, long, high, bridge is never much fun. Ain’t no rest for the weary in such a situation. And, as a flat tire would make matters exponentially worse, the debris watch is heightened as well… It always feel like an accomplishment to cross a major one.


The country roads with little traffic are pleasant, but often hilly and rough. Usually no shoulders, as well. So some of them roads can become nightmares if they are local shortcuts, and heavily used during rush hours… I do just about everything I can to avoid slowing anyone down, what with the sign and mission and all… The mountain roads are usually always gorgeous, I hope to go back and see them sometime, on a motorcycle…


Route 66, though. That is a different animal altogether. I have not felt hurried or harrassed once while in the arms of the Mother Road, who has surely seen it all. It is like I am to be expected. My propoganda festooned cart, and I, merely add color and character to what must be America’s Most Charming Roadway. It truly has been a kick to pedal down Rt 66. Classic “Motor Courts” and filling stations, odd ball eateries and knick-knacks galore. Rolling through towns that have watched people pass through for decades. Motorcycle and Classic Car clubs, Solo and small group bikers packed for long hauls. I swear, if a Wagon Queen Family Truckster went by with a granny strapped to the roof, it would not look all that out of place.


Myriads of folk, out for a cruise…


The road itself varies by municiple jurisdiction. Most had been resurfaced, but some sections are the original jointed concrete (with no shoulder at all, just a 4in drop to dirt…), but, as I mentioned above, the travellers had no problem giving me space and time, often it was two lanes and I ambled along my own. The real traffic was on the interstate in the distance. While I looked forward to reaching here where I can finally use them, I certainly am stoked that the routing led me down that legendary road. It was kinda the last thing on my mind while planning. Hadn’t really given it much thought. Now, after experiancing it’s magic, I hope to go back on my own dime and really amble along (in a vehicle with AC - haha)


And now it is the interstates. I like ‘em. Actually feel safer with the wide shoulders and hign visibilty, (no blind corners and hilltops). Another plus is the fairly regular overpasses offering respite from the relentless heat. Chances are, if you ever see a bike parked under an overpass, you’ll see the rider splayed out in the shade on the cool concrete, and if you listen close, you might even hear the sigh… The final good thing about the interstates is the gentler grades, the hills more cut and the valleys more filled. Seeing parallel roads in the distance today happily reminded me of that.


They can get nasty at times, narrow bridges with little debris filled “shoulders”. Even worse can be “rotten” shoulders with gravel filled craters, or the monotonous jolts of a jointed roadway, all. day. long… Construction Zones are usually a bit dicey, as well. Like a bridge, you don’t know what you are facing till you see it. Saw the standard warning display today,”rightlane closed ahead.” It was still a ways up the road so I got off and onto an overpass to see what I could see. Still too far away, so I pedaled back onto the highway and hoped for the best, (while the work must leave room for normal wide loads, there can be narrow lanes for miles… While I am staisfied the flag array provides plenty visibilty, it can still be nerve wracking. ) As I pedaled up to it I was pleasently surprised by the sight of new lanes and the crews working the other side. The shoulder was actaully too new but the closed lane had been done earlier so I had a perfect track to myself for about ten miles… ahhhhhhh…


I don’t really know how much this all relates to the reason I’m out here, only to say that the road I’m traveling is a lot like life. Sometimes silky smooth, but usually a bit rough, with some better stretches. It sometimes changes directions and labels, loops around curious obstacles, sometimes even breaks and we have to find detours, which then become part of our road. But what is important is to keep pedeling on. Nothing of value comes easily, so embrace the hardship and press on, keeping eyes on the goal. I may sarcastically curse when I come up to a county line and see a crappy roadway ahead, but cannot stop.


That is unthinkable, the stakes are too high…


pedal pedal

 

[sluggo]

[url]http://www.sapulpaheraldonline.com/articles/2009/06/20/news/doc4a3d110e7d63e999830378.txt[/URL]

That story only has a 3-star rating.

I expect you guys to help fix that.

 

[torchbearer]

That story only has a 3-star rating.

I expect you guys to help fix that.

voted

 

[Njon]

Great to see that you met Sen. Brogdon.

Ron Paul Forums, Sen. Brogdon only has one primary opponent in the race for governor and it's winnable. Not easy, but winnable. We need to support him. http://www.randybrogdon.com/ and http://www.ronpaulforums.com/showthread.php?t=189483