Rev.Norm and Mary Peterson. We live in Rhinelander, WI where Norm has served as pastor of a Lutheran Church since 1980. Mary is a nurse at the hospital in Rhinelander.
I became interested in the Ride for the Relay after reading about it in Wing World years back. The earlier dates of the 2013 ride made it possible for us to consider making the dream a reality. Planning began in October of 2012 as I had to plan my vacation that far ahead to avoid conflicts with weddings and the church program. I wanted to ride Route 66 as my family had traveled that route in my childhood, camping along the way.
Now a little more about us. Mary and I met in December of 1972 and were married in June of 1974. Mary had grown up on a farm near Sherburn Minnesota and I grew up in the city of Chicago. Somehow we got together and she has been a blessing to me ever since. I have ridden motorcycles since I was 16 years old. My first bike was a Honda 160 Scrambler which I rode in Chicago regularly! Now we ride a 2001 Goldwing, just a little bigger than my first bike.
We have three children, Sarah, Aaron, and Paul all of whom are married. We have been blessed with a granddaughter Linnea born to Sarah and her husband Matt who live in Minneapolis. Another grandchild is expected by Aaron and his wife Lindsay in December of 2013 (about 6 weeks from the time of this writing). I know this will inspire trips to the Toronto, Canada area where they reside. Paul and Kelly live here in Rhinelander.
On the 2013 Ride for the Relay I officially became retired from the full-time parish ministry. It was a memorable morning when I awoke retired in Winslow, Arizona. Mary continues to work at the hospital.
The Ride for the Relay was a wonderful experience. We thank Rodger and all those who work so hard to make it happen and all those who shared the ride with us. As the “new kids” on the ride you truly made us feel welcome! The experience brings to mind the words of a Harry Chapin song, “It's the going, not the getting there that's good!” Thank you all for the ride and the memories. Hope to see you again.
I’m a 27-year-old, server, licensed massage therapist and a
nurse from a small country town called Deerfield, OH. This was my first year
going on the Route 66 trip! My dad has gone a couple years and I was lucky
enough for my dad to talk me into going 2013! For years dad always talked about
how much fun he had…to be honest all us kids couldn’t understand why he kept
going multiple times…well now my brothers laugh at me because I totally
understand how my dad feels. Route 66 Ride for the Relay was the most fun
vacation I’ve ever experienced! Great people that become great friends, memories
that I’ll cherish forever, and the hope and determination we give to cancer
survivors, fighters and those who lost their loved ones. September 2014 I’ll be
a melanoma cancer survivor of 5 years! Everyone has a story and a battle that
connects us all. That’s what makes the trip so great! I will remember the 2013
gang forever! December 2013 I started working as a nurse so unfortunately I
won’t be able to get the entire 12 days off for 2014, but I will figure out a
way to make it out for a couple of days to visit all the friends I made 2013 and
to meet new ones! For the new comers this year, be ready for the trip of your
lifetime! Everyone is so welcoming; you’ll feel part of the family real quick! A
family and memories that will last you a lifetime! Rodger, keep up the great
work!!! J