Whenever you want to feel inspired to pursue your inner sense of adventure, find a friend like my best buddy, George. Just being around his infectious enthusiasm and tackle-any-challenge attitude makes you want to take on the world. Or at least an 80+ mile bike ride from the St. Louis area to our hometown of Mt. Vernon, Illinois, where we grew up together. Throw on a comfortable pair of cycling shorts, pack a few Power Gels, grab your bike and join us as we hit the open road in search of adventure, trouble, and a few good stories. Wild Hogs!
As we pull out onto Route 15, the sun is just beginning to peek over the horizon and we pedal toward the outskirts of Belleville. Stay on the shoulder and steer clear of the early morning traffic - to this point all the cars and trucks have been very respectful and give us plenty of room. After about an hour or so of pedaling, we cruise through the first small town on the route, Freeburg. We stop at a McDonald's for a natural break where the locals, who are swapping gossip over their early morning coffee, seem amused by my appearance. As I check my look in the bathroom mirror, I suddenly understand why, as I wipe the clomps of sweaty residue from my face and turn off the big red flashing light that's attached to the back of my jacket.
We pull out of Freeburg and as we enter the open two-lane road that takes us closer to our destination, we comment on how you notice the natural beauty of the surrounding farms and landscape a lot more at 15 miles an hour than at 70. Sometimes it's nice just to slow down and take in the scenery. Thus far, the ride not only is a good workout for the body, it rejuvenates the senses and soul, as well.
The sleepy town of Fayetteville is next. It's amazing to cross through these small communities seemingly in the middle of nowhere.
There's a certain charm and relaxed atmosphere that you don't find in the city.
We pedal over an old bridge crossing the Kaskaskia River. The sun is higher in the morning sky and temperatures are unseasonably warm and comfortable. You'll hear the wind on this video, but it's at our backs pushing us onward.
George rolls on the open road about 50 miles outside of Mt. Vernon. Although we keep a consistent speed of 13 to 15 miles an hour, the mood is relaxed and we have the opportunity to swap stories and trade "hey-look-over-there" moments.
We pedal into the rising sun and still closer to our destination.
George rides past an old church in St. Libory. We're nearing the halfway point.
We take a self portrait while riding down the highway.
Just outside of Nashville (IL), George suddenly shouts, "Hey, are those camels over there?" Before I can roll my eyes and attribute George's comments to our exhaustion, I see what he's talking about! Welcome to the Rainbow Ranch, home to camels, zebras and other animals you don't see every day in these parts.
George chats with Alan Blumhorst, zookeeper of the Rainbow Ranch. For more details on this truly unique place, visit www.rainbowranch.com.
We arrive in Nashville with about 27 more miles to go to Mt. Vernon.
Since it's almost lunch time, we enjoy an exquisite meal consisting of muffins, Gatorade and Power Gels at the local mini-mart.
In Ashley, our last stop before Mt. Vernon, George checks in with the outside world.
After just over five hours of riding, we reach the outskirts of Mt. Vernon!
George celebrates,
while I add a bike lift to toast the day.
George and I surprise my mom with a visit.
Then we stop by to see George's parents. George and his dad are pictured here.
Finally, we pedal out to see our friend Curtis (a.k.a. "Peanut") who was one of our trio of buddies while growing up. The trip takes us to Summersville - just east of Mt. Vernon - and helps us to tally just over 80 miles and 6+ hours on the day's ride. While we had the occasional crazy flip us off or drive a little too close to us, overall we were surrounded by well-wishes and smiling faces throughout our journey. The 1st annual Pedal For The Porkchop was a definite success.
Who says you can't go home again? The day was one of laughs, sweat, reflection, and - most of all - friendship. If life is a journey, this is one leg of it that I will never forget. Of course, just as we finish, George looks at me flashing a devious smile and simply says, "What's next?!"
Talk to you soon. Until then, pick up the pace and run your own race.
- Jeff
Is it the skyline, the larger-than-life atmosphere, or just an undefined energy? No matter how you describe it, it's hard not to be in a New York State Of Mind, with eye-enticing scenery and adventures waiting around every turn. Let's explore the southern tip of Manhattan. Climb aboard the Staten Island Ferry just east of Battery Park and let's head out into Hudson Bay for a closer look at the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
Like America itself, the city of New York and the people within it don't seem to dwell with a defeated heart. Even at the Ground Zero site, there is a spirit of remembrance, yet energetic optimism as construction workers work feverishly to prepare the site for the new Freedom Tower to be completed in 2012. It will be the tallest building in city and is designed to pay tribute to the past. More importantly, like New York City, it will rise from the ashes toward its destiny of becoming a towering symbol of hope, perseverance, and freedom to the world. 
Big adventures in the Big Apple. When we ventured to the Capital of the World, we went in search of a great vacation and get-away. We left with that and much more - and we're still in a New York state of mind. Murph, pictured above shooting the Empire State Building from a rooftop, gave the perfect description of Manhattan as a "movie set that's too big and endless to be real." With its fast-pace, diversity, and relentless energy and spirit, you quickly discover that you just don't get into New York, New York gets into you.
Our home base for our five-day stay was in Midtown on 7th Avenue at 53rd, just south of Central Park and just north of Times Square, a surprisingly clean, vibrant and glitzy center of the city. All the energy of New York and the surrounding area seems to converge in this triangular area where Broadway meets 7th Avenue and legendary 42nd Street.
Larger-than-life images surround you at every turn.
The day was windy and brisk - perfect for lacing up the skates.
Jackie and I cozy up for a photo opportunity. (It's great having a pro-caliber photographer in the family!)
Head with a couple blocks west of "The Rock" and you enter one of the most infamous shopping districts in the world - 5th Avenue. You'll find renowned boutiques and stores, plus . . . 
the towering steeples of St. Patrick's Cathedral.
Light a candle, have a seat in a pew and show a little reverence.
Like Aubrey and Jackie, every girl dreams of breakfast - or least a closer look – at Tiffany's.
Jackie and I pose in Central Park with the Plaza Hotel as a backdrop. We are now in the edge of the Upper East Side.
The city skyline forms a poetic border around the park.
Murph turns his Nikon around for a group portrait in the park.
Bethesda Fountain, featuring "The Angel Of The Waters", is one of the crowning jewels of Central Park.
After five days of adventures in The City, the Roberts family has plenty of great blogging material to share. Murph shot over a thousand incredible photos (including the one above), Jackie served as an expert tour guide and navigator, and Aubs did her part by acting as the perfect travel companion. I even took along a box camera (a.k.a., Roberts On The Run Cam™) with me through all five boroughs during the marathon. Watch for the first NYC segment, including photos and video clips, coming Friday, only on Roberts On The Run™!
As we dressed Aubs in her duck costume for her first Halloween, she was a bit hesitant to embrace the evening. But as the night went on, she began to absolutely love the attention she received behind every door that we knocked on, and greatly enjoyed watching all the other children dressed in their Halloween finest.
The bewitching hour is not only upon us - it's here! Tonight, our baby daughter Aubrey will take to the streets for her first Halloween dressed as a duck - her favorite animal. To get into the spirit of the day, she decided to wear appropriate colors to school! So just how did all of these festivities originate? Here's a quick look, courtesy of kidzworld.com.
The one-week haitus from the blog was partially because I don't write this blog professionally (work and life have been crazy in a good way, but no excuses), but mainly because I just loved that last post. What great fun and what a great day it was. But now time to pick up the pace and get all caught up.
Whenever you want to feel inspired to pursue your inner sense of adventure, find a friend like my best buddy, George. Just being around his infectious enthusiasm and tackle-any-challenge attitude makes you want to take on the world. Or at least an 80+ mile bike ride from the St. Louis area to our hometown of Mt. Vernon, Illinois, where we grew up together. Throw on a comfortable pair of cycling shorts, pack a few Power Gels, grab your bike and join us as we hit the open road in search of adventure, trouble, and a few good stories. Wild Hogs!
The sleepy town of Fayetteville is next. It's amazing to cross through these small communities seemingly in the middle of nowhere. 
George rolls on the open road about 50 miles outside of Mt. Vernon. Although we keep a consistent speed of 13 to 15 miles an hour, the mood is relaxed and we have the opportunity to swap stories and trade "hey-look-over-there" moments.
