David Freeze

By David Freeze

50^th state cycling adventures comes to a close

   The Big Island of Hawaii is the nation’s largest island with an area of 4028 square miles. It has the world’s tallest mountain from ocean floor to summit as Mauna Kea rises 33,476 feet in that manner. And it has the southernmost point in the 50 states at Ka Lae, or “South Point”. And Hawaii is the only state once ruled by its own royalty.

    An amazing place for sure! But being confident in the beginning that I could see everything on one island in a week was a big mistake. I had plenty of good information as I flew to Hawaii and the usual desire to see everything possible. I saw Mauna Kea from a distance and was on the same road to reach South Point but didn’t have time for the hike to either one.

    What I did see was most active volcano in the world at Kilauea in the Volcanoes National Park. Think a smaller Grand Canyon but with steam vents just biding their time. I saw whales in the ocean, once from my room on the last evening and I saw the amazing waterfalls and flora and fauna of one island of the beautiful state. I met the amazing people, nearly all ready with a smile as soon or even before I was.

     I used to write about how friendly the locals were when I traveled to a new American city. After seeing all 50 states, my award goes to the native Hawaiians. Friendly and outgoing, and so happy. We should all learn that lesson.

    My last night was the most relaxing on the island, not that they all weren’t, but just because my list of things to figure out had dwindled to just how to spend my last morning before returning to the airport. I’ll admit that the time difference made sleeping enough very hard. I wanted to get up at midnight and get on the road by 2am, matching the times back here.

    Imagine sitting on your own room patio and watching a humpback whale surface just offshore. Not once, but twice. Then the ocean slapped against the seawall just 30 feet from that same chair all night long, the best sleep aid I could have.

     I did sleep well on that last night and had a decent run early in the always present humidity. Then a wonderful breakfast of bagels, fresh pineapple and papaya. I knew my time on the island was ending. There was enough time left to walk about a mile and half through Kona, do a little shopping, and savor the environment of peace and tranquility of Sunday morning in Hawaii. I heard an open-air church service from the the second floor of a restaurant and bar. I kept counting down the minutes and finally pressed the phone app to summon Uber. It was time to go.

     Just five minutes later, Alice pulled up and I loaded my bags in her car. During the 15 minute ride to the airport, we talked about my time on the island, and hers too as a native Hawaiian. My impressions and hers weren’t far apart. As a native Hawaiian, we talked about prices, the climate and even whale watching. Alice knew a place that visitors don’t see and when I go back, I’ll find it. She told me the name of Bougainvillia plants and their flowers that thrive even in the lava rock.

     I saw all the main roads, either on the bike (about 175 miles), a tour van or the almost free bus service. I missed the southern side of the island between the Kilauea and south of Kona. When I pedal the long rides, I always have to leave a few things behind to see next time, and you can bet I’ll do my best to return. And visit some of the other islands too. I love the Hawaiian music and words. Next time, I will bring my own bike seat for sure!

      The Kona airport is open air and perfect, except for Sunday’s high intensity TSA rush and then going through an agriculture inspection. My flight to LA was on time, and the connecting flight to Charlotte arrived at 6am on Monday morning.

      Back safe and sound again! Thanks to God for that, for riding with me as always. And for the support of the Post readers, especially Tim and Linda Hoffner, Bill Godley, Leonard Wood and Dick and Jean Richards. To everyone, we’ve done 50 states, the District of Columbia, Canada twice and all the Great Lakes together. Mahalo (Thanks) to every one of you for riding along for some or all of the journey. We did it together!  

 Today felt more normal with a great mix of people and scenery. And some challenges and surprises too!

  To begin with, my butt is doing better with the different bike seat. I’ve learned to raise up just enough when crossing those dreaded bumps. Next time, I will bring my own seat. I had an agenda after another wonderful night in good hotel, the Hotel Honoka’a Club. It rained most of the night and loud birds were chirping constantly. I loved it all.

   First, I wanted to start down the coast toward Hilo and explore along the way. The road shoulder for the most part were plenty wide and traffic was moderate and courteous. Being on a new bike makes me unsure at times but all turned out well. First up was a stop at Donna’s Cookies, a fast moving little cookie factory right on the highway. As soon as you enter, they give out samples. I chose peanut butter and got 10 cookies for a great price. The boss let me take their picture, but all the ladies got serious and looked down instead of laughing as they had been.

    I moved on and just happened to ride by the smallest Post Office I have ever seen. Just about an 8ft. X 8ft., with one operator inside. I met Mary Jo Stevenson coming out and we struck up a conversation across the road that soon moved to just in front of the building. Mary Jo is a local pastor and former Ironman Triathlon competitor. Mary Jo said, “At one time, this was the smallest PO in America and the tour buses used to stop often. Not sure if it still is.”

  After that, I had my heart set on the Akaka Falls State Park. Mary Jo told me it was uphill and was it ever at about 400 feet in elevation per mile for nearly four miles. I had read about some theft occurring from parked cars and wondered what I could do with the $2800 bike. I got the one park attendant to watch it and all turned out well. The falls are spectacular, at 442 feet which doubles the height of Niagara Falls. Got some great pictures and rocketed down the hill to Mr. Ed’s Bakery in Hononu. I met Rick, Jenny and Patty from Livermore, California amid a great conversation of cycling in general and my 50th state. Rick’s group sampled most everything in the store while I got a blueberry and a lilikoi turnover. Lillikoi is made of passion fruit and I am about to eat it now. I did sample the taste and loved it.

   Next up was decision time about where to spend the night in Hilo. I chose Arnott’s Lodging and Adventures where I have a very unique room. There are two other bedrooms in this apartment but no one will use them, leaving me with a large bathroom and kitchen for my own use through early Saturday morning. Gloria did a great job of taking care of me and it is from here that I take a van tour of the Volcanoes National Park on Friday.

  Then will come free time in the afternoon in Hilo. I am on the beach, and have been directed to a nearby black sand beach and rainbow falls. I’ll be on the bike again for these places and more. Tentatively, the bike and I plan to return to Kona early on Saturday morning.

   Today was the best day yet in Hawaii! I loved it all except that terrible climb, or maybe the terrible climb just made all the rest seem better. With that, I hope you will join me for Friday’s update and some more fun. Keep sending your messages and ideas, and those prayers too! See you back here tomorrow!

By David Freeze

 Following the best sleep yet since I arrived in Hawaii, I had big plans for today. After a healthy meal the evening before in Hawaii, I wanted to climb the Kohala Mountain Road and keep rolling for close to 80 miles and make Hilo late this evening. Nothing like that occurred.

   I rode back into Hawi and headed up a step grade immediately as I turned left on Kohala Mountian Road. Pedaling regularly at 8-10 percent grade,  I was soaked and pouring sweat immediately. I needed 22 miles to make Waimea this way, but a fast route of 30 miles back the way I came the day before  would have included lots of downhill. Still I wanted the hilly route or thought I did. I found beautiful hay, cattle and horse farms with amazing views of the Pacific far below. I also found lots of traffic and many tight curves and almost no shoulder.

   The highlight of the morning was meeting Stark Draper from Toronto as he caught me from behind with 1,500 feet of elevation to go. We rode together for a while and then made photos before he headed off. In my delirium, I am pretty sure that Stark has been delayed from going back to work by the coronavirus.

   Once in a while, I just have nothing and today was that day. A constant slug uphill dragging along the extra 50 pounds of gear didn’t go well. Once over the 3,500 foot pass, I found mostly an easy coast downhill into Waimea, a good sized town for the Big Island. My first stop at a convenience store was for two little ice cream containers and a huge bottle of water. All that sweat and effort left me to try and refuel like I had before in similar times.

    I gave up on the idea of a Hilo today. So I called Siri’s cheap motel in Waimea and got a price of $222 for tonight. Then I asked the proprietor of the convenience store what I could expect ahead and was told no motels existed until I made Hilo. I asked two residents while they pumped gas and they both agreed, although an inebriated customer told me there was some but he couldn’t remember where. The two guidebooks I have been using listed none.

   Intent to head for Hilo on a so far crappy day, I stopped once more at the Shell station and asked Rae. She didn’t know but suggested I asked Siri. My pronunciation of Hawaii names got Rae laughing. But we found one, the Hotel Honoka’a Club. I called ahead and headed that way.

   Suddenly my energy was back and a slightly downhill road helped a lot. Just 90 minutes later, I had a room in a 1926 era hotel in one of the best little towns I have come across. Maybe the best since several Idaho towns and their gunfighter hotels of the late 1880’s. There is no TV and just like last night’s motel, no AC or heat. But who needs either in Hawaii? It has been raining since I got here and is pouring now. The owners, Jory Watland and Annelle Lee are fabulous and shared lots of information and a very fair price for the room I got.

   Honokaa was a sugar production town just following the Civil War and continued until 1994. Now all those old town buildings have found life in more modern touristy businesses. I walked around town just before the heavy rain came and loved it all.

    Tomorrow, I do plan to make Hilo while stopping in the other little towns on reportedly one of the most beautiful  coasts anywhere in Hawaii. And the Akaka Falls State Park is on the way. I have booked the bike until early Saturday morning, so there is still much to do.

   I have been trying to rehydrate this evening as the heavy rain continues to fall, very happy that I am not out riding in it. While not the day I expected, it was still a good day and I am ready for less up and down riding tomorrow.

   See you back here tomorrow for Thursday’s report from the Big Island!

By David Freeze

  I am at the Club Hotel tonight on the eastern side of Havi, pronounced Haavee. I just took my first ever outside shower, not associated with a campground, on one of these trips. I have this great little throwback room in a motel left over from the 50’s. There are two bathrobes hanging in the room for me to us and my bathroom is right beside my room. And the shower is just underneath it and accessed from the yard. It is all so cool and is the first room that has been reasonable on the whole trip.

I ran five miles this morning and checked out of the Kona Beach Hostel. I gave it rave reviews for everything except a $16 charge if you don’t stay a two nights back to back. I will probably go back later in the week.

The rental bike came from Bike Works in Kona, another good deal if I don’t wreck it. It is a $2800 carbon hybrid bike, supposed to be heavy enough to carry the 50-60 pounds I’m lugging along. Once the bike was set up with bag racks, the mechanic sent me outside to try it. It felt very awkward, especially since they had me test it out on a narrow and sloping parking lot. Once I got it all loaded, I still walked it through a strip shopping center parking lot, slightly afraid to try the bike with the load on it until I was on level ground.

 All worked out well but I am still on the hook if I wreck it. They made me sign a $2800 credit card receipt, just in case. I brought my own pedals but should have brought my own seat too. The seat is terrible so far. I’ve been applying chamois butter all day. Day 1 is in the books and I am probably going to use the bike for at least three. About 59 miles today.

 Several highlights occurred today. I stopped at the first convenience store on the way out of Kona and saw the highest prices I have seen yet. A $3.99 bagel and one of those little banana nut breads for $8.99. I used the bathroom and got away from there fast.

Next after miles and miles of riding through the lava fields, a windy area that makes up most of the Ironman Triathlon bike course, I saw a big crowd gathered around a blue enclosed trailer. A dozen people were ordering or waiting to pickup their malasadas, an apparent special donut unique to Hawaii. It is one big puff of pastry with the topping still hot in the middle. When I ordered, I asked how long to make two Bavarian cream donuts and one of her Mango Lemonades. I had only been on the rode for 30 miles and needed a boost. The operator whispered that she would serve me out the back window while the others waited at the front. I could only eat one and drink the fantastic Mango drink.

 It is an almost never ending 20 mile climb coming into Havi and I was worn out when I made the top of the hill and the triathlon turnaround. The cyclists make great time on their way back through the sea level town of Kawaihae and back to Kona.

While in Kawaihae, another of the wonderfully named towns, I asked the clerk at a store if she knew of reasonable nearby hotels. She gave me two names and one was closed for the day at 3:30 pm. The message said, “We’re open to 4 every day but it is Hawaiian time if we have already closed.”

After checking into this wonderful Club Motel, I rode back uphill to the Takata grocery store. Prices were reasonable but not a banana could be found in the store. I did buy a bean filled Anpan, another Hawaiian treat.

 I am beginning to find that the Hawaiians are a very happy group when away from the town of Kona. One guy smiled and laughed when he gave me directions and the Havi police chief smiled a lot when we talked about my 50th state cycled.

The goal has been completed, but it’s back on the saddle again tomorrow. I plan to go over the mountain into Waimea and then make part of the journey toward Hilo.  Hilo and Juno are the real towns on the Big Island, and Hilo is the gateway to the Volcanoes National Park.

So, join me again tomorrow when we see what is special about Wednesday’s ride. Thanks to Leonard Wood for advice and support for this adventure. I hope you all will keep riding along.

By David Freeze

After 23 straight hours of mostly awake time, I went to bed in Kona, Hawaii, thinking I had a pretty good plan. My goal for the week is to spend at least three days riding, a day mostly trying to see whales and a day at the Kilauea volcano. I also want to see as many sunsets as I can while on the western side of the Big Island. I got one great one last night. Tonight is drizzly and cloudy so I may not be able to see one tonight. There is a big luau at the resort I stayed at last night, so I hope to check that out.

  I started this morning with a 5.5 mile run, part of it on the Ironman Triathlon course. I read that a Chinese billionaire owns the rights to the event after paying 900 million dollars for it. Lots of runners and cyclists seem to be out on the course daily. I already recognize the street and road names and some of the locations I have seen on TV.

  Next, with an idea toward saving some money in this very expensive area, I walked four plus  miles to Captain Dan’s Whale Watch boat leaving out of Honokohau Harbor. We left with 40 people and three more crew for a “3 hour tour”, but for all you Gilligan fans, we all did come back.

   For two hours, we road out to deep water, about 4,000 ft, and after seeing nothing, we came back in the area near the harbor where a humpback whale was sighted this morning. Adult humpbacks, as big as a school bus, have an amazing story. They live near southern Alaska for most of the year, then they migrate to Hawaii to breed, during which time they don’t eat. The mother loses as much as five tons during the January to March period. Those whales travel as much as 6,000 miles a year. Once pregnant, the humpbacks return to Alaska to recover weight before returning to Hawaii one year later where the baby whale is born.

  Other whales in the area are pilot, beeked, sperm and several more. But humpbacks are rockstars, the ones tourists want to see. And luckily we did spot mother and child when then came up for air probably a dozen times. At least five other whale boats and a big dive boat all followed them too for about 30 minutes until they left the area.

  It was a wonderful time on the water, upper 70s and partly sunny. The water just off the land mass is a deep blue and clear to more than 100 feet down. The captain asked those onboard to keep looking down because whales often pass under the boat.

   While whale watching, we were treated to drinks, Hawaiian fruit and finally, lavender scented hand towels. I tried to look like this wasn’t my first time. CJ and Rico took care of the 40 passengers and Captain Dan made sure we knew plenty about the whales. I was fascinated on my first ever whale watching journey. I’ve always wanted to do it but just like the July 4th rodeo in the Badlands, those items have been done!

   I walked back to town, therefore totaling 13 1/2 miles for the day, and saving about $40 in Uber fees. It drizzled on the way back and is now very cloudy. I am staying in the Kona Beach Hostel tonight and possibly tomorrow night as well. I have a private room and a bathroom next door. Very nice so far, but let’s see what the night brings.

   My plan is to pick up the bike tomorrow and either ride north or south. North is the Ironman course, south is another interesting area with black and green sand beaches. South also puts me nearer the Volcanoes National Park.

    Gas here is about $3.81 a gallon, no plastic bags are allowed and I am slowing finding ways to afford things. ABC stores have lots of other things including decent priced sandwiches and very affordable water and snacks. But I did see a $28 t-shirt today.

   Thanks to the Post, Father and Son Produce, Godley’s Garden Center and Dick Richards for helping to provide this event. I will see you back for details on Tuesday’s bike ride. Thanks ahead for sending your prayers!

By David Freeze

Hawaii trip begins

  What began in 2012 as just a first cycling adventure into West Virginia, will reach a major goal soon. I’m headed to Hawaii on Sunday, March 8^th and will spend a week cycling and exploring the Big Island. That first trip began auspiciously. I loaded some heavy gear on a mountain bike to ride for a 3-day trip, and promptly fell off before I even left the parking lot. On that day, I began to learn new things about how to travel by bike. I’m still learning.

  With 49 states completed, I’ve been planning for Hawaii for months but now that it is almost time to go, there is still much to decide. I will arrive in Kona on Sunday afternoon after 14 hours of travel. Lots of flight time and more opportunities to plan. As always, this will be a solo journey. A wrong turn, a bad choice or a bike to repair will be my responsibility alone.

   Here’s what I know. Tentatively, the big things on my bucket list will all be found on this one island. I want to ride the real Ironman bike course, all 112 miles of it. Whale watching on a boat should happen, along with a journey to the peak of Kilauea, one of the world’s most active volcanoes. I know that crazy beautiful waterfalls are accessible, and I plan to see lots of little towns as I ride around most of the island. The Big Island is a larger land mass than if all the other Hawaiian Islands were pulled together.

     My regular bike won’t make the trip to save on the high cost of shipping and packing. Last night, I booked a sort of hybrid mountain bike that can be used on the road. The big benefit of using this bike is the fact that I can carry my gear. The reason for the bike choice and need to carry at least some gear is that I have no idea how the week will develop. I’ve got the bike for three days and can extend that. As always, a plan will develop. Some camping might be involved.

      I have been devouring all the information I can on what to expect. Here are just a few highlights. Hawaii doesn’t do daylight savings time and I will be five time zones west of here. Alaska was four. The Kona side of the island will be warm and dry during my stay and it is also the best side to see whales. The other side, around Hilo, is rainy and cloudy nearly every day. Temperatures are similar on both sides, with highs in the 70’s and lows in the 60’s. The Hilo side is the best gateway to the Volcanoes National Park, where I hope to spend most of one day. Kona is dry, touristy and has the lava look. Hilo is more tropical with plenty of lush green areas.

    It didn’t take me long way back in 2012 to understand that the trip will be about the people I meet. There will be some unforeseen challenges and the overall cost will be similar to my whole trip from Nevada to Alaska last summer. In other words, the guidebooks suggest that I not be surprised at very high prices. As always, I will still work hard to find deals and won’t be afraid to ask for them. I have also been told to expect a certain laid back response from locals, sometimes call “Island time”.

     And the big elephant in the room is the coronavirus. What effect will it have on the trip? I won’t live in fear and will always do my best to stay safe, but the excitement is building to start this adventure. The complete daily updates with photos will be published once again at www.salisburypost.com

     So, with that, send your prayers and follow along. As always, Lord, ride with me today! There is another adventure just waiting around the next turn.       

By David Freeze

    I often wonder if others get as excited about every new day as I do. I just came back in from a Sunday run, amazed that I got to see one of those sunrises filled with reds, blues and oranges. That sight was awe inspiring, but I wouldn’t have seen it without getting up at 4:40am, running the right route and finishing just at the right time. Within minutes, the awesome sunrise had clouded over.

    I mentioned getting up at 4:40am. Some days, I can’t even wait that long. Two things have happened to my day as I’ve gotten older. I go to bed later and I have continually pushed my get up time earlier. It isn’t always when I wake up because the alarm does break the silence on some mornings. Still, on most days, I am already awake by the planned “get out of bed” time.

    What makes the early mornings happen is the excitement for the upcoming day. I remember one Christmas morning when I was about 12. There was a good chance that a real bicycle of my own was going to be under the tree, or at least in the same room. Just on the other side of one door, the magic of Christmas waited. I hardly slept that night and finally at some point had to get up and look. What I found was a brand new Schwinn bicycle, all shiny and ready for all the joy it could bring. I didn’t know how to ride but anticipation of learning was another joy ahead.

     Over the years, I began to seek those days with something special on the agenda. Including those made by others as much as driven by me. The best ones come with maybe a little missed sleep filled with anticipation with what might happen. Others are surprises, just like the sunrise this morning.

    In just the last few days, here are a few examples. Our local running club culminated months of planning Wednesday with the announcement that a check for over $13,000 would be presented to Rowan Helping Ministries, our local homeless shelter. One of my favorite young runners just scored 1,000 points in her high school basketball career. And my YMCA basketball team, 5^th and 6^th graders, just finished their season yesterday with huge improvement and many lessons learned over a 10 week season. Today, I saw the sunrise.

    Those few days of excitement should lead to more. In fact, I will do my best to make it so. My new granddaughter is coming to visit tomorrow afternoon, with no particular agenda. That’s right after I get to work with three of my wellness clients who are seeking better health. Interaction with them is always fun. Mixed in is a produce delivery to Partners in Learning, something that I started years ago in hopes of improving the diet of day care kids and staff.

     There is much to do. We’re planning a much improved walking and running track at one of our area parks. The pieces are coming together. And an annual fundraiser called Love They Neighbor is well underway to benefit a young mother with colon cancer.

      Back to the early mornings, why does it work for me? Years ago, as a young dad, I remember getting up at 5:30 am nearly every day. Since then, my mornings consistently get earlier. And people seem to marvel at that. I don’t understand why. I want more of those experiences described above. As much for experiences received as for gifts I can give. Fitting them in with my daily exercise and work responsibilities have driven the earlier wake-up time. I’ll take the trade!

    I recently came across a forgotten Bible verse that backs these thoughts. From those to whom much is given, much is expected! Luke 12:48. Count me in Lord, I’ll do what I can.

     All this from a guy with two small year-round Christmas trees, one upstairs and one down. Yes, the lights stay on full time. As for me, I’m going to celebrate Christmas every day!

By David Freeze

A lot of effort goes into NC’s oldest 8K and fourth oldest race of any distance. Last Sunday marked 37 years of Winter Flight’s existence. Only 411 registrants came to Salisbury from five states. I say “only” very lightly because it was the largest Winter Flight in ten years and currently the largest running event in Rowan.

One of Salisbury’s long-time runners, Lyn Boulter, moved to Ocean Isle Beach in January. When boxing up her things, Lyn found some extensive information that she had retained as co-race director of the 1992 Winter Flight. I found that information amazing, especially since serving as the 2020 WF director.

Back in 1992, there were two major races in NC during February, WF and another in Raleigh called the Run for the Roses 5K. Long before the current glut of races that every charity seems to have, Salisbury had one of the biggest and best races in the state. And yes, it was often held in very early February.

Here are some of the interesting figures from their record keeping, very well done and finely detailed. Major sponsors were Silver Eagle Distributors, the title sponsor, Thor-Lo and the Salisbury Rowan Merchants. Major expenses were Jim Young’s timing company from Raleigh, a huge amount of sweatshirts and long sleeve shirts, a sound system, a volunteer breakfast at Shoney’s, postage (before email and websites) and awards.

The 1992 race had almost 1200 runners, just off the 1400 for the biggest one ever. Newsletter records following the race say that members wanted to consider moving the race from Catawba College, add Pepsi as a major sponsor and attract 2,000 runners in 1993.

Income from sponsors, entry fees and sold concessions was just under $21,000. Entry fees made up over $12,000 and sponsors were $7,650 of that total. Concessions aren’t sold at today’s race but they were with some success in 1992. Total expenses were over $15,000. That Winter Flight raised just under $7,000, which mostly went to club expenses. Salisbury Rowan Runners was a much smaller club then, but a larger percentage of members were active regularly. Almost every member participated as a volunteer or runner and often both.

Flash forward to 2020, and some things were different while others remained the same. The same was especially interesting. We’re still at Catawba College, 28 years later. Sponsorship raised was almost the same, and the title sponsor was a beer provider. Trophies and awards were made by the Trophy House then and still were this year. Registration dollars lagged only slightly behind this year with almost 800 less participants.

On the different side, average registration was $12 in 1992 while average paid registration this year was a little over $32. A handful of sponsors participated in 1992, while 53 businesses supported the event this year.

For extra volunteers, the 1992 WF used the Lions Club while the recent event received major volunteer support from Rowan Helping Ministries. Total SRR, RHM and other volunteer and professional support this year was about 80 people. I expect it was similar in 1992.

Winter Fight 2020 was a great day again for Salisbury and also for Rowan Helping Ministries. All those sponsors, volunteers and participants came together in a big way. With just a small amount of final accounting remaining, Rowan Helping Ministries will receive a check in the neighborhood of $13,000 within the next 10 days. And already, planning is underway for the 38^th annual event on January 31^st, 2021. Hope to see you there! There is a distance and community celebration for everyone.

With one cancellation, we only have one race for February. The always fun Will Run for Food 5K is set for February 29^th. The race at Centenary Methodist Church uses a fast course and supports packaging of dried meals for those in need. Check it out at www.salisburyrowanrunners.org

By David Freeze

    I grew up idolizing my hero, New York Yankees baseball star, Mickey Mantle. Living on a small rural dairy farm, I really had to work to find someone to play ball with. My brother and sister didn’t care for sports much and still don’t. I couldn’t get enough of football or basketball, but baseball had that special appeal. At that time, I think baseball was truly America’s game. To me, it still is.

     Baseball on TV was rare then but sometimes I could get a game on the radio while sitting on the front porch swing during nice summer nights. We didn’t have air conditioning at home, so the cool night air was often a relief from a warm house. Just me and my small radio, searching for any game but especially grateful on the nights that the proper atmosphere allowed reception of a station carrying Yankees baseball.

     I had a cousin who often visited who loved the game as much as me. We could sometimes get my brother to play baseball games with us. I can never remember more than the three of us at home playing.

     Most fun of all was little league baseball that we played in Landis. I played on the Lions and my brother, along with our nearest neighbor, played on the Firemen. Our parents often shared the rides for the three of us to practices and games. There were only four teams in our league and we played twice a week.

     I remember my first time at the old Landis ballpark, originally used for semi-pro and high school baseball. The covered wooden stands and the field itself both seemed huge, especially to a small 11 year old boy. We had a team shirt, which I still have, and a ball cap. That shirt lasted a long time. Those games were more than 50 years ago.

      Another thing that lasted a long time were the baseballs. I remember how special we felt to ever see a new baseball. The pictures I have seen of early 1900’s major league players never included a new white baseball. All our practices were done with old balls, some of them heavy from getting wet previously. Those were also the days of the good little league teams only having three or four wooden bats. Yes, wooden bats just like the major league players used. Old balls and well-worn bats simply were baseball back then.

       Most games began with a new ball and a good used one as backup. We just needed enough balls as a team to warm up with. Should one of the game balls get lost, the home team had to put in play one of their best warmup balls. Someone was always sent to look for a lost game ball on the very big field at Landis. And they kept looking until the ball was found.

      My point here is that game balls were often used for a long time and could on occasion begin to show damage. First signs would be scuffs and occasionally the stitching began to break. Little red threads made those stitches and one break usually led to another. Still we played on unless the cover did actually begin to come loose. Each time the ball was hit hard, the cover would continue to unravel. The horsehide started to flap but only on the rare occasion could someone hit the ball so hard the cover actually came off. Usually a mammoth clout finished off the ball and another one from the warm- up bag replaced it. No one complained and we all thought losing the coverless ball was just a part of the game. But the mammoth clout wasn’t that common and took special effort.

      But how about that baseball, the one with the cover knocked off? Roy Hobbs, in the movie, The Natural, hit it so hard and well that the ball unraveled on the way to the outfield. In our life, should we always try our hardest for the things we believe in. The term, “Knock the cover off the ball”, today means going hard, giving our best and just simply making the best effort we can for the intended result. How we can go wrong when doing that?

    Do your best on your walk of faith. If God tells you to do something, work hard and do your best. God will do all the things you can’t do.

     Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. 1 Corinthians 9:24-25.

By David Freeze

Sunday’s Winter Flight sponsors and runners help homeless

My favorite event of the year happens on Sunday afternoon. As a participant, volunteer and eventually race director, I have wanted to build an interesting race every year that attracts runners and walkers of all abilities to Salisbury.

This will be our first Winter Flight year as a Runner Friendly Community, a national designation that fewer than 60 cities nationwide have. I hope you’ve noticed those signs near the major entrances to Salisbury. Something just fits when these words are mentioned together; Salisbury, runners and doing good things for the community.

For 37 years, Winter Flight has been one of the best races in the southeast, attracting some amazing athletes. The female course record is still held by a former Olympian, Joan Nesbitt of Chapel Hill. But the races are about all the people who choose to take their own time to run or walk in Salisbury to help support those of our neighbors who need it most.

The historic 8K course is challenging, but I hear every year about those who have done most of the 37 events. Just last year, we had participants from Hawaii, California and five more states. None of them had a chance to win either the 8K or the 5K, but they came for the experience and the final result of supporting the homeless.

Last year, Winter Flight’s three events raised a record $12,000 for Rowan Helping Ministries. Our goal from day one of planning was to top that total with Sunday afternoon’s event.
Careful purchasing, thoughtful best practices, and lots of community partners make me think we can do it. At least 35 community partners, led by title sponsor New Sarum Brewing Company, all help us in the effort.

And lots and lots of runners and walkers from near and far add the final pieces to pull it all together.

Kyna Grubb, Executive Director at Rowan Helping Ministries said, “Winter Flight is an opportunity for a generous and compassionate community rallying together to ensure those who are hungry, homeless, or hurting are not forgotten. The success of this event makes it possible for many of our most fragile citizens to have a safe space to rest, with a roof over their head and the resources needed to overcome challenging obstacles in their life and find stable housing. The Salisbury Rowan Runners Club is an amazing partner helping to feed our neighbors and ensure families in Rowan County no longer have to wonder where their next meal will come from or make a choice to warm their home or have a nutritious meal. From serving in Jeannie’s Kitchen to hosting races, Salisbury Rowan Runners Club demonstrates concern backed by action for our community’s health and happiness.”

Bottom line, if you enjoy some time outside, want to test yourself with exercise and just enjoy helping a good cause for a reasonable fee, Kyna and I would love to see you join us at Catawba College’s Goodman Gymnasium to sign up for one of three races. If you don’t want to run or walk, just come out and support those who do. The 8K is open to runners of all abilities. The 5K Health Run and Walk is open to anyone. The course is much easier with only one real hill. Finally, the half-mile fun run is open to anyone of any age or ability and it is held on the Shuford Stadium track.

Registration is available at www.runsignup through Saturday night, at the City Park Recreation building on Saturday evening from 6-8 p.m. and at Catawba’s Goodman Gym from noon to 2 p.m. More information is available at www.salisburyrowanrunners.org or 704-310-6741.

Every 5K and 8K participant gets an incredible commemorative hoodie and a chance at some awesome awards. But better yet is the chance to know that you and a bunch of your friends and neighbors contributed to something much bigger.

I can’t wait to see you at Catawba on Sunday.