July 2, 2022 – AmazingRide, Indiana – Mother Nature was definitely in charge Thursday as a strong northerly wind punched me in the face as I pedaled south out of Hammond, Indiana on the Erie Lackawanna Trail.
The trail was paved and extremely well marked as it kept me off busy roads for about 17 miles before dropping me in Crown Point which was a throwback town that featured a couple of wonderful dated signs.
A bit of history on Indiana’s Erie Lackawanna Rail Trail – It was originally part of the right of way of the Chicago and Atlantic railway which was completed between Marion, Ohio and the state line near Hammond in June 1880.
In the 20th century the route became famous for its fast-freight trains between Chicago and the East Coast. Because the Erie railroad avoided the congestion of most big cities it moved freight faster than many rival railroads.
From 1960 to 1968, having fallen on hard times, the railroad changed ownership frequently, but after several attempts failed to independently revive the western end of the line it was sold primarily to scrappers who dismantled the railroad beginning in 1979.
Small portions of the one-time Chicago and Atlantic railway in Indiana and Ohio survived in the original business as Shortline railroads.
Stopped at a church in DeMotte, IN hoping to lay the groundwork for a place to stay about 20 miles down the road and crossed paths with Zach Stanberry.
A large man with a salt-and-pepper beard, Zach took up the torch on my behalf and made a bunch of phone calls. I pushed along with confidence something would happen, and it did.
Within a half mile I ran into a familiar face standing at the side of the road. ”I called my wife and you’re coming home with me,” said Zach.
“You’re sure your wife knows,” I asked.
And with that I was adopted by Zach and Tabitha Stanberry and their seven kids.
The couple lived in Wheatfield, IN in a large home down a gravel road.
Five of the seven kids were home; the two oldest were at camp.
CLICK HERE TO READ THE REST OF THE STORY ABOUT THE STANBERRY FAMILY. 
If the way that somebody lives pleases the Lord, the Lord will lead him into good things. Psalm 37:23 Easy English Bible
The 2022 Amazing Ride for Alzheimer’s is raising money this year for music programming for seniors at Cedar Community, a 501c3, so all donations are tax-deductible. Donate via the secure website through Cedar Community. Donations should be marked “Amazing Ride 2022.” Click HERE to make a secure online donation. Checks may be made payable to “Cedar Community” with “Judy Bike Ride” in the memo line and mailed to 113 Cedar Ridge Dr., West Bend, WI 53095 Be sure to include the Federal Tax ID Number for the Foundation: 39-1249432 You may also find a downloadable donation form HERE. Cedar Community is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization, and donations are tax-deductible.
