The Ride of a Lifetime...

Mark Logsdon is the founder and drum major for the 1st Michigan Colonial Fife & Drum Corps. He is also the creative force behind the annual conference of midwest fifers & drummers (affectionately known as Freezer Jam). I consider Mark a good and trusted friend.

Mark may not even remember this, but a number of years ago, Clayton Walker and I were at his home to discuss Freezer Jam plans. After sitting at the table to begin talks, I remember his late wife Mary telling us "if you need anything, you know where to find it, I'm not going to wait on you."

What I remember most about Mary is how she spent the rest of the evening "waiting" on us. She was such a gracious host and a wonderful and warm human being. The last time I saw her was at a parade (not surprising). She was in the passenger seat of the Logsdon van. Upon noticing her, I approached the van to ask her how she was fairing. "Not very well" was the answer. She was gone not long after that.

On July 4, 2001, our corps were assembled together on Main St. in Plymouth for the annual Good morning USA parade. Mark approached us and presented us a beautiful plaque which congratulated all current and former members of the PFDC for "30 years of marching to the lightning and thunder of the fifes and drums. Yours in the ancient spirit, The 1st Michigan Colonial Fife and Drum Corps". If that were all there were to the story, it would be hardly worth telling, except to illustrate Mark's wonderful unifying spirit in the fife and drum community. But that's NOT the "rest of the story." The plaque listed our corps name as the "Plymouth FIRE and Drum Corps." Upon delivering the plaque, Mark was apologetic and suggested we return the plaque to him so that we may have the "error" corrected. That same plaque hangs just to the left of my desk as I type this entry. Mark, the plaque was perfect then, and it's perfect today. Thank you.

By now, I'm sure you're wondering what all this carrying on about Mark is for. At 4:00am on June 1, 2006, Mark will begin a trip on his motorcycle along the perimeter of the United States. To quote Mark:

"Mary died from Ovarian Cancer. I hope to raise awareness of this disease and raise some funds to help find the treatment and cure for this horrible affliction that affects the women we love."

He's been talking about this trip for years. Now... it's time.
To quote his website:

ONE RIDER.
ONE MOTORCYCLE.
ONE TRAILER.
ONE TRIP.
ONE LIFETIME.
ONE CHANCE

One lifetime. Indeed, Mark. Say hello to SPC Natiw at Ft. Myer for me.

Godspeed friend,
John

Mark's Trip Blog