In about a week, as The Kindness Bicycle Ride for Heroes passes through Cleveland, Ohio, Bogart will begin his summer-long spa vacation and stay behind with friends. I will be completely busy with visiting all 212 firehouses and all 76 police precincts in the five boroughs of New York City. There will be many days that I am gone from The Kindness Bus for 12 hours or more and Bogart cannot be kept there for much more than a few hours at a time and not at all when it is hot.
Being at my daughter Lizzie’s graduation in Colorado Springs this weekend, two of her friends, Hillary and KK asked if they could give Bogart a bath. How could I say no? Let the pampering begin a week early.

It is graduation weekend at Colorado College in Colorado Springs, Colorado. My daughter Lizzie is graduating and I have set up shop in this town for the next few days.
I got an early start this morning on The Kindness Bicycle to get exposure in this very busy town of families of the graduates.
Anne, an EMT from Falcon, Colorado just north of here was thrilled to support this mission. Tom from Alexandria, Virginia who took today’s photo was equally supportive. Jadi, a local Veteran stopped by The Kindness Bus and took many photos to share with all of her friends.
It was a very busy day for such a short one.

Before leaving Boulder this afternoon I met a father and his daughter who had a very big interest in the message of The Kindness Bus Tour and the bullying information I have begun handing out. They told me about a great organization called The Kind Campaign. The information below is taken directly from their website www.findingkind.com Kind Campaign is an internationally recognized movement, documentary and school program based upon the powerful belief in KINDness that brings awareness and healing to the negative and lasting effects of girl-against-girl “crime.” In February 2009, while attending Pepperdine University, two young girls recognized a problem and decided to do something about it. Lauren Parsekian and Molly Thompson, both affected by female bullying, decided to create a documentary and non-profit that would ultimately change the lives of hundreds of thousands of people across America. The girls have gone on three national tours, spreading their school assembly program and documentary film in hundreds of schools and communities across the country.

Every so often I am asked what The Kindness Bicycle Ride for Heroes is about. I assume with the big signs attached to The Kindness Bicycle that it is self explanatory. I think when I am asked this, people want to know what I am trying to accomplish.
I love talking about this awareness campaign and it’s intent to let everyone know who the real heroes are in today’s society; the individuals who protect our liberties and freedom. This 4,000 mile, 7 month campaign is educating many while creating conversation between even more. It is what I like to call my “Desire to Inspire.”
The miles I ride each day in Boulder are so enjoyable. I stay near traffic for high visibility but at times ride along Boulder Creek which has an incredible view. It is always hard to leave this town but with this ride half over, the east coast is calling.

Boulder has been the perfect host city once again. Every time The Kindness Bus Tour rolls through this town it is as of the entire town opens its arms for a collective hug.
The entire crew at Snooze, an A.M. eatery were a big help. They insisted that The Kindness Bus be parked directly in front of their restaurant all day every day. It is nice to feel so welcome. Dan King from the Boulder Outlook Hotel provided overnight privileges once again as did Aaron from the local McDonalds. Reed, Lisa and others were a big help in caring for Bogart in my absence. They are big dog lovers, but then how could anyone not like Bogart?
Every time I see a “Welcome to Boulder” sign, I’ll know they are talking to me.

In 1994, Boulder, Colorado Police Officer Beth Haynes made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. She was first to respond to a domestic disturbance at an apartment complex. A bystander wouldn’t heed her commands to leave the area so she took the initiative to protect him. It was then the assailant took her life. She epitomizes the true Hero we see every day when Police and Firefighters respond to calls that can put them in harm’s way.
Officer Haynes must have been a very popular person. During my all day honor ride in Boulder today, it was as if I was a local celebrity. Horns blew, well wishes were offered, honks and waves were commonplace. It was a true Hero’s tribute for Officer Beth Haynes.

Outside of the Boulder Police Department Administration building is a memorial garden, dedicated to the six Boulder Police Officers who gave their lives in the line of duty. I visited the Police facility and Detective Kurt Foster took the time to talk with me about the men and women who paid the ultimate price. I was amazed that the last two Heroes to die in the line of duty were women. Tomorrow, I will ride all day in honor of the most recent fatality.
Today’s weather was ideal, allowing to make up some of the miles I missed out on during the 3 days of rain. Boulder is a great town and everyone here seems to support The Kindness Bicycle Ride for Heroes as I ride past them.