Hawaii Journal

Friday March 4, 2005

Sometimes the beginning of the end sounds like a bad thing. However, in this case, the PolioPlusRides for Polio Eradication, the end will be a great thing. Motorcycle Bob begins his last PolioPlus Ride, the Centennial Ride, with Hawaii. It was while he was speaking at President Elect Training Seminar (PETS) last year that the Hawaiian Rotarians offered to bring Bob and the motorcycle, and me, to Hawaii to spread the message of Rotary and polio eradication. What an honor! And so we begin with Paradise and will end up in Centennial Celebration in Chicago. First of all, we have to get the motorcycle to Hawaii. DG Claude Thompson and District 5000 Rotarians arranged for the bike to fly in from Los Angeles.

And so it begins at 0-dark-thirty on this cool damp morning in Folsom, California. As Bob mounted the Blue Streak, the morning air seemed to get heavier with moisture. Patti followed Bob with the van. Heading down I-5, "moist" became "drizzle". As the miles rolled along, so did the downpours. But wet weather didn't bother Bob because he was toasty warm. Wet but warm. Electric riding gear kept Bob cooking all the way to LA. Thanks go to Widder Electrics of Ojai, CA.

Arriving at Pacific Air Cargo at LAX, the wonderful folks there weighed the bike and checked it over. After the paperwork was done, Ole Blue went into lockup to await his flight call. We waved good-bye to Blue and left him in good hands.

Monday March 7, 2005

Back in Folsom, we received word that the Blue Streak had arrived safely in Honolulu and was headed for a barge to Hilo to wait for Bob to ride into the sunset. The planning done by District 5000 is not to be believed. Our Island hosts are really something. Can't wait for Sunday!

Saturday March 12, 2005

Bob is in San Jose at PETS (Rotary President Elects Training Seminar). This is a multi-district PETS for California, Nevada and Hawaii. Over 500 incoming Rotary presidents, District Governors and Assistant District Governors. Althought Bob is attending as a president elect. he is spending a lot of time promoting the Centennial Ride. Tomorrow Bob and Patti will fly to Honolulu.

Sunday, March 13, 2005

Aloha
Bob and I arrived in Honolulu at different times on different airlines. The Aloha Airlines flight that was arranged for me was fantastic! I'd recommend them as first choice. Cruising across the pond, we were above a cotton-ball blanket of cloud until we gently descended to land. Then there was the Island of Oahu. We came round Diamond Head and Waikiki and Honolulu airport. It was a smooth landing. A perfect flight. A perfect beginning in Paradise.

Motorcycle Bob was attending PETS in San Jose and took a later flight to Honolulu. He arrived about 10:30 pm and faded quickly. But not before telling me how beautiful it was coming in seeing the twinkling lights of Honolulu. A possible TV interview for Thurs am is in the works. Definitely a great beginning.

Monday March 14, 2005

East Hawaii Rotary welcomes Bob and Patti. From left to right, Richard Crowe (RC of Hilo Bay), Helen Shirota-Benevides (RC of Hilo Bay & ADG), Rob Zimmerman (President, RC of South Hilo), Dave Moore (RC of Volcano), Patti Mutchler, Bob Mutchler, and Karolyn Lundkvist (President, RC of Hilo Bay).

Monday dawned with an early morning rain. As we waited for our flight to Hilo, the sun peeked out. Descending to the street at the Hilo Airport to locate our bags we were greeted by a group of Rotarians from the Rotary Clubs of Volcano, South Hilo Bay and Hilo Bay. (I knew this because they had a sign that said so.) Holding the banner was David Moore, AG Helen Shirote-Benevides, Dr. Richard Crowe, Pres Karolyn Lundkvist, and Pres Rob Zimmerman. Photos were taken and we were presented with leis. A quick discussion of a plan of attach ensued, and some of us went to the Hawaii Naniloa Resort where our hosts had arranged accommodations for us. David took Bob to locate the motorcycle from Young Brothers shipping company who generously barged the Blue Streak to Hilo. It was sitting on top of a shipping container in a secured yard. A giant fork lift picked up the pallet with the bike and brought it down to ground level. Ole Blue seemed happier about being back on terra firma. The bike started instantly and Bob rode back to the hotel. In the meantime I found out that the Hilo Clubs have been very supportive of PolioPlus. Every year they hold an Oktoberfest celebration and donate the profits to polio eradication. They also designed a fabric print used for Rotary shirts and dresses, that benefits PolioPlus.

Later in the afternoon, Helen took me to Ellsworth Fontes' Hilo Harley Davidson Dealership where a pretty Sportster was waiting for me for the kick-off on Wednesday morning. It's very exciting that the beginning of the Centennial Celebration Ride begins in Hilo, Hawaii. A dream on our part made possible by the Rotarians of District 5000. Mahalo. The plan is to have a kick-off ceremony with TV coverage and speechifying. Then, all bikers and interested parties begin a ride counterclockwise around the island.

Tuesday March 15, 2005, Hilo
"The Big Island" Kick-off Day!

Sunny with a light breeze. Clear enough to see a snow-capped Mauna Kea. Snow in Hawaii? It doesn't seem to fit, but there it was. There was also snow on Mauna Loa. Mike Nelson was a Hawaii Rotarian who embraced Rotary with all his heart. Mike asked to chair the Hawaii portion of the Centennial Ride. Tragically, twenty days ago he was in an auto accident that ended his life. When the question of whether to cancel the ride or not was asked, DG Claude, David Moore, Pres. Karolyn and others stepped up to the plate and made it happen.

First stop was the Hilo Harley Davidson, where my white steed awaited; a 2005 Sportster 1200. A very nice ride. Then off to the meeting point, where quite a group of people had already assembled, including TV and print media. Some of the welcoming committee were: Tom Fine, AG Wally Wong, Ron and Carolann Scott, Pres Alan Clark, Bill Jones, Scotty Bell, Ruth Lindsey, Paul Ducasse, Walt, Ed, Bill, and Pres Elina Grugier.

Motorcyclists of all kinds kept showing up to join the ride. At the appointed time, David Moore of the Volcano Rotary Club, welcomed everybody and introduced Motorcycle Bob, Bob gave a brief background as to why he is so dedicated to these rides, and the need to finish PolioPlus. With the last of the immunizations to be completed by the end of June, we then have the waiting and surveillance, which is also costly. David introduced Hilo Mayor Harry Kim. Holding a Rotary Banner, Mayor Kim spoke about remembering the days when outbreaks of polio would bring absolute fear to parents rich and poor; of how much of our young people today have no concept of polio's devastation. He was genuinely impressed with Rotary's efforts to eradicate polio and encouraged by Motorcycle Bob's efforts to raise awareness. DG Claude Thompson of District 5000, spoke of the challenge to get Hawaii included as the first state and kickoff for the Centennial Ride. When Mike Nelson, the chair of the event, died unexpectedly, other Rotarians jumped in and pulled together to make this event happen. The Centennial Ride is In honor of Mike Nelson. And with the ringing of the Centennial Bell that is accompanying Bob, it was "start your engines". Nat led the group, followed by Bob and then myself, and about 35-40 riders. So excited by the ride, we missed the first stop and had to turn around. Refreshed, we headed out for Waimea. Strong winds tried to slow our progress. When we reached our meeting point, our numbers had shrunk. Unfortunately most of our contingent of riders had to work. However, two Rotarian riders joined us; Ron and Tom. The President of the North Hawaii Club, Carolyn Quick, presented a check of $500.00 for PolioPlus and hosted us with snacks and beverages. On to Kona, a welcoming group, and a bar-b-que on the beach. Everyone filled up two and three times. Kona President Alan Clark was our chef, and our host for the night. As we rode into his garage the heavens let loose. He and his wife Wendy created another feast for dinner. Mahalo

Wednesday March 16, 2005
Kona, "The Big Island"

Alan and Wendy Clark fired up our engines with a hearty breakfast. Then we fired up our machines and headed to Alan’s Chevy Dealership where he showed us a very special book. A 25th Anniversary book about Rotary, written and signed by Paul Harris! Very Special, indeed.

Then back to the beach to assemble and head back out to Hilo. Our entourage consisted of our leader Nat, Bob, myself, Ron, Tom, Justice, and Tony. A group small enough to travel well together. Our first stop was Maunuka State Park up overlooking the ocean. Refreshed we continued on to Volcano. The terrain kept changing. The big island has 11 of the 13 microclimates of the world. In Volcano, a lunch of homemade chili and rice and assorted goodies filled our starving (don't believe it) stomachs. "Grandma Augusta Morgado", 94, was having a great time having her picture taken on Bob's bike. Past Pres Paul Ducasse of Volcano took all of us on a tour of Volcano National Park. Then on the road again to Hilo.
I said farewell to my Sportster.

Wednesday, March 16, 2005
Kona

After a breakfast feast with Alan and Wendy, we pulled out of the garage into beautiful sunshine. We headed back to the beach to meet up with the other riders and our guide Nat. We said Good-Bys and Thank Yous and alohas with our hosts and fellow Rotarians. We mounted up, with Nat in the lead, Bob, myself, Ron, Tom, Justice, and Tony.

Thursday March 17, 2005 Happy St. Patrick's Day
Hilo, The Big Island

A 4am wake-up was first, and then Helen picked us up at the hotel and took us to the airport, where we flew to Maui via Honalulu. In the meantime, many Rotarians introduced themselves, as well as folks who had seen the news or the newspapers. PolioPlus and Rotary is out there. Club President Bonnie West met us at the airport and arranged for a convertible for us to drive. Due to bureaucratic problems the bike could not make it to Maui. With the Centennial Bell in hand, we went straight to the motorcycle dealership in Kahului. A report on the morning TV news show about the Ride had already aired. But TV and print media were waiting, as well as motorcyclists and drivers. You'd have thought something was going to happen. A whole host of Rotarians from the different clubs were there, including our home hospitality hostess Fran Meshulam, whose husband Eli had been a PDG and son is a Past Pres of Rotary Club #5 in Los Angeles. The media interviewed Bob and then we all gathered as the Executive Assistant to the Mayor Don Couch welcomed us and praised Rotary for PolioPlus and Bob for his efforts in bringing the program to public attention. Bob thanked everyone for their support of PolioPlus and the Centennial Celebration. He also urged continued support of PolioPlus since there still is the surveillance portion to complete.

We saddled up in the comfort of a Mustang convertible. Laki took the lead on his big Harley, followed by Pres Bonnie in her car, Bob and I, three other bikers, Pres Brad and other vehicles. We left Kahului and drove through cane fields and sugar refinery, to the viewpoint at Wailea in Kihei. Then on to Lahaina, where a reception of the Lahaina Club welcomed us. More media interviews and visiting with Rotarians. Stopping at a turnout on the way back to Kihei, Pres Bonnie and Pres Brad told us what to look for, and we saw pods of whales, spouting and breeching. Some of our procession had left us in Lahaina to attend a Rotary meeting. The rest of us headed for lunch and then to Mulligan's to raise a glass to St. Patrick and the Irish. Then on to our home hospitality at Fran's. Delightful We rode about 220 miles on the Big Island.

Take some look at some photos at:
http://ca.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/mikedsalisbury/album?.dir=/c1da&.src=ph&.tok=ph4S0sCBKSYfprF5

Friday March 18, 2005
Kihei, Maui

Great Kona coffee with Fran. Bob and I had breakfast with Pres Bonnie and Pres Deidre. Lots of Rotary talk, questions and answers. Following breakfast Bob went back to Kahului to fly to Seattle to speak at Northwest PETS. I had to go shopping (someone had to do it) and then I did some computer work. Bob arrived in Seattle sans luggage. Murphy’s law.

Saturday March 19, 2005
Kihei, Maui

Well, no news on lost baggage. The Doubletree in Seattle provided Bob with a starched white shirt and toiletries. Bob borrowed a tie and jacket, and spoke at the lunch meeting.

After a lovely breakfast with Fran, Pres Bonnie picked up the rental car. I gave her a bottle of wine for a Monte Carlo fundraiser for the 8 Maui Clubs. Fran was my tour guide before lunch and my flight to Lihue, Kauai. Mahalo, for everything Fran.

Arriving in Lihue I was picked up by our home hosts PDG Al and Patty Fickers. I found out we were on our way to a party where I met new Rotary friends. Maui mileage was 47.

Sunday March 20, 2005

Well, Bob's luggage should get frequent flyer miles. It finally arrived in Seattle very late Saturday night, via New Orleans. Seriously. But then who needs clean clothes or a suit at PETS?

While Bob was trying to make his way back to Paradise, PDG Al took me to Street Eagle Motorcycle Rentals to arrange a motorcycle for me to ride. I found out that they were babysitting Ole Blue. Tim picked it up from Aloha airlines and brought it back from the airport. They took super care of it. I ended up with another Sportster to ride and ever thing seemed ready for Monday's Ride. We just needed Bob. He arrived in Honolulu about noon. However, with Spring Break travelers at their peak and overbooked flights, he did not leave until 8pm. 40 minutes later he was here. The fate of his luggage--- well, that arrived in Lihue hours earlier. It's just good ole Murphy having fun with us.

Monday March 20, 2005
Lihue, Kauai

Our hostess Patty Ficker, not only prepared us a feast, she played chauffeur, photographer, and general helper. We arrived at Street Eagle in Puhi, where owner Tim Lach had Blue ready for Bob and the Sportser for me. Tim has not only arranged for the pick up and babysitting of Ole Blue, he let me ride one of his bikes for the ride. He also prepped Blue to go back on the Young Brothers Barge to Oahu. A really neat guy. We followed Patty to the Historic County Office Bldg for the start of the ride. There we met "Uncle Jack" Wilhelm, leader of the Sons of Kauai riders. Accompanying him were Harold, Roy, Wayne and Bob. We were proud to see Rotarians Wade Lord, Janos Samu, PDG Gary Siracusa, Lucy Adams, Tom Haydon, Pres Michael Zimmer, Dale and Walter, and many others. Rotarian, Biker and County Councilman Mel Rapozo presented Motorcycle Bob with a Council Certificate. Print media interviewed Bob and took photos of the Centennial Bell on the bike. After the hoopla, we fired up the bikes and woke up the state workers from their 10 am coffee break. We rode all the way across the street where more cameras were waiting for the Mayoral Presentation. More folks. In the rotunda area of the new government building, Mayor Brian Baptiste read a proclamation pronouncing March 20 PolioPlus Day in Kauai. Bob thanked the mayor and we all made our way to the bikes for another video interview. We fired up the bikes again and this time woke up the rest of the local government workers. We actually made it out of town with Uncle Jack in the lead. With a dozen or so bikes, Jack wound our way to Kekaha, which had been a plantation town, and now is host to a naval research center. Onward up the Kekaha Route along the Weimea Canyon, to the Kekee Museum. A small museum, maybe, but it has interesting exhibits of the natural and introduced wildlife of the island. From a viewing area on the way back, we were able to see the Hawaiian Grand Canyon, with its waterfalls and wild goats and tourist helicopters. Down the canyon we could see Niihau, the "forbidden" island. Uncle Jack led us on back to Lihue through the back roads, exposing us to more of the garden island. We finally shut off the engines in Lydgate Park where local Rotarians had prepared a bar-b-que for everyone, including Motorcycle Bob! Back to Puhi and Street Eagle to return the bikes to Tim. With all the fresh air and sunshine and excitement, it was an early evening of sunset watching and laundry. A fun day, riding 105 miles.