My latest trip is a two city destination full of adventure. I am proud to be apart of Team USA Britain Bound. A really cool program that is a partnership between the USOC and Visit Britain. Through their partnership five Olympians and two Paralympians are going to visit Britain before the games and not for competition. We are going to be visiting the venues for the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and historical sites around England, Wales, and Scotland. So on July 26th the two groups got together and launched the www.TeamUSA.org/britainbound in New York City. I got meet five of the other athletes going that are apart of the Britain Bound. Both the athletes and the organizers for the Visit Britain and USOC are amazing people. I had a lot of fun and look forward to going over to London, Wales, and Stoke Mandeville.
On the 27th I had another wonderful experience, well two for that matter. The first was riding in Central Park and the streets of New York. It is really awesome that in the middle of a concrete jungle there is an oasis for those who need the green. The second was much more exciting. My sister and I went to the United Nations to be at the start of the one year count down to the opening ceremonies of the 2012 Olympic Games in London. We were apart of something much bigger then either of us was expecting. During the ceremony we both met UK Ambassador and Permanent Representative, Sir Mark Lyall Grant, the Secretary-General, His Excellency Mr Ban Ki-moon, and Olympian and now UN Goodwill Ambassador Carl Lewis. The main The three of them unveiled Olympic Countdown Clock at the United Nations Headquarters. I was awesome to be apart of such an amazing event. I don’t think I can remember ever being in the presence of such amazing and courageous people. I met true world leaders and they are very humbling.
On the 28th I had another amazing day. I got to explore the surrounding area of Huntington, NY where my sister and her Fiance live. That afternoon I made my not so annual visit to A Step Ahead where my prosthetic was built. My prosthetist, Erik, always gives me grief for not coming by more often but he always seems to take care of my leg. Expecting just an alignment fix I walked away on a new to me knee, shock, and accessories. He also fixed the socket so that it would fit better. So until the next time I show up for a new leg, if I can get the support, I will at least be able to sneak up on people again.
The next day I went into the city with my sister and went to the Met. I went to the Alexander McQueen exhibit. A must see. He was a brilliant fashion designer that tore the standard apart. His works are amazing. If I had just an ounce of his ability and apply that in my engineering or sports I would be untouchable. After the museum I went for a long ride in the park. I can’t ever say that I have sweated that much while riding outside, New York is just out right muggy right now. It was a good ride and good people watching even on a bike. For dinner Haley, Mike (fiance), and I went for Hibachi in Huntington. After that they showed me around town and Mike gave me a quick history of the area.
On a beautiful morning Mike took Haley and I out boating. We had breakfast sandwiches, mini donuts, and coffee while out on the boat, perfect. Mike caught a fish and Haley and I nothing but it was a gorgeous day. Great last day with Haley and Mike. I was then off to Chicago. I went to Chicago for the Beyond Water Beach Party with Adaptive Adventures. I got to stay at the Hilton on Michigan Ave in downtown. It was beautiful hotel and great hospitality. A crossed from the hotel was a summer concert and I found a great place for deep dish pizza. At the beach party there was Kayaking and Cycling and BBQ for all to enjoy. The party was on the lake and it was another beautiful day. The party was a great way to finish the week.