LibertyRide - A Grassroots Journ3y

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Your wish is my command

Short day today, am lingering in the Jeff City area to attend the CfL MO-State BBQ tonight (part of the statewide organizing meeting they are having today) Here is my route and schedule for the next few days

http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/mo/-south-mo/677124490262233008

Eldon tonight (Sat)
Buffalo Sun Night
Springfield Monday afternoon
Aurora Monday Night
Neosho Tuesday Afternoon
Wyandette (OK) Tuesday night

Mike Mikkelsen from Kansas City came and visited last night, drove me around to a bike shop for tubes, and a goodwill for desert clothes... Very helpful...

Had bit of drama entering Jeff City. I've been wondering about the bridge for the whole time. I planned on staying in North Jefferson and crossing the bridge all fresh and chipper in the AM. (You have to go the wrong way down an interstate, kinda spooky passing those signs...)

There was a convenient motel on my google map, everything looked perfect. Only the motel wasn't where the map said it was... I ended up on the back side of an airport having to make a decision to race the sun, cross the bridge, and get here on the southside of Jeff City, all at the end of a 60 mile day...

I'm telling you, these early evening sprints down interstates are a bit hairaising - haha

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pedal pedal :D

and a big MAHALO for the help - y'all ROCK!!!

:)

m
 
There is a happy ma here, grateful for you weather watchers.......Thanks

Our pleasure, ma'am. Just a little pioneer spirit.

This little thing headed your way today doesn't even make any lightning so far, M. It would make for cool riding (and some long stopping distances, of course).

Riding the wrong way on an Interstate, eh? Well, I can see we don't have exciting enough activities planned for your adventurous spirit!
 
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[h2]The Ozarks[/h2]
June 16th, 2009 http://libertyrider.com/the-ozarks/#respond

I like Missouri, great people.
As with most of us, a quick smile, wave, or tip of the hat tends to bring out the best. Missourians took that one step further. Not charging me for water, apples, and, “hey, let me make you an Ozark BBQ Meat sandwich special, on me.” In a way, it reminds me of Hawaii. I’ll be leaving you tomorrow Missouri, mahalo for the hospitality…

And I ain’t even got to the CfL folks.
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I happened to be passing through Jeff City during their state level organizing meeting, and was a guest at the BBQ. Saw some old friends
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met some new ones
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Gave a speech (((eeek)))
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and went to the afterparty… which made for some hardpedaling the next day.
Did I mention The Ozarks have been a bit humid…? Thunder and lightening ahead, and to the sides, today… frunny how distracting massive bolts can be… It cleared up in afternoon, and became sweltering, seemed the perfect weather for thunderstorms. I watched this one, far to the east develop quickly from this,
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into this…
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All in all a decent day though, not much heavy rain, kind cool for the AM. And quite successful on spreading the message. First thing in the AM I pedaled back to the Buffalo Sheriff Office
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where I talked to (as usual) the Chief Deputy… Definitely a decent guy, reinforced that he certainly did not agree with the DHS political profiling…

A line that has been developing is tied to the presentation of the constitution. I have already been mentioning solutions when I get to the little green book, at that point I say something like, “and the honest truth is that the solutions are in this little book right here, The US Constitution. We just need to get people to follow it again. I know a lot of people say it is an old document, but that fact is that times and seasons change, but human nature, and the root of crime, doesn’t. The same crimes that have plagued humanity forever are still with us today. (at this point I get strong body language agreement), and this here document is the best yet devised to keep the really dangerous criminals at bay, wannabe tyrants”

Speaking of tyrants…I often hear people complaining of “sheeple” and want to touch a bit on that.

The great mass of humanity just wants to be left alone. These are the salt of the earth, and god bless em. Think of them as the weight of a pendulum being acted upon by opposing forces. Tyrants on the one hand, liberty activists on the other. It is an age old battle. I have no idea (and frankly don’t care) why the world was set up with light and dark, good and evil, etc. It is just a fact of life. As are the good people, who just want to be left alone.

As things get more turbulent, more and more of these salty types get shaken loose from the mass. Most of them will side with the liberty folk. Tyranny is only attractive to the truly warped and mentally ill. That is why it is so important to be out there planting seeds. As these types reach the edge of the mass and are about to shake loose, they need to know there is a net for them to latch onto, otherwise they will cling to that pendulum against all hope…

I hope that makes sense, much seems clear while engaged in the zen of bicycle wheel r3VOLutions, but not so easy to put in words, all knackered on a motel bed.

Other events of yesterday included a local reporter coming out to see what I was about, no article yet, but went very well. I stopped at the Greene County Sheriff. It was in one of them new “Justice Centers” and not as friendly as the small town sheriff offices. The retiree guard was nice enough. The two guys behind him seemed a bit of the smirkish types (yuck), the receptionist in the actaul office was sweet, and after finding out everyone was in a meeting took the books for me. One weirrd thing was a younger lady who hung inj the doorway, just out of sight as I gave my pitch. I knew she was there from shadows, etc… As I left, I was sure to lean a bit and catch her eye.
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The final good news for the day was a supporter, Renea came from another county and picked up a pack for here sheriff, and gave a cool roadside interview I hope to get up with better i-net.

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The only drama of the day was pulling into town where I had problems with my rear tire. Fixed it once as darkness fell, but something hadn’t seated right… The rains were approach and darkness growing, I finally had to ride on the flat for a bit to get to the motel and off the road. I think it is fixed now… will know for sure in a few…

pedal pedal
 
[h2]Columbus OH[/h2]
They also, gave me great OH specific lit to seed he route with… No pics as I got rid of the last before I left.

The rides were good, am wondering who stole the dome from the top of the capitol though, lulz

States strong enough to avoid "DC dome envy:"

Alaska, Delaware, Hawaii, Louisiana, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Tennessee, Virginia
 
States strong enough to avoid "DC dome envy:"

Pissed me off when Oklahoma 'succumbed' not too long ago. We had done without for nearly a century; wtf?

Did I mention The Ozarks have been a bit humid…?

My mom says back before I was born, when they were damming up every river they could find once each, it was dry. Now we've spent untold money damming them all up a second (and occasionally a third) time and have more shoreline than any other state in the lower 48--even more than the ones that border oceans or the Gulf.

No charge for the sauna.
 
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I'm honored to be in your latest update Mike! Keep up the good work, and may the road be kind to you. Godspeed
 
States strong enough to avoid "DC dome envy:"

Alaska, Delaware, Hawaii, Louisiana, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Tennessee, Virginia

The strange thing about OH is that the structure is all built for a dome, it highlights the absence...

...
No charge for the sauna.

mahalo - :rolleyes: - :D

I'm honored to be in your latest update Mike! Keep up the good work, and may the road be kind to you. Godspeed

Was great meeting and glad to see you around in here.

Pretty gnarly day. Storms lasted till 10:30 or so, windy all afternoon, muggy all evening, not much shade... glad to reach this oasis, (many of you have provided), and a bracing cold shower:) ... thanks :cool:
 
60 flattens out from there. That's the good news. The bad news is 66 runs steady grades, though not terribly steep, from there in. You're not really out of the Ozarks yet, though you're down to just the foothills now.

Don't remember if it's uphill or downhill into Chelsea. If it's downhill get some radar-absorbing stealth paint--it's that notorious a speed trap.

Looks like I'll be seeing you tomorrow. Looking forward to it--it has been too long!

And I ain’t even...

mamakar, I humbly apologize for any adverse or deleterious effects we may be having on your son's normally immaculate powers of erudition.

Aloha, y'all.
 
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60 flattens out from there. That's the good news. The bad news is 66 runs steady grades, though not terribly steep, from there in. You're not really out of the Ozarks yet, though you're down to just the foothills now.

Don't remember if it's uphill or downhill into Chelsea. If it's downhill get some radar-absorbing stealth paint--it's that notorious a speed trap.

Looks like I'll be seeing you tomorrow. Looking forward to it--it has been too long!



mamakar, I humbly apologize for any adverse or deleterious effects we may be having on your son's normally immaculate powers of erudition.

Aloha, y'all.

I'll watch my speed... :D

Looking forward to it as well, call me sometime today if you get a chance. If I don't answer, just hang up and I'll check the missed calls...

[h2]Welcome to Oklahoma[/h2]
June 17th, 2009 Goto comments Leave a comment Edit



First, I want to apologize for the lack of video/pics. On really tough days my mind starts shutting out most everything but what is necessary to get there.
And yesterday was tough. Thunderstorms in the AM, followed by gusting winds, sweltering humidity, and relentless sun. Shady spots were few and far between, and I am on a schedule…


The good thing about traveling by bicycle is that one gets to acclimatize gradually, transitioning from one zone to the next.


And the transition from Show Me, MO to Sooner OK was GREAT!!! I was actually met at the border by some great old friends and fellow activists, Sandra Crosnoe and Kaye Beach, and they brought my new friend and congressional candidate RJ Harris who has joined the ranks of LibertyRiders as #5


I really like RJ. My first impression is that the people of OK would be well served by having this man represent him. He reminisced on his childhood, growing up in these parts and pedaling around during the “Wonder Years”, I could tell this was a man with passion for his home, and that is always a good thing for a represenative to have. He said some things pertaining to his native heritage that made me think the Hawaiians would like this guy. And he said them with the kind of humble grace that would make the Hawaiians love him. It is an honor to ride with such folk and I hope we all do everything we can to get some Liberty Candidates elected this season. RJ’s Money Bomb is June 19th. Please help spread the message…


I purposely have some lower mileage days built in here, so I can better visit with the outstanding activists of OK. Got 5 sets of books out lastnight for local delivery. The Brenner Family came down to visit and took three, (am real sorry not to have gotten pics). They are already mapping the state and raising funds to distribute to all counties that I will not have the pleasure of visiting.


Liberty Grassroots Rock!!!


53 miles today, Afton to Claremore on Rt 66. Wind is up, but so are spirits…
pedal pedal…
 
erudition, caused me to check the dictionary :)....Its people like you that keep him going. As he likes to say "Grassroots rock.
 
I love that you're doing this, and more than that I love that you're so dedicated along the way. Some would "settle" for just riding straight along and hoping people see the signage. Not you. You stop, you engage, you educate.

Thank you so much :)
 
Pedaling across country on a schedule...



hahahhahhahha...


I always feel bad if I ain't "blogging enough..." Time is a precious thing...
Lets see what I can get off. Liberty Rider #6 Anthony Platt is pedaling up from Tulsa, will be here in a few minutes. Together we will be pedaling to the Rogers County Sheriff, wher they have a rranged a reporter to meet us. Just like that...


Met Sheriff Jimmie Sooter of Craig County yesterday. Great guy, he lit up a bit when I presented Ron Paul's book, kinda like a kid at Christmas... The body language, and all, told me he understood exactly why we are doing this, and that it is the right thing to do. He appreciated the visit... In Hawaii we call any elders who deserve respect, "Uncle"... Sheriff Sooter earned that from me with a quick comment about my route to Claremore and the winds I would face. Respectful concern... Mahalo, Sheriff.


Ride was windy, just something pushing back, I just have to push forward with more determination...


Have to run, LR-6 just arrived... will try more later...


Thanks to Brian Mayberry for coming out and meeting up last night


GO GRASSROOTS!!!
 
Ride was windy, just something pushing back, I just have to push forward with more determination...

He's Iron Man. No mere mortal can keep up. Bruce Armstrong is a wannabe.

And MsD and LE--I have a special piece of news for you. Michael likes Okra.
 
He's Iron Man. No mere mortal can keep up. Bruce Armstrong is a wannabe.

And MsD and LE--I have a special piece of news for you. Michael likes Okra.

Huckabee had Chuck Norris who can act like a tough guy, take on the world, crush anything by his look.

We have Micheal who CAN be a tough guy, take on the world, and crush anything with a look
 
Hope to see you. If you come, bring the cam... (and sunscreen :D)



Yes on the local issue lit, the smaller and lighter the better. Get together with Sandie&Co and see what they are planning, it may be on the lit they've created already. Really looking forward to getting to your fine state (and it's flatlands ;) )

I'm 55 miles out of Jeff City... Hope the rain holds off... Here is a fresh vid... Please help spread it, would love to get money off my mind... (with much thanks and appreciation to those of you who have already joined the ride...)

YouTube - Ride For Honesty - Decatur, Illinois stop

Great job in Decatur, Illinois. :)
 
[h2]Oklahoma is Keeping Me Busy[/h2]
June 20th, 2009 Goto comments Leave a comment Edit

The Sooner State seems to be living up to it’s name in regards to the r3VOLution. Not only are the activists enthusiastically busy, but the general people I am meeting, and the sheriffs, all are reacting very positively to the message I am spreading. It really is a cool state. The residents all seem to have a connection with their home that, again, reminds me of Hawaii.

I left off with LR-6 (aka acptulsa) pedaling up from Tulsa to accompany me into town.
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Unfortunately for him, the ride out was mostly downhill and downwind, meaning the ride back was… (not easy - haha) By the end of the day we were taking a few breaks…
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We made it in time for the BBQ, but was a bit longer of a day that Anthony figured - haha

On the way we had some productive stops. First was the Sheriff Office of Rogers County.
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Neither was the actual sheriff,. both were decent guys. The officer on the left was the Captain, he took a bit to warm up, but the other officer caught right on, and was very agreeable. The more I talk to these fellow Americans, the more I am convinced that the Law Enforcement outreach aspect of this journey is a very good thing to be doing. We are earning respect for standing up for ourselves, and our beliefs. I am stoked to hear of the ride encouraging the expansion this outreach effort. You don’t have to ride a bike, but you can get a set of materials and go say hi to your sheriff…

Another thing that OK is capitalizing on is the “news” aspect of this trip. I’ve had two local news interviews in two days. Here is Jessica from the Claremore Daily Progress
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This is another area we could do better in, cultivating relationships with local media, and becoming local media. The 4th Estate is a very real force in American Politics, while all the people running for various political positions is great, we could also use liberty people entering the news field as well.

Here is another mention from an “in the wild” interview (no-one had contacvted this paper)
http://www.buffaloreflex.com/articles/2009/06/18/news/doc4a382082d409f602292745.txt[url]http://www.buffaloreflex.com/articles/2009/06/18/news/doc4a382082d409f602292745.txt[/URL]

And so it starts… News coverage should build as I get further along…

Before we left Claremore, we stopped at a massive gun Museum, http://www.thegunmuseum.com[url]http://www.thegunmuseum.com[/URL] Any gun enthusiasts who are passing in this area should not miss the place…
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and then we pedaled on
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talked to a few folk…
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saw a blue whale
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Oh, did I mention it was windy
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Anyway, we made it to Tulsa, where we had a great Meet-Up BBQ and I got to talk to lots of liberty folk. One thing they seem to have here is a strong “team player” attitude. Humble strength of conviction in the righteousness of our cause and the need to do whatever to advance the cause…

The next day was a sorta easy ride, had a glitch to deal with in the AM, but Jay Blevin came through and solved that dilemna.

We pedaled to the Sheriff Office where we had a long conversation with two deputies, and though I’ll respect the off the record nature of some of the comments, I’ll say these two boys are definitely on our side… After talking to potential Mayoral Candidate Clay Clark we mounted up and pedal into the bright OK sun.

Anthony got me safely back on to RT 66 and turned back to home… Was a great time and I’m stoked to have have a long time LibertyForest member join the ranks of LibertyRiders. And he pedaled quite far, close to 50 miles… (only my brother beats that, - though BJ Lawson comes close…)

Next stop was Creek County Sheriff, again it was quite busy and I took no pics myself, but we had supporters, reporters, officers and gubernatorial candidate Senator Randy Brogdon even came down. Quite the honor, and quite a guy. Definitely a political animal, and definitely relishes sticking it to the status quo. Listening to him interact with the people going past us into the sheriff office was great. I really like the man and hope the best for his race.

The Chief finally came out to see what all the commotion on his front step was about, and I did the presentation right there, in front of all, including a reporter, Brian, from a Salpulpa paper (The Herald?) Again, the Sheriffs I am meeting are very agreeable. This one was more personable right off the bat, lots of locals around helped in that regard. He brought up references to the tragedy of gun control failures as soon as I started touching on the “historical warnings” aspect of the pitch. All in all a great busy stop

I look forward to seeing the articles and pics people were taking… I have somevideo and will try to get it off for processing before I get on the road…
The rest of the day was hot and windy, good practice for what I will be facing for the next few weeks…

I made it here to Bristow, got an alright room, took a shower, and was picked up by Pastor Tim Gillespie of Drumwright OK, who brought me up to their place for a homecooked dinner and fantastic pie :). His wife, Jennifer, and he are quite the couple. Happy first year Anniversary is coming up - still newlyweds - great to see.

He was a former county GOP chair, now treasurer… very active; on the election board (where we should have more people as well). He has an interesting pespective…

Well, always more I could write and more I need to do, so will close this with something that happened on the road.

I make quite a sight pedaling down the road and usually always draw peoples
eye. Yesterday as I was pedaling along a quad (fourwheeler ATV) came out of a trail and turned along a path on the other side of the ditch just off the shoulder, and came towards me. On it was a father and his young son, the classic, “taking the boy for a ride” image that most all of us cherish somewhere deep in our memory. I got a huge smile and watched as we approached each other… the thing was, the son was looking at me with the huge eyes of innocence, little mouth agape in wonder at the colorful contraption rolling by, the sparkle of fresh eyes as he responded to my returning smile.And the father never saw me at all.

He was deep in concentration, holding a precious treasure in his lap while navigating the bumps of the simple trail. Chugging along, as slow as you go, his eyes never wavered from the trail in front of him…

Ain’t that America?

As I pedaled away, a couple tears of simple joy cooled my cheek, as I said my little prayer of thanks for such moments, seeing quite clearly why I ride.

So that father doesn’t have to…

pedal pedal
 
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