Ignite the Spirit
Chicago to Mackinac
Ride to Fight Cancer
This is a photo journal of my ride with the Chicago Firefighters Ignite the Spirit Team as we journeyed on a 6 day 500 mile CHICAGO-to-MACKINAC charity bike ride to fight cancer, September 18th through 24th. Our ride had taken place to help firefighter families in need and to bring more awareness about cancer to the communities we visit.
Ignite the Spirit Fund was created in 2003 with the mission to ease the hardship of Chicago firefighters, families and community. It may come in the form of resources to help with medical costs or something as simple as providing meals during a prolonged illness. Ignite has helped over 500 families in need and contributed more than one million dollars to this mission. Ignite the Spirit Fund helps those firefighters who risk their lives by helping others every single day.
This years ride campaign has been a big success. Together we have raised over $30k and counting. I would like to thank the people who help me reach and exceed my personal donation goal this year. Your generosity is greatly appreciated. Maria Berry, Michele Brougher, Michael Cope, Ann Delevante, Alex Diaz, Joe Dowling, Joan Englehart, Dawn Guerra, Hammer Nutrition, Tom Holland, Charles Judy, Dave Judy, John Judy, Mike Judy, Roger Judy, Kaleidoscope, Julie Klotter, Chris Mailing, Peter Merlin, Bj Nendze, Scott Nelson, John Olson, Eric Puetz, Joe Rivera, Tim Rose, Vanessa Schilling, Matt and Susan Schueler, Smart Bike Parts, Pete Sorrentino, Richard Stevens, Barry Taerbaum, Joe Waltz, John Wannemacher, CVW Interiors, 2020 Realty....
The route from Chicago to Mackinaw
The Ignite the Spirit Team
Terry Benner, Pat Brennan, Sean Butler, Rick Florczak, Cliff Gartner, Chuck Judy, Mike Lopez, Ben Marasa, Gabe Sanchez, Andrew Straley, Matt Straley, Arturo Valle, Mike Wadas
Support Crew
Mark Jadwin, Sam Kamberis, Jim O'Connell, Rich Pinskey, Jeff Porter, Todd VanHorn
Matt and Andrew Straley. Andrew rode with us the first two days.
Ignite the Spirit President Rich Pinskey with Dawn Pinskey
More pictures in front of the ladder
Support, friends and family watching on
Mark and Alicia Jadwin
The ride start up Clark St
B'nai Temple on Sheridan Rd in Wilmette, Il
Arturo Valle
Andrew Straley and Rick Florczak
Cliff Gartner
Mike Lopez
Mike Wadas and Terry Benner
Pat Brennan and Arturo Valle
Cliff Gartner and Matt Straley
Ben Marasa and Mike Lopez
You never know who you might run into on the Oak Leaf Trail in Milwaukee. Some old friends who I haven't seen in 20 odd years. Literally! Lawrie and Liam
Matt and Andrew Straley
Ozaukee County Courthouse Port Washington Wisconsin
At the Port Washington Fire House, Ignite the Spirit's Rick Florczak presented Jess Jurick with a gift to help fund the future education for the children of late firefighter Nick Grosenick. In 2020 Nick rode his bicycle from Sheboygan Falls to Peninsula State Park in Door County. His ride took place to raise money to purchase AED's for the Port Washington Fire Department. Sadly, later that same year Nick passed away tragically while riding his bicycle with friends.
More about Nick's and his story can be found here: Nick Grosenick
The riders, PW fire, support and family at the Port Washington Fire Department
Port Washington FD escorted us out of town.
Chasing our escort up the hill from Port Washington. Tough hill after a big lunch stop.
Wetlands near Oostburg
Oostburg
We get a little break while Arturo fixes someone's flat.
This soy field is nearly ready to harvest
Coming into Kohler Andrae State Park for today's lunch stop.
Andrew Straley
Gabe Sanachez and Andrew
Manitowoc County Courthouse
Day one stats
Andrew Straley age 14 I think, rode very strong the first two days of this ride 180 miles. Ahead of us on most hills. He did this on a heavy bike with regular gym shoes and flat pedals. If he had not returned to school earlier in the week, I think he could have completed the entire ride with us. Nice job Andrew. You should proud of what you accomplished.
Break stop at Denmark FD
Green Bay Fire House
No we are not lost. Matt is adjusting the route.
Rest break
Ben Marasa
Matt Straley
Arturo Valle
Pat Brennan
Terry Benner
Mike Lopez
Cliff Gartner
Rick Florczak
Lunch stop at Oconto Fire House
Arturo Valle
Many views like this riding along the lake.
We had dinner at the Peshtigo Fire House
Day 3 data
Horse saddle on display at our breakfast restaurant
We visited the Peshtigo Fire monument and museum in the morning.
This plaque in a cemetery adjacent to the museum is dedicated to the victim's of the Peshtigo
Good bye Peshtigo
Marinette Fire met us at the town border and escorted us up the road.
We stopped to visit an old neighbor of Mike Lopez. Mike and Lorraine Karpinski. Bear Fans in Wisconsin!
Pre ride talk to sort out our plan for the next leg.
The shoulder of the roads are narrow at times which restricts us to single file pacelines. Sam follows in a support truck to warn drivers and shield us from traffic.
Arriving in Escanaba
We stopped at the Firehouse for dinner.
Day 4 mileage
The morning was cool and cloudy
Sean Butler
Gabe Sanchez
We stopped at a saw mill for a morning break.
Jeff Porter with The Aho's, owners of the mill.
The leaves are just beginning to change color
Matt planned a stop at the KITCH-ITI-KIPI (THE BIG SPRING in Manistique Michigan. This is Michigan's largest freshwater spring lake. Visitors traverse the lake with a self-operated hand crank wheel raft. It has a clear bottom section where you can see the spring water percolating from the lake floor and dozen of large trout swimming about. More about that here: Kitch-Iti-Kipi
The raft
Pat looking through the glass bottom.
Says it all!
Day Five Mileage. We actually ended up at Bear Creek Swamp at the Dreamland Hotel.
Day Six actual route. Bear Creek Swamp to St Ignace
We elected to change our route and head north to stay off Route 2 which had heavy fast traffic. This added 10 miles to the original path but provide more safety and allowed us to ride a bit more casually.
Though we were constantly looking at the weather which forecast rain in the afternoon. It was questionable whether or not we would reach St Ignace in time before the rain.
Gabe and Sam. The Dreamland Hotel
Mike and Ben bundled up. It's cold and windy this morning.
Terry Mike and Rick
Shoulder of the road.
The roadside color.
It's beginning to rain.
Well sadly the ride is over. It was not supposed to end like this but what can you do? It's raining hard out there. We drove the last few miles to St Ignace.
Writing home...
We arrived at the motel
End of the ride post part picture. "Hat's Off" to the support crew. This ride does not happen without them. They are always there for us. Watching out for our safety on the road, all logistics, making sure the route is safe ahead, setting up rest stop, cooking food, handling lodging and most of all keeping up our moral and team work. Love you all!
Jeff and Gabe
We played some cornhole at the hotel.
Closed the night with a fire on the beach.
Taking the Jet Ferry to Mackinac Friday morning. Boarding the Star Line 6:30am
Inside
View from top deck on the way back. Jet tail goes higher than the boat.
Main Street
We watched a helicopter place a dome roof on a house turret.
Main Street. Bike everywhere. Cars are not allowed on the island.
Fort Mackinac
Statue of Marquette
Horse Trolley
Bike Hotel
View of the Grand Hotel from the ferry
View of the Bridge from the mainland
Departing picture with my travel mates heading back to Chicago
Chicago to Boston 15.8 mph, 1,077 miles, 37,118 ft climbing
Chicago to Nashville 16.1 mph, 498 miles, 12,358 ft climbing
Chicago to Pittsburgh 15.8 mph, 529 miles, 10,134 ft climbing
Chicago to Toronto 16.1 mph, 595 miles, 11,404 ft climbing
Ignite the Spirit Fund was created in 2003 with the mission to ease the hardship of Chicago firefighters, families and community. It may come in the form of resources to help with medical costs or something as simple as providing meals during a prolonged illness. Ignite has helped over 500 families in need and contributed more than one million dollars to this mission. Ignite the Spirit Fund helps those firefighters who risk their lives by helping others every single day.
This years ride campaign has been a big success. Together we have raised over $30k and counting. I would like to thank the people who help me reach and exceed my personal donation goal this year. Your generosity is greatly appreciated. Maria Berry, Michele Brougher, Michael Cope, Ann Delevante, Alex Diaz, Joe Dowling, Joan Englehart, Dawn Guerra, Hammer Nutrition, Tom Holland, Charles Judy, Dave Judy, John Judy, Mike Judy, Roger Judy, Kaleidoscope, Julie Klotter, Chris Mailing, Peter Merlin, Bj Nendze, Scott Nelson, John Olson, Eric Puetz, Joe Rivera, Tim Rose, Vanessa Schilling, Matt and Susan Schueler, Smart Bike Parts, Pete Sorrentino, Richard Stevens, Barry Taerbaum, Joe Waltz, John Wannemacher, CVW Interiors, 2020 Realty....
The route from Chicago to Mackinaw
The Ignite the Spirit Team
Terry Benner, Pat Brennan, Sean Butler, Rick Florczak, Cliff Gartner, Chuck Judy, Mike Lopez, Ben Marasa, Gabe Sanchez, Andrew Straley, Matt Straley, Arturo Valle, Mike Wadas
Support Crew
Mark Jadwin, Sam Kamberis, Jim O'Connell, Rich Pinskey, Jeff Porter, Todd VanHorn
Special "Hat's off" to the support crew. This ride does not happen without them. They are always there for us. Watching out for our safety on the road, all logistics, making sure the route is safe ahead, setting up rest stop, cooking food, handling lodging and most of all keeping up our moral and team work. Love you all!
Matt and Andrew Straley. Andrew rode with us the first two days.
Ignite the Spirit President Rich Pinskey with Dawn Pinskey
More pictures in front of the ladder
Support, friends and family watching on
Mark and Alicia Jadwin
Day 1 Chicago to Milwaukee 80 miles
The ride start up Clark St
B'nai Temple on Sheridan Rd in Wilmette, Il
Arturo Valle
Andrew Straley and Rick Florczak
Cliff Gartner
Mike Lopez
Mike Wadas and Terry Benner
Pat Brennan and Arturo Valle
Cliff Gartner and Matt Straley
Sean Butler
The route mapped by Matt Straley took advantage of paved bike trails whenever possible. This one leading through Kenosha County
Pat Brennan and I
Lunch break in the park
Another flat
We take breaks about every 20 miles to rest, top off water and snacks
Gabe and Sean kicking back at the hotel
Getting ready to start the day
Enjoying the morning sunrise through downtown Milwaukee
Terry Benner
Coming up to the lake and Art Museum
The route mapped by Matt Straley took advantage of paved bike trails whenever possible. This one leading through Kenosha County
Pat Brennan and I
Lunch break in the park
Another flat
We take breaks about every 20 miles to rest, top off water and snacks
Gabe and Sean kicking back at the hotel
Day 2 Milwaukee to Manitowoc 100 miles
Getting ready to start the day
Enjoying the morning sunrise through downtown Milwaukee
Terry Benner
Coming up to the lake and Art Museum
Ben Marasa and Mike Lopez
You never know who you might run into on the Oak Leaf Trail in Milwaukee. Some old friends who I haven't seen in 20 odd years. Literally! Lawrie and Liam
Matt and Andrew Straley
Ozaukee County Courthouse Port Washington Wisconsin
At the Port Washington Fire House, Ignite the Spirit's Rick Florczak presented Jess Jurick with a gift to help fund the future education for the children of late firefighter Nick Grosenick. In 2020 Nick rode his bicycle from Sheboygan Falls to Peninsula State Park in Door County. His ride took place to raise money to purchase AED's for the Port Washington Fire Department. Sadly, later that same year Nick passed away tragically while riding his bicycle with friends.
More about Nick's and his story can be found here: Nick Grosenick
The riders, PW fire, support and family at the Port Washington Fire Department
Port Washington FD escorted us out of town.
Chasing our escort up the hill from Port Washington. Tough hill after a big lunch stop.
Wetlands near Oostburg
Oostburg
We get a little break while Arturo fixes someone's flat.
This soy field is nearly ready to harvest
Coming into Kohler Andrae State Park for today's lunch stop.
Andrew Straley
Gabe Sanachez and Andrew
Manitowoc County Courthouse
Day one stats
Andrew Straley age 14 I think, rode very strong the first two days of this ride 180 miles. Ahead of us on most hills. He did this on a heavy bike with regular gym shoes and flat pedals. If he had not returned to school earlier in the week, I think he could have completed the entire ride with us. Nice job Andrew. You should proud of what you accomplished.
Day 3 Manitowoc to Peshtigo
Break stop at Denmark FD
On the road to Green Bay
We stopped in town to pick up some supplies at the Broken Spoke bike shop.
They had a early wheel truing stand on display complete with a wooden rim wheel.
We stopped in town to pick up some supplies at the Broken Spoke bike shop.
They had a early wheel truing stand on display complete with a wooden rim wheel.
Green Bay Fire House
No we are not lost. Matt is adjusting the route.
Rest break
Ben Marasa
Matt Straley
Arturo Valle
Pat Brennan
Terry Benner
Mike Lopez
Cliff Gartner
Rick Florczak
Lunch stop at Oconto Fire House
Arturo Valle
Many views like this riding along the lake.
Mike, Gabe and Terry gearing up for the escort into Peshtigo
Outside our hotel at Peshtigo
We had dinner at the Peshtigo Fire House
Day 3 data
Day 4 Peshtigo to Escanaba
Horse saddle on display at our breakfast restaurant
We visited the Peshtigo Fire monument and museum in the morning.
This plaque in a cemetery adjacent to the museum is dedicated to the victim's of the Peshtigo
Fire. The Peshtigo Fire was the deadliest in US history. Killing approximately 1200-2500 people and burning 2400 acres. It is also known as the forgotten fire because it occured on the same night as the Great Chicago Fire October 7, 1871. More about that story is here:Peshtigo Fire Museum
Good bye Peshtigo
Marinette Fire met us at the town border and escorted us up the road.
We stopped to visit an old neighbor of Mike Lopez. Mike and Lorraine Karpinski. Bear Fans in Wisconsin!
Pre ride talk to sort out our plan for the next leg.
The shoulder of the roads are narrow at times which restricts us to single file pacelines. Sam follows in a support truck to warn drivers and shield us from traffic.
Arriving in Escanaba
We stopped at the Firehouse for dinner.
Day 4 mileage
Day Five Escanaba to Gulliver
The morning was cool and cloudy
Sean Butler
Gabe Sanchez
We stopped at a saw mill for a morning break.
Jeff Porter with The Aho's, owners of the mill.
The leaves are just beginning to change color
Matt planned a stop at the KITCH-ITI-KIPI (THE BIG SPRING in Manistique Michigan. This is Michigan's largest freshwater spring lake. Visitors traverse the lake with a self-operated hand crank wheel raft. It has a clear bottom section where you can see the spring water percolating from the lake floor and dozen of large trout swimming about. More about that here: Kitch-Iti-Kipi
The raft
Pat looking through the glass bottom.
Pat and Terry are ready to finish the last leg of the day.
Says it all!
Day Five Mileage. We actually ended up at Bear Creek Swamp at the Dreamland Hotel.
Day Six Bear Creek Swamp to St Ignace
Day Six actual route. Bear Creek Swamp to St Ignace
We elected to change our route and head north to stay off Route 2 which had heavy fast traffic. This added 10 miles to the original path but provide more safety and allowed us to ride a bit more casually.
Though we were constantly looking at the weather which forecast rain in the afternoon. It was questionable whether or not we would reach St Ignace in time before the rain.
Gabe and Sam. The Dreamland Hotel
Mike and Ben bundled up. It's cold and windy this morning.
Terry Mike and Rick
Shoulder of the road.
The roadside color.
It's beginning to rain.
Well sadly the ride is over. It was not supposed to end like this but what can you do? It's raining hard out there. We drove the last few miles to St Ignace.
All is not lost. Let's celebrate!
Writing home...
We arrived at the motel
End of the ride post part picture. "Hat's Off" to the support crew. This ride does not happen without them. They are always there for us. Watching out for our safety on the road, all logistics, making sure the route is safe ahead, setting up rest stop, cooking food, handling lodging and most of all keeping up our moral and team work. Love you all!
Jeff and Gabe
We played some cornhole at the hotel.
Closed the night with a fire on the beach.
Day six milage. Cut short by the rain.
Day 7 Breakfast on Mackinac Islan
Taking the Jet Ferry to Mackinac Friday morning. Boarding the Star Line 6:30am
Inside
View from top deck on the way back. Jet tail goes higher than the boat.
Main Street
We watched a helicopter place a dome roof on a house turret.
Main Street. Bike everywhere. Cars are not allowed on the island.
Fort Mackinac
Statue of Marquette
Horse Trolley
Bike Hotel
View of the Grand Hotel from the ferry
View of the Bridge from the mainland
Departing picture with my travel mates heading back to Chicago
Some Riding Statistics
I was curious what our average moving speed was over the years. Average moving speed is just that, mph on the bike not including breaks off the bike. I went back to rechecked our data in Garmin and this is what I found. Each ride is very close to one another. My previous blog number were incorrect or showing entire time average speed including the breaks.
Chicago to Nashville 16.1 mph, 498 miles, 12,358 ft climbing
Chicago to Pittsburgh 15.8 mph, 529 miles, 10,134 ft climbing
Chicago to Toronto 16.1 mph, 595 miles, 11,404 ft climbing
Chicago to Mackinac 16.1 mph, 490 miles, 8,392 ft climbing
