Ok, so you already know that we rode from Westminister, Pennsylvania to Woodstock, Virginia today. The ride has been increasingly challenging. I woke up this morning severly dehydrated with a number of other systemic body issues. I decided to help Mike Pistachio (it's actually Postacio but we bonded over childhood nicknames we were given because of our last names) follow the riders in one of the FDNY mini buses. We had a full escort from Mt. Airy, PA fire/ems. Their station in Mt. Airy was our first rest stop -- see the classic ambulance photo. Mt. Airy's Mayor was there and read a proclamation of the ride from the city. His words were very moving as he praised the effort of the ride and EMS. All rest stops today were provided by local (and mostly volunteer based) fire/ems squads. Every squad that has provided a rest stop or meal has been more than accomodating and hospitable. There is excitement on their faces and many kind words when we arrive.
Today was very challenging. I go the mileage wrong for yesterday -- they actually completed 75 of the 108 miles. I'm not sure what we were supposed to do today but the ride ended up doing only about 65 miles. Our late starts probably have more to do with us having to pack up the ride early than the average speed of the ride. Going 35mph downhill is very nice.. Going 5mph uphill feels like you're about to start going backwards. Anyhow, we're all doing the best we can. The weather has been beautiful -- high 70s to mid 80s with a very negligible wind -- and the scenery even more beautiful than that. Driving with Mike today gave me plenty of opportunity to share some of those sites.
I got on my bike after lunch as we lined up to ride the ferry across the Potomac River. We made it to Virginia! You can only imagine how exhilating it is to cross our final state border. The guys from Maine are a constant source of inspiration. But, today, Carl got a taste of a road bike. The secret is out and he is now hooked. There is also a woman from Massachusetts doing the ride in triathlon shorts. Read: not enough padding. She's such a haus so I'm not surprised. As the ride got lost today out on the bikes, she found a bike shop and got a pair of bike shorts. The possibilities are truly endless now.
Icy hot patches have worked wonders on my back pain. Yay, icy hot patches. I wake up in the morning and I feel like a new woman. Pain and soreness aside, we are all having a great time. There are moments of frustration during the day due to getting lost, dehydration, hunger, getting lost, and the last two nights of getting to the hotel later than desired. We're all pushing through and giving each other the support we need -- not only on our small team level but to the larger team. The other riders are giving us a lot of support for doing the ride for Eric. They ask many questions and really look forward to meeting everyone this weekend. It means a lot for a fellow rider to ask about the accident. We were telling another rider from FDNY EMS about it tonight. The conversation moved to his cancer. He has been a source of inspiration for me in many ways but when he told me he was living with cancer I was beyond words.
There are a few more stories I wanted to share about today and then I must get some rest as we have an 0700 start tomorrow morning.
Our last rest stop was hosted by Hamilton fire/ems. When we arrived (our first rest stop in Virginia) they recognized the Texas Team and told us they were just looking at the blog before we got there. You guys were amazing and thank you!! I ate two more apples on the bus into Woodstock! Volunteer squads are the best, you guys are the real heroes of the community. Thank you for what you do the ride and thank you for serving your communities.
Vaughn will unfortunately not be joing us in Roanoke. Susan spoke to Scott Parker tonight after dinner and the accident was more serious than I thought. Please keep him, his family, and the family of the other vehicle in your prayers. Vaughn will pull through this but we were told he is still in the hospital. We are thinking of you, Vaughn! David will be meeting us at the hotel tomorrow night, please keep him in your thoughts as well during his travels.
Good night, Woodstock! Your squad served up a top-notch meal -- complete with cake. Cake! And, cobbler!! Thank you for supporting the ride. Your smiles and home cooking hit the spot. All the spots, actually!
Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.
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