To start, I just want to give a huge shoutout to everyone who has helped me with Collision to Coast so far! I could not have done this without all of the support I’ve been given- emotionally, financially, and logistically. My team and I are so grateful to know that you have our backs. People we don’t yet know personally are helping us to make this happen and that is a great feeling!
With that being said, we are just under two weeks away and I still feel like there is so much to do (probably because there is)! Mostly just packing, making some phone calls, and writing out some cue sheets. Nothing that needs to be worried about (Dad!). I’m just getting excited to make my way to Idaho on Friday and get this thing started! It’s finally sinking in that I actually get to finish my ride this summer.
As you all probably know by now, the collision occurred on our way in to Idaho Falls, ID. We had about 10 miles left in that day. The plan is to bike those final 10 miles to begin Collision to Coast. We will be biking that stretch on Saturday, June 16th at 10 am. Davin, at the local bike shop Idaho Mountain Trading, has been so helpful in planning and coordinating this event. Brian, who donated the bike at Anne’s Memorial, has also been instrumental in the planning of this ride (Read- They’ve been doing all the work for me). In all seriousness though, I am forever indebted to the people of Idaho Falls for putting so much time and effort into making this ride go smoothly. I want to invite the community to ride with us as we begin our trek to the coast. I hope that this ride will bring more awareness to the rights of cyclists on public roads and humanize us so that when people see a bike, they see the person behind it. I want to live in a world where people expect to see bikes on the road and respect the people riding them. Let’s work on that together!
If you’re interested in riding with us or know someone who is, please RSVP on the Facebook event so that we know how many people to expect. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone and putting names to faces!
https://www.facebook.com/events/1235228609946883/?ti=cl
-Laura
Just Keep Spinning 
Laura. . . this is Karen from Arco- – Baptist Community Church. We would have been your next stop after leaving Idaho Falls. Do you have plans to come through Arco? If so, we are happy to welcome you and support you in your journey. Please let us know . . . .
pyrokare@gmail.com
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Hi Karen!
I think you had messaged me months back, but I could not find the message again! I apologize if that was you, and I’m so glad you reached out again!
We are not biking through Arco. We are choosing to bike more North following the Lewis and Clark trail, since it looks to be a little safer. Thank you so much for the support!
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Laura, you have taught me so much. Not only to trust God no matter what His plan is that may be different than what I might have chosen, but so much about having a friend that now uses a wheelchair.
I found your post “ don’t tell your kids not to stare” very informative. I am ashamed to admit, I never thought much about the extended lines painted next to handicap parking spaces.. now I notice them all the time. And I had to be educated that a person in a wheelchair doesn’t want you to automatically start pushing her chair “ to be helpful”. This happens to be the biggest eye opener to me. I always thought it would be rude to not help push and make your friend exert their arm strength with you casually walking next to them.
Thank you for being so open to make your new normal so normal for those of us friends and family who love you. I will be praying and looking forward to updates in your blog during your ride.
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Hey Linda!
Thank you for all of your support and positive feedback! I accidentally published that post instead of the one about the trip. I wrote it a month or two ago and haven’t even reviewed it. I was still planning on saving it to potentially post, but panicked and deleted when I saw that I actually posted it! Haha!
I will be the first to admit that I had NEVER thought about those little details prior to using a wheelchair (and they are HUGE details for us now). I have parked in handicapped spots because I was just running in, but now I look back and feel terrible that I’ve done that! I wish I had known someone earlier so that I would be aware of there things. Most people aren’t malicious, just unaware!
Thanks for the constant prayers and support!
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Laura, I can’t express how proud I am of you. You are such a beautiful woman with a strong will and compassion that fills your heart and soul. I understand, being a parent myself, how worried your dad is. (that is his job) I also know that you will surrounded with a lot of friends and love. I will be praying for your safe return. ❤❤🙏🙏
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Thank you, Mrs. Wojciechowski! I truly appreciate all the love and prayers!
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