Brief Pause

Posted in Uncategorized on August 11, 2009 by markschaumann

I apologize for the delay in updating Dads website. My husband and I are busy working on many different projects at the moment and life has been pretty fast paced.

When I write in place of my father, I don’t want to rush and post just anything. That’s the reason I have not written much lately. I am very respectful to this site he designed, created and maintained.

I could never write the way he could, but I plan on writing some things and posting them next year. I encourage you to all read back through old posts and pictures on this site. What a wonderful, special person he was!

My Dad raised me alone as a single parent. Just him and I all those years. I would do anything to receive an email from him or a phone call telling me he made it Mexico. I wish he was telling me to be home by 9 o’clock. I wish we were at a motorcycle race. I wish he was sitting with me looking at pictures. I wish he was laughing again as he taught me to drive. I wish we were on a roller coaster together.

I wish he was here.

He was the best father. I am so proud to be his daughter.

~ Sheri Dodson

Testimony

Posted in Uncategorized on June 15, 2009 by markschaumann

I found my fathers’ handwritten testimony. I could not decide if I wanted it posted on here. I remember him speaking it in church many years ago. After some thought, I decided he would want the world to see for themselves what God has done in his life.

Below are his words written around the age of 30.

~ Sheri

I am not hear to glorify myself but the Son of God.

Though ashamed of my past, it adds to Gods glory. Before I became a Christian, I was a very sinful man. I was constantly drunk and heavily involved with drugs. I was a liar, an adulterer and a thief. Stealing was a big thing for me. I did it to get money for liquor and drugs. I also enjoyed the challenge of stealing and the victory when I got over on someone else. I had felonies, accidents, 3 DWI’s, and many brushes with the law. I felt sorry for myself. I judged others, always looking for imperfections in other people, rather than their good points. I had a poor opinion of myself and had little will to live. I was lost.

Years later, this lifestyle lost glamour. My body was ready to give out. 10 years of steady drunk – alcohol had a firm grip on me. I was scared of death. I was overweight, had chest pains, tired a lot, stomach hurt all the time, I had an accident at work and I was sober for 2 weeks. My body craved and it was sheer terror. I felt very empty.

Death was near with eternal destruction following.

I decided I wanted to end this unfulfilled life I was suffering. I prayed to God for help with my addiction problems, but I didn’t want the help to cost anything. I still wanted to go about sinning. I wanted deliverance from sorrow and problems, but not from sin.

Then one night, two Christians came to my house. They told me Christs’ love for me is so great that He willingly died on the cross in my place so that my sins would be paid for and my unworthy soul could receive the precious gift of eternal life.

By the grace of God, I am a completely different person. With Gods help, I have had no drugs or alcohol. The addiction was a big struggle, but it got easier. I feel a thirst to learn Christs’ teachings and put them into practice in my everyday life. I enjoy Christian fellowship. I try to put my fellow mans needs before my own. I gave my life to Christ. With Gods help, I began building on a new foundation. My whole attitude has changed by the grace of God. My problems no longer overwhelm me. My life has purpose. I am found!

It’s been almost a year since I accepted Christ. I no longer feel sorry for myself. I have an abundant life. He has started a good work in me. I am confident he will keep working in me until He takes me home to live with Him forever.

Mark Schaumann

“Silence is deafening”

Posted in Uncategorized on May 21, 2009 by markschaumann

Here are some photos from yesterdays “Ride of Silence” in Newark, DE. There was a good amount of riders and the weather was wonderful.

Ride of Silence Ghost Bike

Ride of Silence Ghost Bike

Michael and Carl

Michael and Carl

For one hour, bicycles owned the road

For one hour, bicycles owned the road

pictures! 051

Carl Schaumann

Carl Schaumann

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It’s May already

Posted in Uncategorized on May 10, 2009 by markschaumann

Over to your right, you will see I posted a new link entitled, “Marks Favorite Songs”. Happy listening.

Soon I will have some pictures from the “Ride of Silence” that is taking place later this month.

Today I drove all the way out to the site where my Dad was struck just to observe and stand in the surroundings. I was sad, but I wanted to be there. I would really like to put a cross and some flowers there so others are aware.

With that being said…

The “Ride of Silence” is a worldwide event held at the end of May. It is a silent 10 mile bicycle ride to honor the cyclists who have died from being struck by an automobile. It is not a race. It’s a slow paced ride (under 12 mph)

I would have to train pretty hard to ride 10 miles, so I am unsure if I’ll participate, but I will definitely be there to support. There are no fees for entry. The closest one to me will be in Newark, DE.

A huge thank you to Carl for telling me about the ride and the website.

I submitted Dads picture, website and information to the webmaster and he wrote me back and said he would be honored to include him in the memorial database. Here is the link. http://www.rideofsilence.org/memoriam.php#letter_S

Tonight we number many but ride as one
In honor of those not with us, friends, mothers, fathers, sisters, sons
With helmets on tight and heads down low,
We ride in silence, cautious and slow
The wheels start spinning in the lead pack
But tonight we ride and no one attacks
The dark sunglasses cover our tears
Remembering those we held so dear
Tonight’s ride is to make others aware
The road is there for all to share
To those not with us or by our side,
May God be your partner on your final ride

Tribute

Posted in Uncategorized on April 25, 2009 by markschaumann

The idea was that I was not going to continue updating this website. I felt I said all I needed to say in the last post, “On a bicycle in Heaven”. I wanted to leave the blog as my Dad left it. However, the plan has changed….

I ran across some documentation asking me to continue this website. I feel honored that I was selected and I will happily oblige.

My writings would not be nearly as interesting as my fathers, so I will make this site a tribute to my father. There is so much to say about him. I would love to hear your thoughts and stories.

Also, if you haven’t done so already, check out my Dads previous site (2004 – 2007)  http://boanergess.xanga.com/

I will start things off by posting some pictures. Please check back often for updates.

~ Sheri

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mark-4-07
dad-mexico1
fun-in-thailand1

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On a bicycle in Heaven

Posted in Uncategorized on April 19, 2009 by markschaumann

My name is Sheri. I have some sad news to share with you all.

My father, Mark, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, April 12th 2009. He was riding his bike as he loves on April 3rd and was struck by a car near his home here in Maryland, USA.

Referring to him in the past tense seems so wrong. How can a person so full of passion and energy leave us so quickly? Although, he will be missed terribly, I find peace knowing he is with the Lord and rejoicing. I would like you all to remember the way my Dad was during his time here on earth. He was patient, kind, caring, forgiving and lived his life to serve the Lord. He was a father I can be proud of.

My father wrote me a letter 10 years ago, when I was 18. He wanted to give me some advice for surviving the world on my own. I would like to share some of his thoughts with you:

- Pick a dream and follow it, no matter what others say.

- Be reluctant to borrow. Just be happy with what God has provided for you.

- Remember who your grandfather and great grandfather are. They are diligent men who take pride in everything they do. That same blood runs through your veins.

- Do everything you can to prevent racism.

- Don’t gamble.

- The best things in life are not always things you can see and touch.

- Take your time when approached with a decision. The consequences could be severe and impact your life drastically.

- Live as Jesus lived.

I think this is advice we could all listen to.

~ Sheri

* Before he began this website, he posted his writings and pictures (2004 – 2007) on another site. If anyone would like to view: http://boanergess.xanga.com/

Mark D. Schaumann, age 51, of Elkton, MD, died on Sunday evening, April 12, 2009, at Christiana Hospital in Newark, DE. He had been bicycling when he was hit by a car on April 3rd and critically injured.

Born in Wilmington on March 12, 1958, Mark was the son of Erik J. Schaumann and Annette Ely Schaumann. He was an avid cyclist and had ridden in Thailand, Mexico, and Guatemala. He worked hard at perfecting his Spanish so he could communicate as he traveled. He loved to share his experiences with people around the world through the blog he maintained. He was active in his church, Heritage Presbyterian in New Castle, and he loved to spend time with his grandson. Mark worked as a mechanic at Basell in Elkton for many years and, at time of his death, at Union Hospital, also in Elkton.

In addition to his parents of Pike Creek, DE, Mark is survived by his daughter, Sheri Dodson, her husband, Michael, and grandson, Michael, Jr., of Perryman, MD; brother, Paul Schaumann, his wife, Vorice, and nephew, Paul, Jr., of Rising Sun, MD; brother, Carl Schaumann, his wife, Beth Renzulli, niece and nephew, Cleo and Leif, of Warwick, MD; sister, Lisa Rogers, her husband, Chris, and nephews and niece, Wilson, Erika, and Perry, of Woodstock, GA; and his dear friend, Yanick Schaumann.

A celebration of Mark’s life will be held at 11 am on Friday, April 17, 2009, at Heritage Presbyterian Church, 140 Airport Road, New Castle, DE, where visitation will begin at 10 am. Interment will follow in Head of Christiana Cemetery, Nottingham Road, Newark, DE.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Heritage Presbyterian Church, 140 Airport Road, New Castle, DE 19720; or to Happy Life Children’s Home, Inc., c/o Rev. Jim Powell, at the church address.b149210642

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DAD – YOU WILL FOREVER BE MISSED

1958 – 2009

I LOVE YOU

What you say??

Posted in yucatan on March 4, 2009 by markschaumann

She repeated the word again, I knew the word, it was real familiar. But the meaning was not coming to me. I spelled the word in my head. I pictured it spelled out with those big building blocks that a child would play with. I could spell it backwards,…. what does it mean? She had that hopeful look…….. “this dumb gringo will get it eventually“, but all I had to offer was a bewildered, brain dead, expression. Her hopeful look disappeared and she began to repeat the word louder and faster as though  that would help. I cried uncle. “no entiendo”. She had a disappointed, exasperated look now. I gave her my best consoling, compassionate, face and said (in English) “you know, if learning a language was easy women could do it”. It was real hard to keep a straight face. Now she had the bewildered look….

Progreso Yucatan State Mexico, this is the longest pier in Mexico 6k

Progreso Yucatan State Mexico, this is the longest pier in Mexico 6k

 

Progreso playa, few people here

Progreso playa, few people here

 

A strong Norte arrived and foiled my plans to bike back to Merida via Calkini, so I took a primera clase bus. On Tuesday I took a bus to Progreso, tooled around town a bit then rode back to Merida on the bike with the wind to my back. It was a beautiful day.

San Francisco de Campeche

Posted in campeche on March 2, 2009 by markschaumann

In the mid 1500s San Francisco de Campeche was a wealthy port and frequent target of pirates. After a particularly bad attack the Spanish Crown decided to invest in some fortications. They built a wall around the city with eight defensive bastions. Much of the wall is still intact. The only other walled city left in the western hemisphere is Quebec City. Campeche in fact, resembles Quebec City alot, however the weather is much better in Campeche.

This is "La Puerta del Mar"

This is "La Puerta del Mar"

 

Quinceañera photos at Nuestra Señora de la Soledad

Quinceañera photos at Nuestra Señora de la Soledad

 

This photo is from the city wall, parque principle is on the left

This photo is from the city wall, parque principle is on the left

 

city wall near Puerta del Mar

Niña in defensive port

Museo de Maya at Nuestra Señora de la Soledad

museo de maya

museo de maya

 

museo de maya

museo de maya

 

gringo

riding the city bus

some people never give up

some people never give up

 

colonia barrio

 

mi Campechana favorita

mi Campechana favorita

back in the saddle

Posted in campeche, yucatan on February 28, 2009 by markschaumann

I spent most of my first day in Merida assembling my bicycle in my room at a leisurely pace. I have found that if I take my time and adjust everything ¨just so” I dont have to test ride it. The hotel staff always shows surprise when I wheel a bicycle out of my room, the only thing I carried into the room was a big suitcase.

 

 

my bike

The  Carnaval celebration was huge and loud, there were many, many, people. The parade was 3 hours long, I had to be up early to ride so I didn´t see all of it.

merida carnaval 

Sunday morning at daybreak is the best time to leave Merida, the streets are deserted. Everything felt real good. The road turned to dirt at Molas, for 14 kilometers the only people I saw were four guys with bird cages strapped to thier heads. They were somehow trapping exotic birds. I should have stopped and talked to them.dirt road

 

The last 20 kilometers was difficult, I haven´t rode this far on a bike in almost a year and it is real hot. At the end of rides like this I find it hard to concentrate and function. I checked into best hotel in Ticul and crashed for a couple hours. Ticuls Carnaval was much smaller but just as unrestrained. Again, I had to retire early to be ready for the next days ride.

ticul

Mondays ride to Hopelchen was pleasant. There were a lot of small hills early on that provided a nice change. I passed the minor Mayan ruin ¨Kabah¨ and passed under an arch marking Campeche state border. There were a lot of brilliantly colored birds in the foliage on the way but getting a photo of them is difficult.

Hopelchen is a typical small town, everyone greets me and asks if I need help. I don´t see any other gringos except for a lot of Mennonites, all of them are tall and dressed in the same overalls and straw hat. They dont seem to know what to make of me….

hopelchen

I crashed early again and missed the festivities altogether, except for the dynamite charges they set off at midnite, that got my attention. Mexicanos dont fool around when it comes to fireworks.

I was up early and headed due West to Campeche on the Gulf. It was another beautiful day.

campeche road

I passed a ruin and thru some small towns.

ruina

 

 

campeche

 

I was exhausted and laid down at a bus stop and fell asleep. When I woke up these guys had me surrounded.

campeche

The last 20k was real hard, a big offshore wind developed and the traffic got heavy, but I made it! 240k in three days. I had my doubts weather I could do it.

You see stuff like this all the time

You see stuff like this all the time

mountain man

Posted in true motorcycle stories on February 26, 2009 by markschaumann

Allow me to preface this story with the statement “I don’t do things like this anymore”.  I had an Awakening back in ’88 and set sail in a new direction. That being said, for entertainment purposes only, here is the story of my encounter with the Mountain Man.
I lost my drivers license right after I got it, the State revoked it for a long time. However I still had a motorcycle and a job at the local dealership that I needed to get to every day. I tried not to ride on the road any more than necessary because if I got caught driving with a revoked license, the consequences could be severe. I would ride trails through the woods and some roads, till I reached the railroad tracks then I would ride beside the tracks and they eventually brought me right behind the motorcycle shop. I didn’t have a tag for my bike so I plucked one off a wrecked bike in the warehouse and put it on my bike. Things were going well, I kind of enjoyed riding the rails, I would race the freight trains to work.
Coming home one day, I reached the four lane highway that I had to cross, it was the only major road on my commute and all I had to do was cross it. I must not have come to a complete stop at the stop sign or something and I attracted the attention of a county cop. I saw him out of the corner of my eye; he shifted to the left turn lane and accelerated. My sixth sense (or maybe it was my guilty conscience) told me he was after me.
There are a lot of risky sports that raise the adrenaline level nicely, but I am here to tell you, there is nothing like running from the law, ‘cause this is for keeps and if he catches me it’s gonna be bad. My pulse was racing and I had a death grip on the handlebars. I had to get off of his element (the road) and back into my element (the woods). I spied a break in the foliage on the side of the road that led into an empty, freshly plowed field. I made a hard left into the field and glanced back, he was real close and had his lights on. If my bike had been more powerful, I think I could have sprayed some dirt on the hood of his cruiser. My bike handled the furrows in the field better than the cop car. I looked back again, each furrow was causing him to smack his head against the roof of his car and mash that cop hat he was wearing.  Halfway across the field he gave up and turned back. I escaped into the woods on the other side of the field. I won!
I found a deserted clearing deep in the woods, shut my motor off, leaned against a pine tree and tried to catch my breath.  I listened for the sound of a helicopter, I knew they wouldn’t put one in the air to look for me, but if there was already one in the air and nearby, they might ask him to swing by and have a look for the outlaw cyclist who caused the cop to mash his hat. But all I heard was birds, distant traffic, and the tink, tink of my air-cooled motor cooling. My fear was slowly turning into cockiness as I reviewed what happened in my mind. My gaze fell on the license plate….I wonder if he got the tag number…. Oh no…. I may have a problem here.
Yup, the cop got the number and it didn’t take long for him to access a database and then he had a name and an address too. But it wasn’t my name and address. Then he rounded up a few of his cop buddies and went to the address to apprehend the criminal. I can’t remember the guy’s name, but he went by the handle “Mountain Man” he was real tall, bearded, and he had just been paroled. Mountain Man was home on this particular day. He was sitting at his kitchen table cleaning his guns (guns that a convicted felon isn’t supposed to have) when the coppers knocked on the door. They pushed there way through the door, and slapped him around a bit and handcuffed him, or maybe they handcuffed him THEN slapped him around. “Thought you got away, eh?”. They put Mountain Man in the back seat and took him to the station for a night in jail.
The next day was a sunny day and I was assembling a new ’77 Kawasaki KZ650 outside on the concrete lot behind the shop, when Mountain Man, the cop, and Diamond Dave, the owner of the dealership (we called him “Diamond Dave” because he was a sharp dresser and wore a big rock on his pinky) walked by headed to the warehouse. Dave gave me that “I-know-this-has-something-to-do-with-you” look as they walked by. They gathered around Mountain Man’s wrecked four cylinder Honda and confirmed the tag number (I had put the tag back where I found it). The cop shook his head; this is definitely not the bike I pursued. Mountain Man goes free!  I paid special attention to my work as they passed, that was a close one. I don’t know which would have been worse, to fall into the hands of the police, or to fall into the hands of the mountain man.  But it makes for a good story, and I guess it’s safe to tell it now.