January 23, 2009 – I left for New Orleans with no place to stay, but something told me I had to go. I put out emergency e-mails and texts to people I thought could help including Boswell who came through with a friend of his in Baton Rouge. I rode into New Orleans on Highway 90 still clearly seeing the damage Katrina had done through Mississippi and Louisiana. I had no place to go so I headed into the city. I met another cyclist called Wing Nut, who for some reason gave me the wrong directions I hope by mistake. This instilled in me again that one must always listen to themselves over others – I made it to a great coffee shop where I talked the afternoon away with some local jazz musicians about crime, education, and the secret beauty of New Orleans. The town is incredible and alive with culture. Careun found me some friends for the next night, but I went to a bike shop that sent me to the India Hostel near the French Quarter. This place was cool with some lively customers. They set me up for the night and  told me a great place to eat. I went in town on the trolley which is slow and rugged, but met a couple driving to Portland to start a new adventure and chapter in their life. They invited me to join them for dinner and I accepted. It was a place called Coops and it was outstanding. I ate rabbit jambalaya and gumbo. We laughed and talked about life, met some local people, and headed our separate ways. I walked through Bourbon Street in the Quarter … [Read more...]

During a presentation to a fourth grade class in Atlanta, GA, a student asked me, “Why are you doing this?” I told the students that my bicycle ride through the “lower 48 states” is named “The Hunt for the Jolly Green Ice Machine” and it is an expedition into the heart of America. It is a journey to break the fears and inspire others to live their dreams. It is a journey to prove that the American dream is still alive and that love and compassion is what truly fuels this country. Through a healthy imagination a healthy reality is born. This fourth grade class created a project they named – “Jolly Geography!” – to follow me on my journey with maps, journals and in turn, I am mailing the class brochures, postcards, pictures, information about the weather, physical features, and cool sites to check out on the web. For example, they went on the internet to find out more about the sea turtle hospital in Marathon, FL. The kids also asked, “What do you do for money?” and “Will you get lonely?” Two really good questions! I explained that I worked hard and saved money and also hope for goodwill from friends and people I meet along the way…and yes, loneliness will be a challenge. In 2006, I thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail (hence my name “Jolly Green Giant”) from Springer Mountain, GA to Mt. Katahdin, ME. A buddy and I decided to continue forward to hike the International AT through Canada. Incredible! Kids … [Read more...]

Michael M. Galardi January 14, 2009 – The trip continues and I left behind the comfort of the condo in Panama City Beach, FL that my loving grandmother gave me to use while I was traveling. I got to learn more about patience and realized that worrying only takes you away from finding a solution. This was taught to me when I expected a certain type of phone to be delivered and it was not the right one. Within a few days I realized the new phone was one of the best phones I have had yet. I did get to play Bingo before I left with some Canadians which was so much fun until we went for twenty games. Let me tell you that is way too many games for anyone in their right mind to play! The time came to pack my things and hit the road, so I said goodbye to my new “snowbird” friends and biked off into the distance once again heading for the unknown. I was heading for Gulf Breeze, FL near Pensacola and super excited to revisit what I called my “long lost aunt”. It’s not that we had never met, but the last time I had seen her was before my memories were even fully intact. I could not wait to rekindle the relationship. The day was very cold and windy, but as always, I had to keep moving forward never looking back. Then it happened! My bike began to wobble like a wet noodle fresh out of the pot. I had popped my first tire. I laughed it off and slowly fixed it so it would be right and biked on. Miles down the road it happened again – my second … [Read more...]

Hey guys so I wanted to point you to a great guy biking out on a ride of his own. Please go check out The Boz. We chatted the other day and he is doing great we ride the same and his attitude is moving I wish him so much luck and hope to cross paths with him soon. On a side note I got my new phone which bless my moms heart might have been a little bit of the wrong pick but like I said before there is no such thing as a bad situation just a bad attitude so I am going to make it work. She has done so much for me who would I be being mad at such a sweet lady. The phone does have navigation which is new so that will be fun but I had to re route my emails and lost internet ablity. Its all good though guys so nothing has changed and if you would like to put me up please still use my gmail account. I played Bingo last night trying to win my Social Security that I will never see and lost all 20 games which is to many if you ask me. The numbers were begining to cross in my eyes. The waters were so calm yesterday and the sunset was to die for. Oh here is an amazing point that I think finally puts the age old question to rest and I have to give credit to the man that brought up the point TEE. In the question what came first the chicken or the egg there is no question because dinosours laid eggs and they came before chickens so there you go guys its over. Ha is that not great, well take care out there and see you all soon. Much love Jolly … [Read more...]

The “Hunt for the Jolly Green Ice Machine” is an expedition into the heart of America. It is a journey that wants to break the fears of travel and through a crazy journey inspiring others to live out there dreams too. It a journey to prove that the American dream is still alive and that love and compassion is what truly fuels this country. Through a healthy imagination a healthy reality is born. The journey is there to break the delusion that this is unsafe land and wants to turn negative thoughts into positive outlooks. Last but not least I have learned that to worry only slows down your solution. Much love! … [Read more...]

Hello everyone so my nerves are calmed and the road is my friend. I am on the fourth day and things are great. today I had a broken spoke but a nice cyclist named tony told me about cycle science and the owner mike helped me out. he also fixed my brake pad so I am flying now. the night before I stayed with leebo and his new wife. they were really great. so many things are happening and the vibe is super jolly. it looks like I might have few days of places to stay and please let me know who you know out there. I might get few days off by mon in panama city but if not I will be out of florida by then wow. oh and please remember I am shooting photos video and recordings so don’t worry you will get more info one day. The koozies are coming soon too. take care everyone. … [Read more...]