LibertyRide - A Grassroots Journ3y

[ronpaulhawaii]

[h2]The Panhandle of Texas[/h2]
June 26th, 2009 http://libertyrider.com/the-panhandle-of-texas/#comments


Will be leaving it tomorrow. A quick run compared to the last (that seemed to go on forever. Texas is a big friggin state…)All Rt 66 towns, some of which gives one a real feel for the “Old West”. The picture of the Lawman of Shamrock, from a couple posts back, kinda defines that.


The stop at the Potter County Sheriff went well.

When I first pulled up I saw no furniture and guys painting. I thought, “hmmmm, remodeling?” So I opened the door and asked if this was still the sheriff office, it was. I asked if any were around, they were. By then I had noticed these guys were not your avg. “painter” looking types, so asked, “are you guys sheriffs?” They were - haha. They asked me what I wanted and I told them I was riding a bike cross country, had some stuff for them and I’d be right back…


As usual, they were a bit skeptical as I started, but remember, these are LEOs, they are suspicious and skeptical by profession. Again, as usual they warmed up as I talked about why I was there. They nodded heads as I mentioned the DHS reports and how outrageous they are. They agreed when I stated that the “modern freedom movement” is no domestic enemy and if anyone is, it is guys in suits in NY and DC. (They usually smile at that one) Then I hit em with a new line I’ve been developing about how, “the balance of power in this country is all off kilter, and the federal government is getting way too powerful. They are trying to federalize the police and that is a very dangerous thing. We need to restore the balance of power between FedGov and The States and you guys are on the front lines of that battle. So here is some info… (as I handed them a set including a copy of Vieira’s Constitutional Hoemland Security - thanks Tim-” They liked that!


It was classic, by the time I left we had shaken hands like friends and both had a smile and good word for my safe travels. On the way out I remarked how impressed I was that they were doing the work themselves. They shrugged and said that it was “their office and the taxpayers don’t need to spend a god-awful amount of money for contractors to keep it nice”


Kudos to the Potter County Sheriff Dept, both for your hospitality, and more for being fiscally responsible with citizen money.


In other news, I want to thank y’all for buying me new tires and tubes for the bike. After the cart had it’s first flat yesterday, I noticed how thin the rubber was on the tires (they had been used on the last trip, as well. I’m real surprised I haven’t had more trouble with them and got this far with out a flat

The part you are looking at is about tube thin, and that is the tire I kept for a spare.
Here is one of the new tires

Not exactly a road tread (will slow me down slightly), but all they had for a set and will work

just fine.


While there I got a spare front tire,

because the one I have on has some hefty gouges that are bubbling a bit and I’d hate to have a sidewall blowout far from a store, (duct tape’ll only get me so far - haha). And I also picked up spare tubes for goathead country…

So I should be set on rubber. Thanks all, peace of mind, heading into the desert, truly is priceless.


Finally, kudos to all who lobbied congress on the cap and trade bill. We need to just keep on keeping on. Increase the pressure from all sides. Win, Lose, or Draw, it’s how you play the game. Perhaps the Senate’ll go our way and we can kill it there. Also, we can tell who the Faux-GOP is by the votes and if you live in one of the turncoats districts. HAMMER THEM!!! In the press, at their office, at the GOP meetings/Lincoln dinners. return their fundraising appeals with parting “gifts” and THROW THE BUMS OUT!!!


GO GRASSROOTS!!!

 

[Aratus]

Way to Go! RPH!

 

[ronpaulhawaii]

[h2]New Mexico, Land of Enchantment[/h2]
June 27th, 2009 http://libertyrider.com/new-mexico-land-of-enchantment/#comments


Left Texas this morning bucking a headwind. A little bit nerve wracking as I had 77 miles to make today. Luckily it did not last all day and by the end I had a tailwind helping me along. That was a blessing
On the way out of Texas I found a Sheriff Office and stopped in to have a chat.

The only one there was the dispatcher, but she was really sweet and glad I stopped by. The line about the imbalance of power is working well…


I entered New Mexico and a new time zone

Mountain Time… (uh oh - haha)


Minutes after taking this I stopped at the NM Vistor Center. Had a great talk with one of the workers, gave her a card and she said she would check it out. Out front a few people wanted to take pictures of me and the bike, (the price was taking a flier and promising to look into it) One guy kinda ticked me off though. A Boy Scout “leader” walked away from his troop to look at the bike and gave me a “not interested” when I tried to give him a flier. Being neither friendly, courteous, nor kind, he is an Oathbreaker, and I shuddered to think he is acting like a role model for young boys. Oh well, you can’t win ‘em all. That makes three “not interested” the entire trip, so far. Not a bad average, but still… Luckily, lots of other folk who had seen me on the road quickly distracted me from the creep.
The road is long

and it got quite hot by the time I made it to this town. Upon arrival I was greeted by a strange sign of the times

I don’t have a problem with cops, but do have a problem with fear tactics and lies pushing a Police State.


And that is why I ride…

 

[torchbearer]

I feel very sad, deep in my soul, when I read the lines about the Boy Scout leader.
Keep up the good work Michael.
Will you be near santa fe for Kokesh's bash?

 

[ClayTrainor]

I don’t have a problem with cops, but do have a problem with fear tactics and lies pushing a Police State.


And that is why I ride…

f'in awesome Michael! This is some inspirational stuff, man, i'm so proud of what you're doing!

I'm impressed that you've only encountered 3 "not interested" people on your entire trip so far. You must be getting pretty dam good at talking about this stuff, and approaching people the right way.

Keep up the great work for libert, man!

 

[ronpaulhawaii]

I feel very sad, deep in my soul, when I read the lines about the Boy Scout leader.
Keep up the good work Michael.
Will you be near santa fe for Kokesh's bash?

Yeah, it bothered me much more than the other two. I wanted to say something about oathbreaking , but pretty much held my tounge...

Yes, will be 250 miles past Santa Fe, but the Freedoms Phoenix guys will be shuttling me back for it...

looking at 60 miles today, 40% chance of T-Strorms, mostly cloudy and cooler , with a tailwind . Will climb about 1500ft, descend about 1000 and gain 500ft on the continental divide... Good Morning

 

[ronpaulhawaii]

The Desert Begins



A bit of a strange day today. Good, but strange. Not Ohio psycho strange, but a bit surreal. Started out great. Stayed in a great little "Mom and Pop" Rt 66 Motel. Was recently restored and a classic. Was pretty full and as I was packing up quite a few folk came out to talk. One guy, once he found out what I was about, had to go get his wife... Most everyone I talk to is real appreciative of what we are doing here, hopefully they take home and act on my message that "We NEED them" I've been playing on the "honesty" thing lately. Telling people, "For too long we have just accepted that politicians lie, well, that is not the way it should be, and we don't have to accept it..."


So, I finally got out of there and made my way to the Quay County Sheriff Office. As it was Sunday I had my doubts on finding anyone, and that was about the case when, lo and behold, a Sheriff Car pulls in next door. So I pedaled over and said Hi. I started into my spiel when body language told me this guy was not going to warm up. That is rare on this trip. I could tell he was being patient with me but had other things on his mind and didn't want to chat. So I cut it short, he kindly said, "so I guess you'd like me to give these to the boss?" I said "yes, please". He said "sure, I'll do that". I said thanks and pedaled off. I chalked it up to being a stranger with a peculiar mission on a Sunday morning and was simply glad to have found someone there.


But that wasn't really strange, just not the norm on this trip.


One thing that was kinda strange was, as I was leaving town, a small white pick-up (NM? 671) pulled over up the road, a guy got out, snapped my pic with an expensive cam, and as I approached got in his truck and sped off... Hmmmmm... Most people taking someones picture at least say's hi...


But what was more strange, was pedaling into the desert in late June in a cold rain. I'm serious, I mean, I know it rains and this is not full on desert yet, but it was still kinda surreal, wondering if I should put on a jacket after the heat of the last few days. It was kinda cool though, I could almost hear the earth soaking in the life giving water with a gentle sigh.


The pedaling was great though. The shoulder was good most of the way, and had 22 miles of new construction where it was very smooth and fast. The road was cut down to 1 lane but the shoulder is very wide and it was fine.


Had some big long hills, but was pretty much low grade and the nearby train tracks told me that hills don't get much better than this. Of course the train tracks were even more graded than the Interstate but still no biggie, just a matter of keeping my feet moving and eventually the top is there.


The next strange thing to happen was a semi going very slowly past me on the interstate. Again I was, Hmmmm...? They usually are whipping past and there was no reason for driving slow where I was. He got ahead of me, pulled over, got out, and started walking to the back of the truck. I figured maybe he had heard his load shift or something, but he got to the back of the truck and kept coming. It was obvious he wanted to talk... In over 5000 miles of pedaling this was a first,


Well, turns out he was an old Army Vet (Vietnam) who had pedaled across three times and wanted to share his stories with another trans-con. So I made a friend on the side of an interstate. He had quite a few stories, including crossing Death Valley and barely making it out alive. He was the type to ignore politics, but I think I may have got him with the line about history and everyone wondering why the Germans didn't do anything when Fascism's ugliness arose. I hope so... Anyway, Ward, if you read this, thanks for stopping and it was great chatting, please do get more involved, your country NEEDS you.


So, after we parted I pedaled on, it started raining again, but never really poured and it wasn't bad. I just kept thinking of what a goon Al Gore is. It kinda pees me off that the tyrants are using the environment to enslave people. They use heart string issues to suck in the innocent and get them to help, the poor saps don't even know how badly they are being used. I really think we need to take the environmental issue away from the tyrants. They are only using it for their own nefarious purposes and will actually hurt the planet more with their greedy schemes. I'm not sure how we can do that, but I know our position is logical and makes more sense. I'll continue to muse...


The final strange thing to happen was really cool. As I pulled into town I tooled up the main drag looking for a suitably inexpensive motel. I saw a Harley Club that had passed me earlier in the day at this Motel 6, and after looking around town decided this was probably the best bet, so pulled in. They were looking at me curiously when one mentioned that I sure do move along. I said, yeah, but I do have some help and pointed out the front hub... Then, one of the girls asked, "are you the only one doing this?" I said yes, she then said, "well you sure do move along cause I saw you pedal past my house in Missouri a while back". Haha - That got everyone's attention and I got to use the Statue of Liberty to Alcatraz line, which they loved.


As I checked in they were gathered around the bike, checking out the flags and stickers, pointing and smiling. I knew they liked my rig and was kinda stoked... It is moments like that that I remind me why I don't wear "cyclist" gear on the road. I mean, I am sure the tight fitting gear is great for slipping through the wind, but pulling up in my Dickie shorts, Walk For Freedom shirt, and Gadsden Hat clearly says I am an activist, not really a cyclist, and that earns respect from some quarters...


What with the rain I didn't get the camera out much, but did take a couple.


This shot did not come out as I hoped.

I wanted to capture a few things, the emptiness, the abandoned rail station, but mainly the signage, which always makes me laugh. The bottom little sign has a pic of a bicycle and says "use shoulder only" uh duh... It is a friggin interstate, only a Darwin Award contender would need that sign...


And here is something I got a kick out of

That's about it. I have a very long day tomorrow (80miles) with 3000 ft of climbing over a 7000ft pass. Will descend 1500 ft, so will be gaining 1500 on the divide.


Pedal pedal

 

[AdamT]

Love the tales from the road. Be safe out there.

 

[acptulsa]

What with the rain I didn't get the camera out much, but did take a couple.


This shot did not come out as I hoped...

You're taking great shots, though. New Mexico is just way too big to fit in that little box. What can you do?

Well, when the grades get worse you'll rest more often, and while you're resting you'll have more bluffs to shoot at. I, for one, am looking forward to it. It has been too long since I was out that way. I miss it.

Have you been to Albuquerque and Santa Fe before? They're quite different from anything else, and from each other too. I love them both.

 

[ronpaulhawaii]

Love the tales from the road. Be safe out there.

You're taking great shots, though. New Mexico is just way too big to fit in that little box. What can you do?

Well, when the grades get worse you'll rest more often, and while you're resting you'll have more bluffs to shoot at. I, for one, am looking forward to it. It has been too long since I was out that way. I miss it.

Have you been to Albuquerque and Santa Fe before? They're quite different from anything else, and from each other too. I love them both.

I'll be sure and take more pics... and have never been to either.

Terri shot some vid in OKC...

YouTube - Liberty Rider Michael Maresco on Conspiracy Theorists and Sheeple (1/2)

YouTube - Liberty Rider Michael Maresco on Terrorists and our Troops (2/2)

 

[ronpaulhawaii]

[h2]A Doozy of a Day[/h2]
June 30th, 2009 Goto comments Leave a comment Edit

Yesterday was the longest of the trip so far. On the map it was 86.5 miles, on the ground closer to 90 including stops, detours, etc. Add the that the first 60 miles was practically all an uphill 3000ft climb. Here is the chart:

Add to that 100degree heat, add to that a morning headwind, and finally add the debris filled roadway that, thankfully, only gave me one flat

Here is the culprit

I had to pull quite a few out of all my tires but, thankfully, the extra protection turned back the rest. It is always a crapshoot when pulling a thorn or wire from a tire. You never know when it will necessitate an immediate repair, or it would be better to wait till shade, or days end to repair in comfort.
Needless to say flats take time to fix, and on a long day that gets a bit hairy. I got off the road about a half hour before sunset and a couple more would have had me on the roadside in the dark. (eek!)
The 60 mile uphill was daunting. The pedal assist helps, but battery management on a long day means using minimal power and I still wondered whether I would be pedaling the final miles with no help. While the grapg gives a decent indication, there are still uphills which a closer look would reveal.
So between the climb, the debris dodging, and the heat, it was quite a tense day.
Leaving Santa Rosa, I was stoked to see a Sheriff Car in front of the court,

The deputy inside was great. A real smile and didn’t mind giving me some time even though he was a bit busy. He was not aware of the reasons for my trip so the conversation was a bit funny. When I said I was motivated because the DHS reports (he hadn’t seen) he said, “wait, you support terrorists?” I was like, “no no no, I supported Ron Paul in the primary” He then said the classic, “Who is Ron Paul?” lulz… Anyway, by the end we were on the same page and I was pretty stoked when he said, “The Fed Gov is whacked, yes I’ll be glad to pass these along, you have a safe trip” It still makes me smile…
I got to pitch a few people leaving town, and then headed off up the hill. Stopped at the rest areas and got some fliers and Obama Deception DVDs to a few folk going to the “Rainbow Gathering” (which I have been hearing about for hundreds of miles) None of the folk I met who are going liked Obama and I think we could be targeting that crowd, as well. One guy volunteered to show the flier around while there, and do some canvassing for us… Again, I think we need to take the “green” message away from the tyrants and expand this “big tent” we always talk about. It only makes sense to leave the world nicer than we found it and that should be a non-partisan effort…
Another real cool thing that happened was I came up on rental truck on the shoulder with a guy getting something from the back. Turns out he was a Marine, on the same page, did not know about our movement, and was glad to hear about us. Said he would join and get active, so I guess I recruited a Marine - haha
Another car with three guys pulled over to ask me what I was about. Had a great conversation and turns out one works at a Napa Valley TV Stataion and he said he was going to look into getting my story on-air…
You can probably imagine the feeling of relief that accompanies pulling into a town after a day like that. Even better the first business I went by had some welcoming signage

The boys there were not active (hadn’t even heard of 1207), but I implored them to get more so, “we NEED them” and I could see they were a bit re-inspired by what I was doing and hope they get back in the fight. The parting words indicated they would and they were real thankful I stopped by.
Finally, here are some pics for my friends who like seeing what I see. Liberty Rider #6 asked for some scenics so here are a couple:

It is a vast emptiness at times… Sky was nice…
The mountains began to appear in the distance

and here is looking back on the ridge I went over that had storms move in as I was coming through. I felt a few drops, but by the time I took this it was storming up there…

Well, thats about it. a regular 60 mile day today, only 1500ft of climbing so hope it’ll be easier than yesterday. Again some headwinds in the AM but forcast to turn in my favor in the afternoon
pedal pedal

 

[Cowlesy]

great post!

 

[disorderlyvision]

nie update! sorry you had a rough ride yesterday, but it sounds like you got a lot accomplished.

 

[acptulsa]

I love the updates from the sheriffs' offices. Here we have people jumping into threads with 'all cops are this, all cops are that', and there we have the SPLC telling the cops 'all militias and Constitutionalists are this and that', and here's a Constitutionalist walking in and finding out the cops are too busy doing what they were elected/otherwise hired to do for their communities (in these towns, they likely know half the county by first name) to even read the propaganda that was designed to turn them into good little NAU soldiers. Makes me smile!

Liberty Rider #6 asked for some scenics so here are a couple...

Severe and more imposing than welcoming, but big, broad-shouldered, and unforgettably gorgeous. Wonderful country. Wait till you get the view that rewards you for grunting up the Sandia ridge! You will see Albuquerque. All of it!

 

[angelatc]

I loved seeing the sign on the fence.

 

[acptulsa]

Speaking of Albuquerque, Central Ave. (aka state highway 333) is old Route 66 (at least on the east side of town) and provides a nice bypass of I-40 through the city. Last time I was through I drove it out the east side from downtown; it's all four lane (and fairly wide away from the old part of the city) and once you get to the area between I-25 and the old Santa Fe tracks you get a string of affordable motels. It isn't four lane over the Sandia ridge, iirc, but being right next to the interstate it's sparsely traveled out that far. I know you're barely through Tucumcari (if that far), but though I'd mention it before you got to Gallup...

I would not recommend riding a bike on the city's expressways. There are some drivers after my own heart in that city (otherwise known as leadfoots).

 

[ronpaulhawaii]

A lonely road today.

Ranchlands, mostly, with some cool derelict structures.

There was one small "town" on the way, seemed like an artist enclave. Got this pic as I approached

which was kinda tricky as I couldn't stop to take it - haha. I had stopped and ate road food on the way, but was getting hungry for a meal when I finally started seeing "civilization" again. Stopped into the first place I came to

where I had the rare experiance of a "free lunch". Real nice ladies, I had ordered a tuna melt and Ice Tea. While waiting the owner Melinda came out and asked, "who is riding for honesty" I looked up and smiled. She looked out at the bike and said, "Ron Paul - huh? I liked him, would have voted for him, even though I've never voted Republican. When I asked for the check, she came back out and said it was on the house. Thanks, Melinda. The food was delish and the hospitality priceless. I hope any other liberty lovers passing through get a chance to stop in and have a bite.
Like I said, was a lonely road so between the motel owner I had left in the AM, and the crowd at the Cafe, that was about all the canvassing I got to do. Had to fight afternoon traffic through Santa Fe but finally found Adam's house.
Quite busy here, arrived during a planning meeting for the Independence Day event, to go along with the money bomb, I hope everyone can join in and send a few bucks thisJuly4th
Adam took me on the tour and we ended up on his roof for sunset, where I had a couple radio interviews to do.

Later I got this pic of Tracey and Adam

will try to get a video before leaving this AM... Am supposed to be getting the Kokesh slimjims todays so am looking forward to seeding the route, will use the event fliers till then...


busy busy... haha

 

[acptulsa]

Santa Fe? You went around Sandia to the north. Never mind, then.

Great pics. Love that country.

I believe, as the governor's office was established there by the Spanish in 1609, you're in the oldest city in the nation. Fascinating place. Enjoy!!

 

[ronpaulhawaii]

Santa Fe? You went around Sandia to the north. Never mind, then.

Great pics. Love that country.

I believe, as the governor's office was established there by the Spanish in 1609, you're in the oldest city in the nation. Fascinating place. Enjoy!!

Yeah, I couldn't come this close without a quick detour north to visit my favorite Marine

[h2]Taking That Day in Santa Fe[/h2]
July 1st, 2009 Leave a comment

I had an extra day scheduled for here, was gonna skip it to get back on schedule (am a day behind), but changed my mind. I’ll make it up over the next couple few days, as I can leave a lot of weight here for the RV Ed has rented to cross AZ.

Yep, my brother from another mother, Ron Paul Rider #3, Ed Vallejo, (on left late Oct ‘07)

has rented an RV for crossing AZ. Not only that, but he, and Tom Costanza of Freedom’s Phoenix, are pedaling border to border with me. The ride is gonna get interesting - hehe

I’m stoked. AZ has been at the forefront of this r3VOLution since Ron Paul formed the exploratory committee. And guys like Ed, and Ernie Hancock, and Buck (above right) have been in the liberty fight for years… They upped the bar on my first trip, and seem to be planning the same on this one.

Having a chase vehicle changes things dramatically, an RV even more so. I can basically pedal with an empty bike and use power at will while extras charge. Ed will have an e-bike, as well. And Tom is an active cyclist. So I imagine Tom will be setting the pace while Ed and I tool along… Wooohooo!!!

Definitely stoked

Today, I’ve been working on the bike (cart had some duct tape repairs that set it a bit off, and one of the side signs barely touched the wheel, when the cart was fully loaded, making a rubbing sound that gets quite annoying), did laundry, got some more fliers printed, etc. Nice to have some time to do all this without having to pedal, as well.

So, I am here at Adam Kokesh’s and they are working hard on exploratory committee stuff. Getting ready for the Independance Day Celebration/Money Bomb. Here is the core team hard at work:

Adam is on the phone

Jared is concentrating

till he realized I was taking candids - haha

Sean is playing with Blue

Tina is multitasking

and Adam is still on the phone, thinking…

It has been good seeing how dedicated and enthusiastically they are working.

Another thing that has impressed me about the Kokesh run is the level of opposition I am seeing. It seems some powerful people are nervous about him running and that is always a good sign.

That’s about it for now, we played around with a video camera today and may have something for you all tonight…

tinker tinker…

 

[torchbearer]

awesome.
this is what makes this forum so great!
You can't get this kind of real coverage of real events going on in the world.
God bless the interwebs!