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Who is Minister Ronald Smith?

Minister Ronald Smith is the founder of Children Need Both Parents, Inc.  Ronald Smith has lit Michigan on fire and given the equal parenting rights movement a much needed boost of energy and passion.  Ronald Smith is also the author of the book "Cheated".  He is someone I consider a very close friend.

A Child's Right will soon become A Child's Right, Inc.

There will be several fund raising events to help A Child's Right raise the funds to fully complete our 501c3 application.  The process has already started but we will soon need additional funds to meet several federal requirements for a 501c3 non-profit corporation. 

2008 will be an exciting year for this organization.  In 2008 A Child's Right will also form a much closer alliance with Children Need Both Parents, Inc which is led by Minister Ronald Smith.  A Child's Right will also once again be a major supporter of the upcoming 2008 Equal Parenting Bike Trek.  There will be three cyclists this year:  Robb MacKenzie, Robert Pedersen and Attorney Brian Downs, Esq.  We are very confident that the 2008 Equal Parenting Bike Trek will obtain even more press and media coverage compared to the 2007 Equal Parenting Bike Trek!!  We were very impressed with the media coverage of the 2007 Equal Parenting Bike Trek.

Thank you to all who have contributed to the success of A Child's Right, DaddyBlogger and the Equal Parenting Bike Trek over 2007.  Have a safe and happy holiday season!

Special Thanks to Darrick Scott-Farnsworth, the Executive Director of A Child's Right, and a major force of change in child custody laws! Darrick is an incredible leader, advocate and personal friend.  Thanks also to:  All ACR volunteers, Paul and Elaine Pedersen, Dr. Eric Pedersen, Marc Pedersen, Sgt. Mike Pedersen, Gladys Kirch, Phil Wurm, Joe Jurecki, Chet Merda, Carol Rhodes, Robb MacKenzie, Robert Pedersen, Ronald Smith, Dr. A Smith, Mike Saxton, Jim Semerad, Rich Postma, Dr. Ross, Jay Fedewa, Brian Downs, Esq., Richar Farr, Dr. Stephen Baskerville, Dr. Stephen Walker, Bessie Hudgins, Glenn Sacks, David Levy, Esq, CRISPE, F4J, Delete, Lary Holland, Chris Paris, Brian Kleiman, Jeff Kapteyn, Esq, Jane Spies, Murray Davis, Torm Howse, Dave Usher, Bob Horvath, Jeff Thompson, Jim Wozniak, Angelo Lobo, Louisiana Dads, Battle Creek Honda, Malcom Hatfield, Pat McElligott, Murdoc Online, Kalpesh Gandhi, Edward Barlett, SAFE, Mike McCormick, John Maguire, Robin Denison, Studio 1714, the media which covered the Equal Parenting Bike Trek, to all the donors of time and money to the Equal Parenting Bike Trek, and so many more who helped our organization.  If we forgot to thank you please don't take it personally!

Angela Pedersen, RN

A Child's Right - EQUAL time with both fit and willing parents after divorce! 

Equal Parenting Cyclist Recognized by City of Battle Creek

Pedersen Received Formal Recognition From the City of Battle Creek Mayor and Commission for the 700 mile Equal Parenting Bike Trek and his Runner-Up win in Best Life Magazine's National Hero Dad Contest!  What an honor!

 

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Equal Parenting Bike Trek Photos

Equal Parenting Bike Trek Videos

Equal Parenting Bike Trek Guestbook - Please Sign

Media Coverage of the Equal Parenting Bike Trek

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Equal Parenting Bike Trek - My Personal Reflections Part Two

Read Part One Here

Robb and I were not even half way to Adrian, Michigan and we already had a near collision caused by a piece of road debris in Lansing.  Whatever I ran over it demolished my tire, tube and finally my rear wheel.  I wish I could have seen how it looked flying down the streets of Lansing with sparks shooting from my rear wheel as I attempted to avoid a near collision with Robb plus come to a complete stop.  Perhaps I should not have joked around that I was willing to arrive on bicycle to D.C. by any means necessary?

Six hundred dollars later I was back on the road pedaling towards Adrian Michigan which was our first planned stop.  Keeping a steady pace while pedaling I started to examine several of my thoughts.  How is it that elected officials, such as Representative Brenda Clack, are allowed to play politics with our families and children?  Why did Michigan Republicans seem to fight for the rights of families and children more than the Democrats?  All I heard last election was that Michigan Democrats were for the average Michigan family. 

The police escort we received from the Adrian Police Department was very much appreciated and would speed up our arrival time to the welcome party.  I would find out later that there was an incredible editorial written by the Adrian Daily Telegram which is one of the few newspapers left in Michigan that are not afraid to ask tough and balanced questions to both Republicans and Democrats.  Many view their writing as the “Fox News Channel” of Michigan Newspapers.  Contrast this type of journalism with the Flint Journal.  The Flint Journal has yet to report on the fact that Brenda Clack, a Michigan House Representative out of the Flint area, is not only holding Michigan House Bill 4564 “hostage” but she also refused to support HR 162.

It was fantastic to round the corner and see the purple flags that had been placed as a way to welcome us to the party in Adrian Michigan.  It was a relief to not only take a break but to also see so many whom I consider to be good friends.  It was the first time I was to see the massive banner which Delete had made the night prior which was very impressive and something that we would use throughout the entire 700 mile bike trek.  It was great to see Jim Semerad whom I had not seen in several months.  Jim Semerad runs the organization Dads and Moms of Michigan which was one of our main sponsors for the Equal Parenting Bike Trek. 

I personally felt a tremendous obligation to achieve the most media attention I possibly could, not only for Dads and Moms of Michigan, but for all of those who donated for this amazing event.  The Equal Parenting Bike Trek certainly obtained this difficult objective.  I was especially thankful to all of my family members who donated, such as my brother Marc and many more.  I was also surprised with the support of two friends, Jeff Thompson and Bob Horvath, which I had known since the seventh grade.  Every donation in time or money was heartfelt by Robb and I!  When you undertake a project that is close to your heart you NEVER forget those who donated their time or money to help you make it a success. 

I made one huge mistake in Adrian at the welcoming party.  I ate a hotdog that would haunt me for another 70 + miles.  Robb warned me that there was no way my body would digest it with the type of strenuous exercise we still had ahead of us for that day.  He was correct and I was nauseous for the rest of the day.  This hotdog would continue to haunt me with the Equal Parenting Bike Trek chase vehicle crew making jokes along the way about it.  I enjoyed their sense of humor!  Robb and I finally reached the Ohio border.

We met some of the nicest people along our 700 plus mile cycling trek to the Family Preservation Rally.  Many were amazed that we were truly pedaling the entire way to Washington, D.C.  I proudly told everyone that would listen that I was doing this for my son and daughter.  Our favorite places for a brief stop were the numerous produce stands where we would fuel up.  A picture that was taken at one of the produce stands in Ohio would soon be turned into a parody picture of what would later occur a day before the Family Preservation Rally.  Fathers4Justice surprised everyone and stormed the Lincoln Memorial to officially kick off their start in the United States.

What would soon become one of my personal highlights of the entire 700 mile bicycle trek was our meeting with the massive 43 ft long CRISPE bus!  Later that day I would suffer from a heat stroke while Robb and I attempted to make it on time for a rally planned in Ohio with Fathers4Justice and the CRISPE bus crew. 

One highlight the following day is in PA when CRISPE, Fathers4Justice and the Equal Parenting Bike Trek Crew had a rally in front of a Pittsburgh, PA courthouse.

Part 3 coming soon…with so many more memories to be made!

Equal Parenting Bike Trek Photos

Equal Parenting Bike Trek Videos

Equal Parenting Bike Trek Guestbook - Please Sign

Media Coverage of the Equal Parenting Bike Trek

Fathers4Justice, CRISPE and Equal Parenting Bike Trek Swarm a PA Couthouse

Equal Parenting Bike Trek Photos

Equal Parenting Bike Trek Videos

Equal Parenting Bike Trek Guestbook - Please Sign

Media Coverage of the Equal Parenting Bike Trek

Part Two of the Equal Parenting Bike Trek on Studio 1714

Equal Parenting Bike Trek Interview on Studio 1714 Part One and Two

Part One

Part Two

Equal Parenting Bike Trek Photos

Equal Parenting Bike Trek Videos

Equal Parenting Bike Trek Guestbook - Please Sign

Media Coverage of the Equal Parenting Bike Trek

Equal Parenting Cyclists Interviewed by Studio 1714

Equal Parenting Cyclists, Robert Pedersen and Robb MacKenzie, interviewed by Studio 1714 out of Flint, Michigan.

Equal Parenting Bike Trek Photos

Equal Parenting Bike Trek Videos

Equal Parenting Bike Trek Guestbook - Please Sign

Media Coverage of the Equal Parenting Bike Trek

Robert Pedersen and Robb MacKenzie were honored with a State of Michigan Special Tribute for the 700 mile Equal Parenting Bike Trek

Robert Pedersen and Robb MacKenzie were honored with a State of Michigan Special Tribute for the 700 mile Equal Parenting Bike Trek from Lansing Michigan to Washington, D.C.  This is simply incredible and truly an honor to receive this rare distinction from the State of Michigan.  2007 has been an amazing year for the Equal Parenting Bike Trek. Wait till you see how big 2008 will be for the Equal Parenting Bike Trek and there are a few surprises already which we can't wait to leak out soon!

Equal Parenting Bike Trek Photos

Equal Parenting Bike Trek Videos

Equal Parenting Bike Trek Guestbook - Please Sign

Media Coverage of the Equal Parenting Bike Trek

Full Unedited Version of the Radio Lia Show Interview on the Equal Parenting Bike Trek

Looking back at the start of what would be tremendous media coverage of the Equal Parenting Bike Trek. The full unedited version of the Radio Lia Show interview on the Equal Parenting Bike Trek.

Equal Parenting Bike Trek Photos

Equal Parenting Bike Trek Videos

Equal Parenting Bike Trek Guestbook - Please Sign

Media Coverage of the Equal Parenting Bike Trek

My personal reflections of the Equal Parenting Bike Trek - Robert Pedersen

My Personal Reflections on the Equal Parenting Bike Trek

Robb and I pedaled 758 miles total in 5 ½ days of cycling to bring awareness to a child’s fundamental right to be loved, guided, nurtured and educated by both fit and willing parents.  This bicycle trek was also designed to bring awareness to an equal parenting bill in Michigan – Michigan House Bill 4564.  I was told a couple months prior to the start of the Equal Parenting Bike Trek that I had suffered from a minor heart attack and this was confirmed by a cardiologist. I told very few people about this.  Oddly enough and to my relief I was given a green light on attempting this incredible journey which would test me both physically and mentally. Would this be a success?  Would I ever do it again?  What made me dive into this in the first place?  Why would anyone put themselves through this much pain?  Would we be recognized in some fashion for our sacrifices?

Looking back at those 5 days I realize that there is nothing you can do to totally prepare for the hell Robb and I put our bodies through.  We experienced several accidents which we have the scars to prove, but worse of all I suffered a heat stroke which was a horrible experience to say the least.  It was so bad that several members of the Equal Parenting Bike Trek Chase Vehicle Crew debated over calling an ambulance.  A couple of the accidents, if they would have gone differently, could have killed Robb and I.  We reached a maximum speed of 54 mph on bicycles in the mountains of Pennsylvania!  You can view a video of us reaching 43 mph and after watching it imagine adding another 11 mph to what you see.  Hitting a single piece of road debris at this speed would have thrown us from the bicycle and most likely killed us instantly. An example of this would be the accident in the 1995 Tour de France which killed the Olympic gold medal champion Fabio Casartelli.

I slept only one hour the night before one of the most difficult tasks I had ever undertaken both physically and mentally.  I had so many thoughts running through my mind which made it essentially impossible for me to sleep.  The promotion efforts leading up to the start of the Equal Parenting Bike Trek left me exhausted before I had the chance to even pedal a single stroke on August 11th 2007.  The amount of media that this generated was so overwhelming that I felt tired of doing media related interviews even though I knew their incredible value to our cause.  I will never forget finishing up a phone interview with Sondra Gunderman of Christ’s News Service while News 8 Wood TV was waiting inside my house to start their interview for the evening newscast.  I enjoyed the interview with Channel 3 TV News WWMT the most! 

The extent of media coverage was also helped by the fact that on Father’s day I found out that I had won runner-up in Best Life Magazine’s National Hero Dad Contest.  It shocked me that a mainstream magazine with 3 million readers nationwide would pick a non-custodial father as their runner-up winner in a nationwide contest.  Apparently I was nominated by several people and through the selection process, which included the input of the National Fatherhood Initiative, I passed up numerous qualified candidates and won runner up!  This was a pleasant Father’s day surprise when I heard the news.  I viewed this not as a win for me but for all of those in the movement who were trying so hard to end the current state of madness within the family court systems.

The media coverage which I was most proud of was when I received a phone call from Phyllis Schlafly.  She read me the portion of her commentary article which included me in it and I was thrilled. I have always admired her work and accomplishments.  This was truly a great honor and I am still rather shocked upon reflection. Her list of accomplishments in affecting society in a positive way, by her courage and intellect, could fill a thick book.

I had put together an incredible crew to follow Robb and I in a chase vehicle the entire 700 plus miles!  My pregnant wife, Angela, supported this effort and she never complained once.  I have always admired:  1) Her intelligence 2) As a step-mother to my two children from another marriage 3) Her unconditional love 4) Her profession as a Registered Nurse 5) Her ability to make me happy by nothing more than her smile.  I have always viewed her as an angel and looked at our coming together as divine intervention. 

Carol Rhodes, author of “Friend of the Court Enemy of the Family”, agreed to the long commitment of being a part of the chase vehicle crew.  I admired Carol very much based on my past experiences with her.  I felt relieved when she agreed to make this tremendous commitment.  We also had the help of Delete and this put me at ease because he had helped Robb last year when he rode by himself.

I was lucky and grew up with both of my parents in the house along with three incredible brothers which I am still close with to this day.  I have an amazing amount of respect and admiration for my parents for far too many reasons to list here.  They were always there for me in life and once again they stood by their son.  My parents arrived the night before the start of the bike trek and slept for probably two hours tops that night.  The fact that they drove from South Bend, IN to make sure they were in Lansing, Michigan when Robb and I departed meant the world to me.

The night before I left for the Equal Parenting Bike Trek I attempted to call my son and daughter a total of four times with no contact.  My children are young and the phone is not in their control.  All I wanted to do that night was to tell them how much I loved them and that I would call them every night while I was gone.  My son, at the age of 4 ½, wanted to come with me and was excited about what I was doing.  He asked me several times why I was doing this and my only response each time was that I was pedaling to Washington, D.C. on a bicycle “because I wanted to tell the world how much I loved him and his sister”.

We arrived at 6am the morning of August 11th at the Lansing Capitol for the departure.  I was thrilled to first see Murray Davis, of the National Family Justice Foundation, there to greet us so early in the morning.  Robb and I were both so thankful for all of those who showed up so early and drove to Lansing, MI to see us depart.  I watched how Robb interacted with his daughter and I saw so many similarities between them.  I could tell she admired him.  I immediately knew why Robb still fights to just get a few more days a year to spend with her.  After numerous pictures near the Lansing Capitol, Robb and I departed at 7am for our long journey to Washington, D.C.  The last thing I saw was the concerned look on my wife’s face.

I knew I was in for the ride of my life when I saw Robb and his quads were massive and all muscle.  He had an incredible set of lungs that probably, in each breath, exchanged three times the amount of air as mine.  Robb was a big guy…not obese big but NFL football player big to put things in proportion.  I had a tremendous amount of respect for Robb because of his effort in doing this last year with no other cyclist to join him.  I was one of the few that helped to promote his solo trip in 2006 and I made this You Tube Video for him.

Robb and I started this 700 plus mile journey as friends and ended it as life-long friends with mutual admiration for one another.  Through conversations prior to the departure we learned that we were born on the same day and both of us were born on Easter.  We became the type of friends which I have found do not come along that often in life.  We had to trust each others cycling as well, because one wrong move during a descent could potentially wipe us both off of this earth.

As Robb and I were pedaling in the streets of Lansing we crossed over a set of railroad tracks and then shortly afterwords we heard an explosion.  It was so loud that it made people on the side walk jump!  I was going roughly 25 mph and nearly killed myself.  I picked up a small piece of metal road debris when crossing the tracks and it sliced my tube and tire to the point where they came completely off of my wheel.  I then saw sparks flying everywhere as I was rolling down the street with my rear bare metal wheel.  I came very close to colliding with Robb as I attempted to stop without killing myself.   Six hundred dollars later I had a new set of wheels and tires.  I did not want to spend that money but I had no choice if I was to pedal all the way to Washington, D.C.  I could not quit!  I looked forward to the police escort and welcome party we anticipated in Adrian Michigan.

(Part two coming tomorrow)

Equal Parenting Bike Trek Photos

Equal Parenting Bike Trek Videos

Equal Parenting Bike Trek Guestbook - Please Sign

Media Coverage of the Equal Parenting Bike Trek

Equal Parenting Bike Trek - Videos and Photos being updated daily

Cycling4Children.com Follow The Equal Parenting Bike Trek

Please review the information here at DaddyBlogger!  If you are following the EQUAL Parenitng Bike Trek please visit our dedicated website at www.cycling4children.com .

There will not be any new posts at DaddyBlogger.com until the completion of the EQUAL Parenting Bike Trek and the Family Preservation Rally.  Thank you for your support.

Cycling4Children.com - Coming soon - The dedicated website for the EQUAL Parenting Bike Trek

There is nothing small about this!  The dedicated website for the EQUAL Parenting Bike Trek will soon launch! 

www.cycling4children.com

Watch Robert Pedersen and Robb MacKenzie during their 700 mile trek to bring awareness to a child's fundamental right to equal time with both fit and willing parents after a divorce.

View their trek via GPS!!!  View frequently uploaded videos and pictures!!!  This will be the start of something that year after year will become massive in scope!  Already the media and blogger coverage has been outstanding!

View the Complete Media and Blogger List for the EQUAL Parenting Bike Trek

Support Michigan House Bill 4564

August 18th, 2007 Family Preservation Washington, D.C. Rally

Robert Pedersen to speak before thousands on August 18th 2007 in Washinton, D.C.

Robert Pedersen will speak to thousands on August 18th, 2007 in Washington, D.C.  This will be an exciting moment in history for all who attend!  Yes, the idea originated right here in Michigan!!  To view the speakers list (subject to change) please visit the Family Preservation D.C. Rally website.  Make sure that you make the effort to show on August 18th so that you can welcome Robert Pedersen and Robb MacKenzie after they complete their 700 mile bike trek from Lansing, MI to Washington, D.C.

NOTE:  Exciting news continues with the EQUAL Parenting Bike Trek.  We have several new TV interviews scheduled and one of the largest newspapers in Michigan is set to interview Robert Pedersen this week!!  Stay tuned for more information!!

Carol Rhodes, author of "Friend of the Court Enemy of the Family", joins the media/supply van for the EQUAL Parenting Bike Trek

Carol Rhodes, the famous author of the book "Friend of the Court Enemy of the Family", joins the media/supply van for the EQUAL Parenting Bike Trek!!  Fantastic News!!  I consider Carol to be a close friend and I am deeply touched by her committment to ensure the success of the EQUAL Parenting Bike Trek.  My wife, Angela Pedersen, is also thrilled that Carol will be assisting her along the route from Lansing, MI to Washington, D.C.  Carol and my wife will be helping to pass out literature, seek new media interviews along the route to D.C, discuss her unique perspective with the press and will help ensure the safety of Robb MacKenzie and I along our 700 mile bike trek. (Picture above - Robert Pedersen and Carol Rhodes).

Friend of the court enemy of the family: Surviving the child support system and divorce racket

Listen to the shocking Carol Rhodes and Robert Pedersen interview on KRights Radio!

EQUAL Parenting Bike Trek Updates and Complete Media List

Support Michigan House Bill 4564

Brenda Clack HB 4564

August 18th Washington, D.C. Rally

News 8 Wood TV coverage of Robert Pedersen's Hero Dad win and the EQUAL Parenting Bike Trek

Robert Pedersen, Runner-Up winner of Best Life Magazine's National Hero Dad Contest, was interviewed by News 8 Wood TV (Grand Rapids/West Michigan).  Below is the News 8 Wood Tv newscast on You Tube.  To view Fox News Channel 17's coverage of Robert - click here.

Special Thanks to Brian Downs, Esq.

EQUAL Parenting Bike Trek Updates and Complete Media List

Support Michigan House Bill 4564

Brenda Clack HB 4564

August 18th Washington, D.C. Rally

To deny a child or children the love, nurturing, guidance and education of a fit and willing parent who lives only 10 minutes from the other parent is wrong.  6 days a month is child abuse.

Angela Pedersen, R.N. ACLS

Taken into Custody: The War Against Fatherhood, Marriage, and the Family

Have you listened to this shocking interview below with Carol Rhodes and Robert Pedersen on KRights Radio?  Carol Rhodes is a former Friend of the Court investigator!  Listen to the shocking truth she exposes.

HB 4564 advocate, Robert Pedersen interview on Fox News Channel 17: Hero Dad win and Equal Parenting Bike Trek

FOX NEWS CHANNEL 17 PROMO VIDEO

FULL FOX NEWS CHANNEL COVERAGE OF ROBERT PEDERSEN; HERO DAD AND EQUAL PARENTING

BIKE TREK

Special Thanks to Brian Downs, Esq.

EQUAL Parenting Bike Trek Updates and Complete Media List

Support Michigan House Bill 4564

Brenda Clack HB 4564

August 18th Washington, D.C. Rally

To deny a child or children the love, nurturing, guidance and education of a fit and willing parent who lives only 10 minutes from the other parent is wrong.  6 days a month is child abuse.

Equal Parenting Bike Trek - Draft Map and Stops

Equal Parenting Bike Trek - Draft Map and Stops - View Here  You can vary how you look at the map, zoop in, different viewing options, etc.  Keep in mind that the times reflected are for automobiles and obviously not for bicycles.  This route is subject to change.  Please help alert the news ahead of each of our planned media stops!

EQUAL Parenting Bike Trek Updates and Complete Media List

Support Michigan House Bill 4564

August 18th Washington, D.C. Rally

Equal Parenting Bike Trek cyclist and Best Life Magazine's Runner-Up Hero Dad received recognition from Emmett Township Supervisor James E Dermarest and the Township Board!

EQUAL Parenting Bike Trek Updates and Complete Media List

Support Michigan House Bill 4564

August 18th Washington, D.C. Rally

Fox News Channel 17 promo for Robert Pedersen Hero Dad and Equal Parenting Bike Trek story

More TV News Videos to come!!!

EQUAL Parenting Bike Trek Updates and full media coverage list

Support Michigan House Bill 4564

August 18th Washington, D.C. Rally - Attend this historical event!

Robert Pedersen interviewed by both Fox News Channel 17 and News 8 regarding Hero Dad win and Equal Parenting Bike Trek

Both Fox News Channel 17 and News 8 Wood TV interviewed Robert Pedersen today regarding the Best Life Magazine's National Hero Dad Contest Runner-up win and the 700 mile EQUAL Parenting Bike Trek!

This was certainly an honor to be interviewed by both stations!  Fox News Channel 17 will run their story at 10PM and they will also have the video of the interview online.  News 8 Wood TV will run their story at 11PM and they may or may not have the video online.  It was quite the thrill to have the media vans pull up knowing that the interview was only minutes away.  I think half of the neighborhood was looking to see why two different News Channels were at our house. 

So try to catch both interviews and record them as well.  We are hoping to get the videos online as soon as possible.  The media frenzy continues, in fact Robert did a radio interview in between the two News TV interviews!  More on the radio interview and the Fox 17 and News 8 interviews soon.  Stay tuned!  Videos to come soon at DaddyBlogger.com!!!

Media and Blogger Coverage List of EQUAL Parenting Bike Trek/Hero Dad win!

Support Michigan House Bill 4564

August 18th Washington, D.C. Rally

Angela Pedersen, R.N. ACLS