Thursday, May 24, 2007

Day 5: Woodstock, VA to Staunton, VA... Tree

A good way to sum up today's ride... 68 miles of 3,000 (yes, three thousand) feet of elevation at an average speed of 12mph. Can I get a woop woop?!

For those back in Texas... the hills out here make Loop 360 look like speed bumps. Think 2222 but worse. Yeah.

We had a great day today... There is that minor part of today about Susan's spill... I will also let Susan tell her story... I'm not sure who won the bet back home but yes, there is a bone broken. We're going to get her bike fixed up and she will still ride into Roanoke with us!!

Today was absolutely exhilarting. Half of the riders left this morning earlier than usual in order to accomplish the goal of the 68 miles to Staunton. We didn't want anyone to feel any pressure they weren't going fast enough or that any portion of the ride had to be in a vehicle with their bike. The result? Success. Today would not had been what it was if it was not for Team Minnesota. The students put up rest stops every 10 miles to help us get through the hills and the heat and the hills. And the hills. And some more hills. They fed us well at the lunch stop and kept us super hydrated. The students have made it possible for Team Texas to be on the road together every day of the ride by driving Mark's truck otherwise we would have had to rotate off the bike to drive it. THEY ROCK!! They also surprised us today by writing words of encouragement in chalk on the road. Not only that but they also wrote all the inductees into Saturday's memorial throughout the course today. When the team came across Eric's name we had to stop and share the moment. The day did not go by without tears. I have often found myself this week climbing slowly up a hill and crying. Bicycle riding for myself like many others is a way to clear the mind and work through emotion. As the week has progressed, the physical and emotional aspects of the ride is of various different levels -- being here in Eric's honor, doing an event like this with other EMTs and paramedics from across the country, honoring those that have died in the line of duty. David Fernandez arrived at the hotel late this evening. He flew into Baltimore and drove a rental car to Stoughton. But, our little team seems incomplete without Vaughn. Vaughn, we are thinking of you and miss you dearly. We have heard updates from Scott Parker, Rita, and David. Your spirit is with us!

Aaron, Susan, and I were able to meet one of Eric's best friends at Coventry's peace pole and tree dedication to Eric last month. I don't think Mike considers himself a 'cyclist' but he very much is. He rides his bike rain or shine. I don't think he owns any lycra but he's hardcore in my book. Mike, we are thinking of you here this week and wish you could be here. Be safe out there on your bike!

Tomorrow's ride is 90 miles into Roanoke. We are supposed to take off at 0600 in order to hook up with the Kentucky riders and ride into Roanoke at 1700. Susan needs some rest and Mark has begun to not feel well. We're going to get some good rest tonight and hit the road in the truck and catch up to the ride in the vehicle. It's more important to us to take care of each other right now than make every 90 of the miles tomorrow. We'll all ride into Roanoke as a team...

We miss everyone back home and we're honored to be here. Thank you again for everyone's support -- here on the ride and everyone back in Texas.

1 comment:

Unknown said...

2222 a speed bump, OMG!!! You guys are awesome. I cried reading about you guys crying. This definitely is helping us work through some stuff. Hugs to each of you; good riding tomorrow. Harlin and I will be there to cheer you into Roanoke.

Love,

Rita