Bird Watching and DC Adventuring
Well, I made it to ballpark 19, and yes, I even pedaled up to ballpark 20. Yes, you read that right. Just like that, I’ve hit two more ballparks. Because of the close proximity of these east coast ballparks, the number of stadiums I’ve hit is rising like the thermometer on these hot afternoons.
Let’s start with Baltimore, I had a short ride into the city on Thursday. Nothing harsh. I cruised up to the ballpark around noon and was immediately impressed. It’s a very accessible ballpark with plenty of views into the stadium, especially from the outfield. Plus, that huge warehouse that you can see beyond the right field wall is filled with restaurants and a team store. I thought the design of the stadium was really made to be fan friendly. Impressive to say the least.
I hung out around the ballpark during the afternoon, checking out the Babe Ruth Museum and the surrounding Baltimore activities. There was a ballgame that evening, that I wasn’t scheduled to attend, but it was a JJ Hardy TShirt give away! A former Brewer, who was a fan favorite, especially among the ladies, I had to support that! Right? And some extra baseball will never kill you. So I quick settled in at my hosts place with John and Amanda (they only live a .5 mile walk from the ballpark!). Before we knew it, we were heading over to the ballpark to catch some baseball!
A big thanks to John for grabbing my ticket for the ballgame, as well as accompanying me to the game. The ballgame looked rough early, as the O’s fell behind big time. Down 7-0 and then 9-2 the game looked rough. However, the rally caps almost pulled off another comeback. The bats came alive, but fell just short as the Orioles fell 9-8. It’s been a lot of fun to watch some good baseball. The fans were into the game, and chants reigned through the stadium.
The next day, I got offered an opportunity to tour the inner harbor of Baltimore aboard the Spirit of Baltimore. I’m in! It turned out to be a great way to check out the Baltimore area. From Fort McHenry (the birthplace of the Star Spangled Banner) to the Under Armour World Headquarters, there were plenty of things to see!
This off day, was my first since Atlanta, wayyyy back on July 17th. So yeah, it’s been a while since my legs have had a good rest, and a chance to catch their breath. It was a great feeling to just not hop aboard a bike. To just sit, and be normal for a second. Have a normal day, check the newspaper headlines, take my time in the morning, not race the clock to bike to my destination. I’ll take it.
On Friday, I hit up my second ballgame at Orioles Park at Camden Yards. This is the fourth ballpark I’ve been able to check out two games at! Through reddit, I was able to meet up with a few different fans who had been following my journey throughout the season. I’ve said it once, I’ve said it twice, and I’ll say it again! I LOVE meeting the fans of each team. It makes the ballpark experience so much better. The Oriole faithful are proud to don their orange attire, and even prouder to share their love for the O’s. They love their Natty Boh beer, which happens to be brewed in Milwaukee, as well as their crab. I won’t complain about either of those snacks!
The Orioles looked to have fallen behind big again. Down 6-0 early, the outlook was looking dim. That sure changed quickly. The bats awoke and the O’s rallied back for the win. I want to thank everyone I met up with in the ballpark. It was a blast getting to meet people who have supported me throughout this journey. Some of them, had even been following the trip from the very get go. I’ve said it once, and I’ll say it again, this kind of support is what makes this trip possible. Thank you.
I made the ride to DC the following morning. The short 45 mile ride was certainly welcome after the handful of centuries I had been doing in weeks previously. Before I knew it, I was at the doorstep of Nationals Park. My uncle Vern, who has resided in DC for many years met me at the ballpark. It’s always, always, great to see a familiar face. I’ve been on the road for 4 months. I love meeting strangers, but sometimes you just want to see some familiarity.
My hosts Kyle and Stefanie really helped me out. From driving me around town to giving me a place to stay. I really appreciate it! Kyle even worked in a local bike shop and helped me out with some big overhauls. Those miles add up quickly, and repairs become extremely necessary. When I hop on my bike Tuesday, I’m looking forward to cruising smoothly and efficiently. Woohoo!
The Half St. Irregulars, a fan group of the Washington Nationals have really rolled out the red carpet. Led by Lisa, the group has done a tremendous job with hosting me. From a Potomac Nationals game, to catching a tour of Nationals Park, I really enjoyed my time in DC. I haven’t even watched an MLB game yet!
How am I feeling? I’ve biked close to 9,000 miles. 9,000! AH. I’ve hit 20 ballparks now. Are you kidding me? That’s insane. Honestly, if you would have asked me about doing this three years ago, I would have called you crazy. Insane. Absurd. Yet here I am, on this trip of a lifetime, raising money for one incredible cause. Has it been worth it thus far? No doubt in my mind. From the hardship to the triumphs, I wouldn’t change a thing. Well except having the Brewers win the two games I saw in KC. I’ve had people I’ve never met, donate towards the cause. 5-500 dollars. Insane. Complete strangers see what I’m doing and are inspired to make a difference with the cause. On top of that, I’ve had countless individuals share with me that they became mentors because of this trip. That’s what makes me smile, get teary eyed, and proud. That’s a kid who is going to have his life changed because of this trip. That will always be worth it. Always. So, as I sit, and stare at the map and look at how far I’ve ridden, how far I’ve come, I don’t really believe it. It hasn’t hit me. However, I look to the future and see the end in sight. For the first time. But there’s still an opportunity to impact more lives, more kids, and raise more money. Get involved. Become a mentor. Donate. Help change some lives! Visit www.bbbs.org to sign up, or donate right here on the B4B website.
Just as the sun is guaranteed to rise tomorrow, I’ll guarantee I’ll just keep pedaling.
Matt