USA-Ride Diary

Here are some past comments:

 

1.     The website looks fab!!! Congrats on everything!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Comment by Texas — September 20, 2007 @ 7:01 am

2.     G’day Texas! Thanks for your message. It seems like we are nearly up and running!

Comment by ben — November 11, 2007 @ 6:02 am

3.     Hey,
great effort with this! Hope you folks raise plenty for the cause.
I look forward to tracking your progress

Ol

Comment by Ollie S. — December 6, 2007 @ 11:22 am

4.     Alright you guys? Top stuff. Looked at some maps the other day! Its crazy man…fair play to you all. Let me know how I can go about sponsoring the three of you.

Comment by Josh — December 10, 2007 @ 3:17 pm

5.     I forgot to ask - where are you guys staying as you are crossing? You camping or using hotels?

Comment by Josh — December 10, 2007 @ 3:18 pm

6.     Heya Josh,
Predominantly using camp sites…may occasionally use hotels / motels when we are totally exhausted, but most of the time we will be camping. Thanks for checking out the site!

Comment by Ben — December 20, 2007 @ 2:25 am

7.     Hi Ben

I’ve sent your site around everyone in work, do you have a sponsor form or something you can give me so that I can get some sponsors here for you.

Helen

Comment by helen — January 22, 2008 @ 5:22 am

8.     Hey Helen.
Thank you very much. We do indeed. I will get on to you by the end of this week.
Ben

Comment by Ben Rockett — February 5, 2008 @ 5:00 am

9.     Hey folks,
Some people have been asking how to donate to cancer research through this site.
www.justgiving.com/usa-ride

Smiles,
Ben

Comment by Ben — February 23, 2008 @ 9:58 am

10.   hey ben and fellow riders
hope everythings going fine and ben stop thinking about it. chill like on the plane
and hope everything goes brilliantly while ur over there!
u going to be checking this while ur riding? and i shall go try find some more people to sponsor u from up here!
good luck
steve

Comment by steve — June 10, 2008 @ 1:34 pm

11.   Hey Steve! Thanks for your message. We will indeed be checking this as we are crossing. We will be adding to the diary and the gallery so keep an eye out to check there are still three of us near the end! Trying to stop thinking - but it’s hard mate. Hopefully meet up for a catch up in September??
Very kind of you.

Comment by ben — June 11, 2008 @ 11:35 am

12.   As Ben’s Dad is leaving us in the lurch for months (and not even getting on his bike) we feel we have an interest in this venture! It looks an awful lot scarier than the end-to-end and that was pretty awesome. Looking forward to reading the diary once you get there, if you’re not too tired to write it. Who’s doing the cooking? Got your primus stove Paul?

Very good luck to you all from us all. Sounds as if your bikes will be worn out from all the practising before you even get there. But we have every confidence in you and applaud your get-up-and-go!

All at Glover Bros, Bishops Lydeard

Comment by All at Glover Bros — June 17, 2008 @ 8:05 am

13.   Hey guys
Good luck to you all, hope you landed safely and those bikes made it alright, well they should with all that bubble wrap, hehe! hope you have a great time, god bless your bottoms!

Comment by holly — June 28, 2008 @ 1:15 am

14.   Hey guys - glad you made it safely over and got off to a good start. I am sure all will go well with the ride - look forward to the updates on here.

God Bless

Dave

Comment by Dave Roberts — July 1, 2008 @ 9:29 am

15.   Glad to hear you’re making good progress. Looking forward to seeing the pictures when you manage to get them up.

You’re not missing much of a summer - it’s dull and showery here with occasional bright spells - not much like July.

Watch out for those drivers! All the best.

Comment by The Glover Bros team — July 4, 2008 @ 3:33 am

16.   hello!! great to read your diary as you’re managing to write on it!
So proud of you all. Just remember the words of Diana Ross ‘Aint no mountain high enough……!’
Looking forward to seeing the pics when you find the time to put them up!
Issy says ‘hi’ to her Uncle Ben and Gramps!!

Comment by helen bens sister — July 5, 2008 @ 1:14 am

17.   Hello! Anybody know good methods of avoiding dogs…answers on a postcard please!

Comment by ben — July 10, 2008 @ 1:57 pm

18.   I am getting too old to sleep in tents in Municipal Parks but I can now, hand on heart, fully recommend the three inch foam as supplied by Glover Brothers of Bishops Lydeard, Taunton, without which they would still be trying to get me out of the tent!
Liz, Ben and Owen are doing a fantastic job! Yesterday over 100 miles, over a number of Mountains, and still found time to play three games of volleyball following an ‘all you can eat’ Italian. I think Ben managed three visits to refill…thats my boy!
Thanks for all your encouraging emails and comments to the team, they really do help during the down times! One day they will show me how to update the main site!
Take care and thanks again!

Comment by Paul Rockett — July 10, 2008 @ 2:29 pm

19.   Hi guys!
Day 12 and on schedule - well done!
Great updates - someone’s still got their sense of humour or do they spell it humor? Superb pics - you’re looking good.
Take care guys, see you soon.

Comment by Trudi — July 11, 2008 @ 3:42 pm

20.   Great to hear everything going well. Great to see the updates. Keep going and keep safe!

Comment by Hywel, Owen’s dad — July 13, 2008 @ 11:58 am

21.   We are glad to hear all going well,please dont make it sound all so easy (playing volleyball at the end of the day,eh!).The weather is spring like here(just for a change).I used to take my pump off (downtube length)to fend off farm dogs,i have never trusted a farm dog,always seem a bit highly strung to me,but you sound if you are managing ok.Good luck all of you ,may the wind be with you,Gary,Terrie,Eloise and George.

Comment by The Chaplins — July 13, 2008 @ 12:46 pm

22.   nice to hear Paul R is keeping up in the Vehicle

Comment by jim smith — July 14, 2008 @ 6:21 am

23.   do u have a rest day like the tour de france or is it a race against ‘holiday’time,weather still dull but dry,ellie and george both won their school races ,America here they come in a few years (on bikes )i hope,don’t throw the bike bags away!The Chaplins

Comment by The Chaplins — July 14, 2008 @ 2:31 pm

24.   Go George and Ellie….brilliant!!!

Comment by Paul Rockett — July 19, 2008 @ 9:00 am

25.   Good Day to you one and all. Sorry I haven’t had chance to write sooner, but I have been keeping track! Just to say keep up the good work and we have been spreading the word back home about the insane task you set yourselves.
Dad (Paul R) dont panic have only crashed your car once with minimal damage to bodywork…Joke! and B-jamin’ whilst being so far away and not being able to do anything about it…. I’ve nicked your weights again! Anyway best off luck and keep working those legs team! Rockett junior senior bro.
P.S. Hope the website is working fully after we increased the band width last week. J

Comment by Joe Rockett — July 22, 2008 @ 1:16 am

26.   Thank you Mr Smith! Say hi to Annie please.

Comment by Paul R — July 22, 2008 @ 10:19 am

27.   You made a wonderful memory for us. Have a great time
!
Paul and Pat

Comment by Paul and Pat — July 22, 2008 @ 11:18 am

28.   Hi Sprocks,
Good to hear from you…now about the car fella…!

Comment by PaulR — July 22, 2008 @ 12:25 pm

29.   I was sent your website from my parents, whos house you just stayed at in Cassoday, KS… (Paul & Pat), I think it is amazing what you are doing, I hope you have an awesome experience, and I will keep watching your progress. Have a Safe and Fun ride!!! -Janet

Comment by Janet H — July 23, 2008 @ 3:26 pm

30.   Hi all,

‘Phone calls to Trudi and a little patience later - I’ve managed to get through!

It’s really once in a lifetime experience and I hope you are all not too exhausted to be enjoying it. Diary makes very interesting reading and hope you get lots of photos - where you were yesterday,wild west scrubland - anyone had a stetson handy? Mum tells me you are doing the early and the late run due to the heat at the moment, I guess you are r+r ing inbetween!

Well done all and I will keep in touch

Tracy, Kathy & Harry

Comment by Tracy — July 26, 2008 @ 2:39 am

31.   hi guys!!
glad to you see how well you’re doing!! there was a programme on the tv the other day about the Coast to Coast cycle ride and it has just filled me with even more pride knowing that you’re doing this, especially my baby brother Ben! i keep checking morning and night for more updates. Keep up the good work!! What a story to tell Isabelle when she’s older!!
Lots of love, Helenxxxx

Comment by helen bens sister — July 27, 2008 @ 2:37 pm

32.   Hey guys,
Just been checking all your updates. You are doing such a brilliant job! Am very proud of you. Keep those legs pumping. I know it must be exhausting sometimes, but you’re raising money for such a fantastic cause, so just keep those legs turning!
Take care xxxx

Comment by Claire Salter — July 27, 2008 @ 10:25 pm

33.   Morning Guys

Who is the chunky guy with the tea towel in his pocket? Is he getting on a bike? Is it normal to carry a tea towel in your pocket?

Best of luck with it all and well done.

PR

Comment by Portishead Red — July 28, 2008 @ 1:48 am

34.   Hey all!
Sprocks here. Glad progress is being made and you are ahead of schedule and everything is going well. Nothing much to update from my end unfortunately as nothing could really compare to the experience you lot are having. Summer is growing by the day and lilly is her usual 3 going on 23! All missing you guys….dad whilst i know you cant give me a talking too had another tattoo, bought a freelander and sold two cars haha. Just the family home to go but anything sells on ebay these days. Mums been ripping up my garden so now looking ready for the new hot tub haha only joking. Does look great though.
Spreading the word further afield last few days so fingers crossed you shall be having some mentions at some Universal Studios work me and Jason are doing in the next few weeks. You never know one day it might turn in to silver screen epic! Ben working on the folder situations so hopefully will be up and running for the photos in the next couple days. I will forward you on instructions.
Speak agains soon,
Master Joseph P Rockett!

Comment by Joe Rockett — July 29, 2008 @ 6:53 am

35.   Hey Guys
So good to see you getting on well over there. The photo’s are great - hope to hear more about it when you are back - maybe down in Exeter sometime before you head off to SA Ben? Like the others said above not a lot of exciting stuff happening here! I am off to introduce our little one to some of the family she hasn’t met yet next week - she’s just started smiling!
Dave

Comment by Dave Roberts — August 1, 2008 @ 2:23 am

36.   Keep going big de Lancey, all that energy trying to keep up those whipper snappers must be to much for you! hahaha!

Comment by Portishead Red — August 1, 2008 @ 9:01 am

37.   Totally agree with the wise comments of Portishead Red. Bit concerned about your brushes with the law especially as Alcatraz awaits at the end of your epic journey! I reckon the two Pauls should hire bikes in San Francisco and cycle over the Golden Gate as a team. Would willingly pledge £50 to the cause to see big bruv on a bike. Keep up the good work, y’all. Martin

Comment by Martin de L — August 3, 2008 @ 5:26 am

38.   Anybody else willing to pledge money to see Paul De L on a bike. Might we suggest more if he wears lycra?

3 Anon’s

Comment by A. cyclist — August 5, 2008 @ 12:57 pm

39.   Blimey. Big bruv in lycra. Think I’d pledge more money NOT to see that. Horrible thought. A truly horrible thought. Nightmare in fact.

Comment by Martin de L — August 5, 2008 @ 2:20 pm

40.   If i see a picture of big de lancey in lycra i will report this site!! What a horrific thought. I was just thinking of having a bite to eat as well, suddenly i’m not hungry.

£50 says the old man gets into lycra and gets his lard arse on a bike - for a DAY - not 20 mins.

Comment by Portishead Red — August 6, 2008 @ 4:27 am

41.   what a fantastic idea!! i would pledge more money to see my Dad (Paul R) don some lycra and cycle last stretch!!
Think me and sprocks should spread the word!!

Comment by helen bens sister — August 6, 2008 @ 4:58 am

42.   Hi Paul & Gang

Thinking of you all and how fantastically you’re doing.

Comment by Sam Gladwin — August 6, 2008 @ 5:04 pm

43.   Indeed sis….sprocks here. I may well have to pay a visit to the reform club and suggest the idea!

J

Comment by Joe Rockett — August 7, 2008 @ 2:13 am

44.   Paul - Delancy - in lycra - on a bike is not a pleasent thought - so we’d pay something - as long as we didnt have to see him!! ( Dont let this put you off cycling the last stretch tho Paul!!)

Comment by Glyn & Lou — August 8, 2008 @ 9:35 am

45.   This is all getting a little out of hand! I quite often wear lycra, though not in public. Surley it is enough that I’m over here, sleeping in tents, churches, fire stations, city parks, peoples’ gardens and various other places without having to pander to various nefarious whims in order to extract money from all you people who think they’re being clever and funny. I have plenty of 10c pieces ( GS, LS and DC please note) for handing out. Rant over, I’ll get me coat.

Comment by Paul De lancey — August 8, 2008 @ 3:40 pm

46.   Hi - motivated by your efforts, I decided to cycle to work last week (a massive 4 miles, undertaken bravely without support vehicle, sponsorship or the threat of being overtaken by brother Paul in lycra) and got a puncture! Which made me wonder how many tyres, chains etc you lot have got through these past few weeks?

Comment by Martin de L — August 10, 2008 @ 9:58 am

47.   Hey guys, great to be able to read your diary entries and keep up with your experiences, which i have to say sound truly amazing and at times quite comical. Huge admiration is sent your way by us all. Ben, reading the early blog i do believe that alfie may have come in handy regarding the problems you encountered with the dogs….should have sent him out to you first class!!!
Enjoy the rest of your journey… xx

Comment by Lisa — August 13, 2008 @ 12:40 pm

48.   hi guys! thought i would say ‘hello’ seeing as you’re nearing the finish line! Cant believe you’re ahead of schedule, so fantastic!!!
Looking forward to seeing you home very soon Dad, (paul R) and Ben!!
xx

Comment by helen bens sister — August 16, 2008 @ 8:45 am

49.   Hey Guys
Hope you enjoyed Lake Tahoe - did you get up to Emerald Bay? or swim in the lake? It’s really spectacular there! Feel Jealous - but not of the cycling to get there bit. Well done for being ahead of schedule. Hope all goes well for the final leg!
Dave

Comment by Dave Roberts — August 21, 2008 @ 2:20 am

50.   Hi, Beautiful Brit Riders! It was wonderful to meet you all at Plasse’s Resort on Silver Lake. (I’m the lady in the store with the “G” on her hat). I’ll get those phone pics I took to you asap. Enjoy San Fran, it’s truly a one-of-a-kind city.Best of Luck @ University & in everything you pursue! Gina

Comment by Gina Johnson — August 21, 2008 @ 10:58 am

51.   Hi Ben hope you are all having fun, mum is stressing over packing, similarly so is yours!
Sounds like you’re way ahead of schedule, you must deserve your ‘break’!
I’m hoping mum will bring me back a pressie as a trade for not taking me!
See you soon, love Ellie

Comment by Ellie Robertson - Bens Cousin — August 21, 2008 @ 1:38 pm

52.   Hi. Post 50 was vacant so it seemed churlish not to take it! Hopefully you’re now in SF and sitting on the dock of the bay. Paul D should love the Haight Ashbury area. Time is frozen in the 1960’s in this suburb so Paul should feel well at home. Congratulations to you all on an epic voyage.

Comment by Martin de L — August 25, 2008 @ 5:06 am

53.   hi! hope the new arrivals find you safe and well!! good luck crossing that finishing line!!
lot of love Helen and Issy xxx

Comment by helen bens sister — August 25, 2008 @ 7:28 am

54.   CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!
You have made us all very proud!!!
see you next week, cant wait!!!!
lots of love, helen, nick, harry and Isabelle xxxxx

Comment by helen bens sister — August 26, 2008 @ 12:24 am

55.   Congrats to all involved with this ride, what a superb effort.

Did you manage to get the 2 old boys on a bike?

Comment by Portishead Red — August 28, 2008 @ 3:01 am

56.   well done all of you,What an experience,and memories,how do you beat that,Round The World ?or does life have to get in the way,enjoy the rest,we all look forward to seeing you soon,The Chaplins

Comment by The Chaplins — August 29, 2008 @ 2:29 pm

57.   We did enjoy following your trip what a wonderful achievement we will of course be giving you some money on you return our very best wishes to you all Love from Marilyn & Paul Bath.

Comment by Paul & Marilyn — August 31, 2008 @ 8:09 am