Baltimore, Maryland to Alexandria, Virginia

Today was a perfect day for riding. Mikael rode from Baltimore, through Washington, D.C. and then stopped for the day South of the capitol in Alexandria.

Mikael with the White House in the background

The Washington Monument and the Capitol Building

A closer view of the White House

The United State's Capitol Building

Daily Travel Stats:
Travel Time: 3 Hours 5 Minutes 26 Seconds
Travel Distance: 46.0 Miles
Average Speed: 14.8

To leave a comment for Mikael and the 800 Meters crew, just click below on "Comments." We look forward to hearing from you.

Injury report...

Mikael and the 800 Meters crew was planning on taking it easy today. His leg is starting to feel a little better. Mikael's foot is still numb and bottom is still sore but he is feeling a little stronger. He can definitely feel the toll of all the miles.

Thought for the day...

Today it was very emotional riding into Washington D.C. I know that there is something special that I am supposed to do and I know that if I am going to do it, I am going to have to work through Washington D.C. I had an overwhelming feeling riding through downtown that I was doing the right thing.

Claymont, Delaware to Baltimore, Maryland

Welcome to Maryland!

Maryland is just about ready to welcome Fall

Mikael, bravely riding into Baltimore. Where are the bike lanes?!

Mikael's bike needed a some help and love, so they stopped at the Catonsville Bike Shop. Thanks, guys, for the help with my bike! Striking a very cool pose: Harris, Easton and Dubs.

Daily Travel Stats:
Travel Time: 4 Hours 31 Minutes 16 Seconds
Travel Distance: 75.71 Miles
Average Speed: 16.7 mph

To leave a comment for Mikael and the 800 Meters crew, just click below on "Comments." We look forward to hearing from you.

Injury report...

The bad leg was feeling a little bit better today. Mikael was hoping to ride farther but after they stopped for a bike tune up, Mikael's leg tightened up and he decided to call it a day. To make matters worse, his bottom is starting to get really sore because he is unable to stand up and pedal in trying to compensate for his leg.

Thought for the day...

I know that there is a purpose for me to be out here doing this or I would have stopped a long time ago. I know that I can make a difference in the world. If everybody does all they are capable of doing, we can make a huge difference. I am putting it all on the line. I know that it is worth it.

Perth Amboy, New Jersey to Claymont, Delaware

Today there was 85% humidity as the crew left Perth Amboy and the high temperature for the day was 85 degrees. A rough day for riding! Today's route took Mikael through Princeton and Trenton and eventually ended up in Delaware.

Starting the day in Perth Amboy, New Jersey

A stop in Trenton, New Jersey at the capitol building

The Philadelphia skyline

Mikael makes a stop at Independence Hall, in Philadelphia

Daily Travel Stats:
Travel Time: 6 Hours 34 Minutes 45 Seconds
Travel Distance: 92.44 Miles
Average Speed: 14.0 mph

To leave a comment for Mikael and the 800 Meters crew, just click below on "Comments." We look forward to hearing from you.

Injury report...

Mikael's leg continues to hurt but not bad enough to keep him from riding. It almost seems to feel better when he is riding than when he's done for the day and tries to walk around.

Thought for the day...

Today was the toughest day for me: physically, mentally and emotionally. I rode into Philadelphia on Frankford Boulevard. I always pick the quickest and easiest roads into the city. I never worry about what part of town. What I saw today was something that I never even thought existed. I was better off in jail and in prison than the conditions that some of these people were living in. I had only heard about this but never seen it first hand. I rode with tears in my eyes for about 20 miles. I know that we can do a better job educating our children. Nobody should have to live in those kind of conditions.

Bear Mountain State Park to Perth Amboy, New Jersey

Mikael started the day, finally leaving Bear Mt. State Park for the last time. He then rode into New Jersey, taking the George Washington Bridge into Manhattan, New York. He was able to ride down to the waterfront and past the Twin Towers site. The crew then took a ferry to Staten Island. He crossed Staten Island, ending up at the Outer Bridge Crossing. Since Mikael couldn't ride his bicycle over the bridge, he jumped into the trailer to make it over the bridge.

First entry into New Jersey

Ready to cross the George Washington Bridge and head in to New York City

On the pier, with the Empire State Building in the background

Still on the Manhattan Pier, this time with the Statue of Liberty in the distance

Hooray, hooray! Mikaila Luman is ONE today! Truly, the cutest baby in the world.
Happy Birthday!

Daily Travel Stats:
Travel Time: 4 Hours 48 Minutes 27 Seconds
Travel Distance: 68.44 Miles
Average Speed: 14.2 mph

To leave a comment for Mikael and the 800 Meters crew, just click below on "Comments." We look forward to hearing from you.

Injury report...

Even though his leg continued to hurt and foot was still numb Mikael could no longer sit idle. Even though it hurt to ride, he is glad to be making forward progress. However, he wasn't as glad once he stopped and his leg tightened up again. He'll just need to stay on the bicycle and keep on pedaling.

Thought of the day

Sometimes you have to fight through the pain to make it to your goal. My goal was to make it through Manhattan and back into New Jersey. I made it. The pain doesn't care what the goal is - but every pedal stroke gets me closer to my goal. Another day in the books!

A week at Bear Mountain State Park

The 800 Meters crew is spending the next week or so on a break. Not to enjoy the sights or rest - but because getting back on the bicycle could further pinch a nerve that is already causing a lot of problems. But fortunately the crew is able to enjoy where they are - even meeting up with friends for dinner!

The Manhatten skyline as seen from the George Washington bridge.

A bridge in the area around Bear Mountain State Park

Such a gorgeous lake at Bear Mountain State Park

The seasons really are beginning to change here at Bear Mountain State Park.

If you don't want to post a comment here on the blog but would like to contact Mikael you can send an e-mail at mdluman@800meters.com. Many thanks to everyone for your support!

To leave a comment for Mikael and the 800 Meters crew, just click below on "Comments." We look forward to hearing from you.

Injury report...

Mikael was unable to get on the bike this morning. He couldn't bend his left leg and was having muscle spasms from glute to foot. His foot was numb. Mikael went to the doctor and over the next six days had twenty Cortisone shots all up and down his leg, again from glute to ankle. It's been determined that Mikael had a pinched nerve under his glute in the piriformis muscle which was causing the whole leg to spasm. Not fun. The doctor placed me on the disabled list.

Thought for the week...

As you read all of this, I know you're probably thinking, "Not again!" Me, too. Nobody said this trip was going to be easy. For the first twenty-five years of my life I did whatever I wanted and life was easy for me. I know that the next twenty-five years of my life are going to be much harder. This trip has been a one hundred times harder than I ever could have imagined and I am glad for that. It makes the goal that much sweeter. Some people say that this is a great adventure. I have never thought of this trip as an adventure. This trip is a mission and just the beginning toward the ultimate goal. Even facing all of these challenges, I will never give up.

Danbury Connecticut to Bear Lake State Park, New York

It was another chilly but beautiful morning to be riding. The 800 Meters crew began the day in Danbury, Connecticut and then re-entered New York on Highway 6. Mikael crossed over the Hudson River about 40 miles upstream of New York City.

Today at noon Mikael did a telephone interview on a nationally broadcast show, Recovery Coast to Coast. You can listen to the hour long interview visiting their website, and click on the "past shows "link. The interview aired on September 25. It will only be on the site Tuesday, October 9, 2007, so go visit today! It was a really good interview.

Ready to roll out of Danbury - with a very sore knee.

Hudson River Valley - gorgeous.

Mikael crossing the Hudson River using Highway 6.

The end of the day - just outside of Bear Lake State Park. Yes, that is a look of pain...

Daily Travel Stats:
Travel Time: 2 Hours 28 Minutes 17 Seconds
Travel Distance: 40.47 Miles
Average Speed: 16.3 mph

To leave a comment for Mikael and the 800 Meters crew, just click below on "Comments." We look forward to hearing from you.

Injury report...

When Mikael woke up this morning, he could hardly bend his leg. Despite the pain, he got on the bicycle and once he started riding it felt a little better. However, after he stopped to do the interview his leg was feeling even worse. It looks like Mikael will be making another trip to the doctor.

Thought for the day...

In the past I would get discouraged by an injury or not riding as far as I would have liked in a day. Today I know that all I can do is my best and that my best will be good enough. I just need to be patient. I will finish this journey. It just might take me longer than expected.

Bolton to Danbury, Connecticut

Today was another great day for riding - good weather and open road! After leaving Bolton, Mikael rode to the Connecticut state capitol building in Hartford.

Mikael at the state capitol in Hartford

Another great picture of the beautiful capitol building

The long rolling hills of Connecticut

Daily Travel Stats:
Travel Time: 4 Hours 24 Minutes 39 Seconds
Travel Distance: 73.22 Miles
Average Speed: 16.6 mph

To leave a comment for Mikael and the 800 Meters crew, just click below on "Comments." We look forward to hearing from you.

Injury report...

There have been a lot of questions about Mikael's health - now that he's been on the road for two months. Mikael says, "My knee is doing much better. I think I 'rode out' the pain somewhere in the Midwest. Yesterday, toward the end of the day, I started to get a cramp deep in my glute. I have had muscle cramps a couple times on the trip due to low electrolytes. Once I was able to raise my electrolyte intake and they went away. Today it just seemed to continue to get worse and by the end of the day the cramp in my glute became stabbing pains in my hamstring and my calf. Also, I began to notice my foot tingling. With the late start, poorly marked roads and the cramping issue I was only able to get 73 miles in."

Thought for the day

As my leg began to cramp today and it became more and more difficult to ride. I started to ask myself the question, "why me?" Many times in the past I have asked myself the same question but today I came up with a different answer. In the past I wanted things to be as easy for me as possible but wanted them to appear difficult. Today I am glad that there are struggles and difficulties along the way. It makes the experience that much more meaningful. Plus I think you appreciate it more and it makes you stronger.

Roslindale, Massachusetts to Bolton, Connecticut

It turned out to be a perfect day for riding: 70 degrees with some long rolling hills. Also, it isn't every day you can ride through an entire state in just a few hours! Mikael says that today was a day that he could have cycled all day, but he only had time for 100 miles. He had a speaking engagement outside of Boston in Stoughton which meant they drove back!

A beautiful morning in Roslindale - a bright and beautiful day ahead!

Mikael makes a stop at the Rhode Island state capitol building in Providence. Even better was visiting with a lovely couple outside the capitol building. Thanks for your support!

Gillette Stadium , home of the New England Patriots. Today it is calm, yesterday it was a zoo!

Welcome to Connecticut!

Daily Travel Stats:
Travel Time: 5 Hours 31 Minutes 01 Seconds
Travel Distance: 100.59 Miles
Average Speed: 18.2 mph

To leave a comment for Mikael and the 800 Meters crew, just click below on "Comments." We look forward to hearing from you.

Thought for the day...

I had the opportunity to speak with a group of parents this evening. It is great to know that my experiences can bring hope and peace to others who are dealing with situations that I have been in. It would be selfish of me not to share my experiences. I believe that things happened to me for a reason and that my experiences can help change the future. Together, we can try and make the world a better place.

Marlborough to Roslindale, Massachusetts

Mikael take a pause along the Charles River, with Boston in the distance. The goal for today was to get through Boston so that they could avoid Monday morning traffic.

Another view of Boston from the edge of the Charles River

Mikael sent this message: "My beautiful and very supportive wife Amanda and the cutest baby ever, Mikaila. This was one of the nicest campgrounds I have ever seen. It was just south of the New England Patriots football stadium. The Patriots had a home game on Sunday and the place was packed. Today was the first time I have ever seen a grill duct taped to the back of a pick-up. Talk about tailgating!"

Pictured with Mikael is one of his best friends growing up, Jason Dahlstrom.
He drove 4 hours from New Hampshire to see the 800 Meters crew.
"Jason your thoughts and conversation were inspiring. I always looked up to you growing up. Nothing has changed. You are still the best!"

Daily Travel Stats:
Travel Time: 2 Hours 37 Minutes 56 Seconds
Travel Distance: 35.94 Miles
Average Speed: 13.6 mph

To leave a comment for Mikael and the 800 Meters crew, just click below on "Comments." We look forward to hearing from you.

Thought for the day...

It is a great feeling to know that friendships can last forever. It is an even greater feeling to know that you have the support of those friends. Jason, thank you for the great time and conversation. Your thoughts are inspiring.

Dalton to Marlborough, Massachusetts

Today was the first day that the warm rain jacket got road use. The temperature was below 50 degrees this morning.

A lovely Massachusetts road

Mikael found that riding in the rain was not great - but once he got pedaling it wasn't that bad.

Mikaila learned to read today - with her FEET!

Daily Travel Stats:
Travel Time: 6 Hours 29 Minutes 11 Seconds
Travel Distance: 110.54 Miles
Average Speed: 17.0 mph

To leave a comment for Mikael and the 800 Meters crew, just click below on "Comments." We look forward to hearing from you.

Thought for the day...

Life, and riding, seem to be easier when you have a specific goal to work toward. Today my goal was to get close enough to Boston that I could ride in and out tomorrow. I made it! Making small, specific goals helps achievement a much easier process.

Fultonville, New York to Dalton, Massachusetts

Ready to ride out of Fultonville - first thing in the morning.

It was amazing to see a real life version of the 800 Meters book cover

More of beautiful upstate New York.

Making a stop at the New York state capitol building in Albany.

Welcome to Massachusetts! Today was such a slow-going day - it is nice to reach the end of today's journey.

Daily Travel Stats:
Travel Time: 5 Hours 54 Minutes 23 Seconds
Travel Distance: 86.78 Miles
Average Speed: 14.6 mph

To leave a comment for Mikael and the 800 Meters crew, just click below on "Comments." We look forward to hearing from you.

Thought for the day...

Knowing that there are days that are more difficult than others helps keep daily challenges in perspective. Even though today was a tough day - it was still worth it.

Montezuma to Fultonville, New York

A chilly morning with a little tailwind - ready to ride!

You can't help but be impressed with the beauty!

Mikael and more of upstate New York

Ending the day in Fultonville, after having come through Syracuse

Daily Travel Stats:
Travel Time: 7 Hours 32 Minutes 06 Seconds
Travel Distance: 139.94 Miles
Average Speed: 18.5 mph

To leave a comment for Mikael and the 800 Meters crew, just click below on "Comments." We look forward to hearing from you.

Thought for the day...

In life you need to build on the momentum from the day before. Today was a much harder day than yesterday on the bike but I used my momentum from yesterday to take me a long way today.

Boston to Montezuma, New York

The crew started the day in Boston, New York and rode through Buffalo and Rochester. The finished for the day in Montezuma, New York. It was a very windy day in Buffalo but once Mikael turned South toward Rochester, the wind was at his back. Despite Mikael's desire to ride an additional 20 miles, Mikaila was done being in the car-seat for the day. But clearly taking a day of rest helped as they covered 165 miles. Not too bad!

Leaving Boston, New York - ready to ride toward the better known Boston in Massachusetts.One more stop in the morning: Ralph Wilson Stadium which is the home of the Buffalo Bills

A view of the Erie Canal

The end of the day in beautiful New York.

Daily Travel Stats:
Travel Time: 7 Hours 55 Minutes 03 Seconds
Travel Distance: 164.04 Miles
Average Speed: 20.7 mph

To leave a comment for Mikael and the 800 Meters crew, just click below on "Comments." We look forward to hearing from you.