Cheers to Richardson Bike Mart

And props to Barlows for finding a way of educating the owner on what Soldier Ride is all about at last Saturday's club ride. (It was the buttkicking WWP Jersey that got his attention, wasn't it?)

RBM has apparently donated the sum of $500 to WWP/Soldier Ride. Thanks, guys!


So, Barlows - was this your first club ride, then? How'd it go?

Starting the plan for next year

For next year's effort, I think I'd like to either change the name of the blog, or move the blog to a new site, and call it Roll Aid or something similar.

I had to deal with a bit confusion from strangers who weren't clear on the differences between us and the Soldier Ride. Additionally, I don't want us pulling traffic from the WWP site and I don't want to lose traffic that should be here going to WWP and not finding the info they want, so I think a clear separation is in order.

Once the planning starts getting locked down, I'd also like to put up a bulletin board, so that multiple threads planning different aspects of the thing don't get buried or lost.

Comments/questions/objections?

Soldier Ride obliterates goal for Lone Star State Challenge

That's us standing next to the Larrymobile in the background there.

For those of you who don't care to read the fine print - the goal for the Lone Star State Challenge was $15,000.oo.

What they made - with our help - was $30,000.00.

The letter is addressed to me because of the donation my company made, but that donation would not have happened without each of you making the Coast to the Coast a real goal, and not some fantasy.

This letter should have been written to each one of you.

Yep Yep...

I'm here. What's up Truman? I've been checking in often and reading about all of your wonderful experiences. You guys took some amazing pictures. I think the last statement you wrote on the below post about the knee pain has really caused me to change my perspective on riding my bike. I have knee pain as well, however, I've not thought of it in as positive a manner as you described. I appreciate that thought.

I just signed up for the Sam's Club MS 150. Anyone in? I may only make it the first day although I am going to ride pretty hard for this next month to try to get in good shape.

Speaking of which, What's up with this wind?!? It seems that every time we have a nice day, it is accompanied with high winds.

Paging CRDean...

Where'd you go, buddy - are you just swamped at work, or what?

Riding home yesterday...

Into a headwind I'd qualify as "stiff",

I caught myself grinning and thinking, "Man, this would be pretty bad if there were hills and I was full of El Tapatio tortillas and tacos, but otherwise this doesn't suck."

I find myself occasionally being grateful for the knee pain, too - it reminds me that I still have knees.

The end is near, but will never be fogotten

Well we are in Corpus now, and I wish I was as poetic and as good a wordsmith as my memories want me to be, oh well.

Today was one of the best so far as I am concerned, it had a great start, and inspiring middle, and a restful end. What a way to begin the close of an awesome trip.

This morning we woke up at the dove hut, all before dawn? Not sure how that happened but I guess we were all looking forward to a great day. Priscilla had left fruit, juice, and left over brisket and bread for us. So we had a good breakfast to get us going and get the camp packed up and cleaned up. At 8 Priscilla came rolling into camp with ken in tow to take us to meet the WWP at veterans memorial park in Beeville. The Ride was to meet at 9am and start at 10am. But when we got there at 9 only the police and the VFW were there. The WWP was running a little late, but no surprise when you consider all the warriors had done the day before. Shortly after we arrived the corvette club of Corpus Christi arrived and announced that they would be escorting us to Portland, the planned end of the days journey by bike. All were vets and many had their Vettes painted in veteran themes, they all looked assume.

A little after 10 the warriors arrived, with expectation written on their faces, and most roaring to go. All except Kevin who was not feeling well, but insisted on at least riding out of the park to respect those who came to honor him? So a couple of us got him some ice for his head and helped him get into his hand cycle, ready to ride. All the others were quickly readied and with salutes from the VFW, and with police and corvette escort we began our planned 45 mile ride about 1.5 hours late. Kevin’s planned ride out of the park then stop quickly changed to “a little further” so he could get past the horded of screaming kids at a local elementary school, talk about courage, persistence and pride, he was truly amazing. But what was even more so, was how those kids cheers boosted all their moral and insistence on going on, even Kevin, suffering as he must have been road on through town and out the other side, where reluctantly, and after being sick again, was convinced to dismount his bike and take a ride in the van.

They day quickly became hot, and the long flat road let a head wind push against the warriors and use, but all road on. Some fast, and some at a nice steady pace. I can’t imagine how those n hand cycles and recumbent suffered the heat not more than a few inches off the baking blacktop, chip sealed roads. But they all kept driving on. After about 10 miles the line was stopped for lunch, sandwiches, chips and Gatorade for most. A few, Matt and Adrian for 2 didn’t want to eat for fear of cramping, they just drank. After lunch it was agreed to officially brake the group into the A and B groups to let the faster group hopefully finish the ride, the rest would ride until ~2 and them be picked up to make sure we got to the finish where another reception was waiting. But at 2 most wanted to keep riding, and in fact they went on to close to 3:30 before all but being forcefully loaded into the trucks and vans for the ride to finish into Portland. I had stayed with the hand cycles and for a second day they had gone 25 miles, truly inspiring. We were then escorted to within 1 mile of the finish. There they were off loaded and back on the bikes so they could proudly ride in to there welcome on their own power.

The turn out at Yummies in Portland was a sight to see. Hundreds of people waiving flags, the VFW had 1 giant flag they vets were proudly holding along the rode, and all the colors from each force on display. The FVW band was playing, and everyone was cheering. Once situated they played the national anthem, and each services song. Matt confided in me it brought tears to his eyes, and that he was embarrassed, but several of us told him we were also brought to tears by our pride, and emotions over what it means to us to hear it and see these warriors being honored. Once the formalities were over the warriors were inundated with visitors, well-wishers, and admirers, a truly proud American moment. After that is was free ice cream and packing of the vehicles for the end of our day. The WWP off the NAS Corpus Christi, Steve, Dave and Cliff to Dave’s Aunts, and Dad, Lari, Larry, and I off to our respective hotels for the night and a good night sleep…..Well after Steve, Dave, Cliff, Dad and I went down town for some great Mexican food, all crammed In my little truck. ….

I know this experience, these new friends, and old will never be forgotten. I look forward to tomorrows public ride, and an end to this adventure, but I know this will not end my memories, or renewed feeling to help these wounded warriors, it has so far been an unparalleled experience, and I already look forward to doing it again.. .

Of Heroes, Warriors, and Road Angels.

Nieves, his dad, and his home town VFW





Today was to be one of the best days for me yet, and one of the toughest for the rest. Thursday we woke up at the Holiday Inn in San Antonio after spending a great evening meeting most of the wounded warriors, and getting a chance to hear some of their stories. We went to Rudy’s for BBQ, beer, and stories, a great night, but today was much better. We were up early and loaded for the truck ride onto base and the Brook Army Medical center. There we were privileged to meet the rest of the heroes, and had the chance to help them get into their bikes and really see for the 1st time their resolve. I had the distinct opportunity to meet Matt Lammers and Adrian Garcia, 2 amputees who were going to ride hand cycles for their 1st time. I helped Matt get into his and figure out how to attach is left mechanical arm to the “peddle” and physically attach him to his chair. From there we rode to the Center for the Intrepid, for an official send off for the days ride. There we saw several dozen other wounded vets, and many well wishers as we took official photos and began the soldiers 25 mile ride. From there we rode to the Alamo where kids, regular folks, the police, and the press have these guys a heroes welcome.

Adrian getting ready

Welcome at the Alamo
Send off at the center for the intrepid
Ryan makes the climb
Kevin pushing the hill flying old glory proudly





I followed behind Matt and Adrian the whole 25 miles taking with them about how they got there, what this day meant to them, and generally riding in Aw of them both. It was a slow roll of about 7.5MPH average, but by far the best riding so far, for me. These 2 and all the others truly amazed me with their spirit, persistence, and presence. Their overall attitude could be seen, felt and seen. I cannot describe my emotions and feelings, I can only hope you will some day get the opportunity to meet these heroes or others like them. Trust me it is more than time well spent. Knowing it was Matt 1st real day out of the hospital for a day of recreation on his own power was awesome to see, you could truly see relief and enjoyment in his face as he moved that bike down the rode. He told me this was the 1st time he felt like he used to when he would get in a pick-up game of some sort, that feeling when your sports face kicks in and the bad seems to melt away for a time. He said how cool it was to see the outdoors, hear the birds, and smell the flowers while out on his own. I believed him when he said he fell in love with cycling, something he never would have considered on his own, nor known if not for the wounded warrior project. At the end of the ride we was hot, sweaty, tired, but looking forward to the next days 25 miles.



Matt and Ken relax with some suport after the ride.


Dave, Steve, Cliff, Lari, Dad and another wounded warrior Nevis Rodriguez broke off after about 12 miles and headed out for Beeville, what was to be a 106 mile day for them. I caught them at about the 50 mile mark, and along with Mr. Aycock (Lari’s dad) followed them to about the 70 mile mark. There Dave suggested I become and advance party and took off for parts unknown, well sort of. I arrived in Beeville at about 5:30pm where I called Pricilla Stuart, out won Road Angel. Lari had contacted her a few week prior about our camping at her RV park, which she promptly said no to, as she had no restroom facilities, but she asked why. Which is where Lari kicked in her salesmanship, and the angel in Pricilla came out. Lari explained the purpose of our trip, and immediately Pricilla offered her dove lease area, explaining it was way back in her pasture and not much but a field with electricity and a bathroom. Not sure what to expect I called her when I pulled up to the RV park, she came right over in a mini van and instructed I follow her, that her son Gordon would be “the gate guy.” Not sure what she meant I followed her about ½ mile to the 1st gate, in we went, crossing about another ½ mile of goat pasture until we hit gate 2, here we went into another pasture filled with Brahma cows and new calf’s, we again crossed near ½ mile of pasture where we arrived at the 3rd gate, this one reviled a small lake, surrounded with ¼ horses, with a small hut in an enclosed fence around it. She proclaimed this is where we would call home for the night. When we pulled up I met Ken her hired hand who was working on the final touch to the clean up they had pulled off all week. Apparently the dove hunters left the place a wreck, and they had to work all week to clean it up, get it mowed, and get fire wood in place for us…. They offered to help me get the camp ready for our weary riders who were still about 2 ½ hours out. I found everyone’s tents in the back of the truck and off they went helping me set up 4 tents and 1 hammock. None of which any of them had seen the like of before. We found level ground removed limbs and twigs and got them all up and ready. Then she showed me her real welcome, brisket, potato salad, macaroni salad, beans, bread, fruit drinks, etc etc, etc. And she would hear non of taking anything for any of it. I got to hear all bout her late mother and father and how they came to own the ranch and keep it going, a truly proud family with a great heritage.



Pircilla, and Ken serve Steve some great food


The dove hut

Dave "Truman" listens to the tail of the nut and the bass


At ~ 9:30 12 hours from the start of their days the riders called and said they were at the exit, at this point Pricilla brought her big farm truck with a 15ft enclosed trailer out and off we went to meet the riders. We meet them at 181 and 351 along with Nevis’s family. She loaded the bikes in the trailer, and the riders in her van and off we went back to the camp. Well after Dave asked if we could ride there, I just smiled and told him to get in the truck, no way a 700X28 time would make it. Once at the camp the food came out, the beer I had picked up along the way was un-capped and refreshments ensued. Pricilla was truly a road angel, and we couldn’t have asked for more, even leaving a cooler with juice and fruit for morning. She sat and visited by the fire for an hour or so then left us to finish the beer, clean up ourselves, and get some sleep. Lari and her dad headed to their hotel and we crashed after a short time. BTW Pricilla said she would charge us a dollar a night but waive it if we came back next year, and we hope to take her up on that. There is no way we could repay her kindness.

Today was truly about helping others, we had a small chance to help and see the help given to some great heroes, and we were helped by one road angel. Although I didn’t get the miles of the others I feel truly blessed to have had today.

Here's the news video from Corpus Christi

KIIITV

Here are some local news coverage of the Solider Ride, and more about the WWP from SA and CC. I hope to get some of the blogs I started complete and up soon, and get some of the photos organized.

http://www.caller.com/news/2008/mar/16/wounded-warriors/

http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/military/stories/MYSA031408.01B.WoundedSoldiers.372a84d.html

All over but the pictures...

Roll Aid '08 is now behind us. Along the way we lost a few riders, picked up a few more and made some friends that I hope will be lifelong.

We'll be updating this blog with some of the better pics - I took almost two hundred, but it sure didn't make me any better a photographer than I was when I left.

The pics of the guys you see cranking handcycles - those don't belong to them, they're loaners from the Wounded Warrior Project. My understanding is that these guys stationed down at Brooke Army Medical Center don't have a handbike to ride or train on. I know of a nice one for sale in Ft Worth. My plan is to get a rock bottom price the owner will take for it and then raise money to buy it and take it down and give it to the guys at BAMC, or to the BAMC PT department if it has to go that way.


I hope Joe from Joe's Pro Bikes in San Antonio will be willing to do the maintenance that'll be required when Joe Dirt slams it into another Grand Am.

Pics forthcoming when I get them up at a host.

I just received this picture. The guys are getting ready to ride with the soldiers today. What a great privilege!

Days 4 and 5

Day 4 from Marble Falls to Blanco was a good day 48 miles not too many hills, but we did about 8 miles of gravel roads. At one point we were in-between to high fence areas, everyone thought it was right out of Jurassic park. We did see several different types of animals and even some wild turkeys. We crossed at least 8 cattle cards and one stream, where Steve took a wet fall. In Blanco Charlie, recommended eating at a small diner about a mile from our motel called the bluebonnet Cafe, he wanted liver and onions.......Anyway we walked in the exit only door and caught heck from the wait staff, all in jest of course. The food was great, but the pies were even better, During our dinner we talked with 2 of the waitresses who both had kids either in Iraq or going. So as we are leaving they gave us 8 free pieces of pie and a bunch or rolls and cornbread....Truman in his usual wit proclaimed "he would go in the back door any time for free pie."

Day 5 was another long day 73 miles. Good riding, more great south Texas views. About 30 miles in Steve had proclaimed for at least the 10th time that should be the end of our climbing we round a corner to see one of the longest steepest hills yet. Per the Gamin a 16% grade, but we all made it to the top. After a long catch your breath stop we got to reap the reward of a 35+ mph down hill, almost to the bottom I noticed that the back of my bike felt strange, so I stopped to find a low rear tire. I filled it back up, knowing I had slim and should be fine but when I spun the tire it rubbed the fender???? After closer inspection we found a bulge in the tread, strangest thing any of us had seen. So we pulled the tire off my dad’s bike and replaced mine and off we rode. Just before we came into SA we hit a rode about 3 miles long that we kept a better than 22 mph roll great rollers with a mostly down hill run. Then after about 10 miles of climbing we hit the SA city limits, what a great feeling. The 1st thing we saw was a highway adoption sign from Bicycle Heaven.....Then we hit an 8 mile long bicycle lane where we kept a 20 mile pace through SA. Once we passed that we took back roads to get to the BAMC through the some beautiful houses.

At the hotel we meet the WWP and meet several of the heroes. These guys are amazing, there heart and minds are incredible, to see the wounds and hear their stories it breath taking. What they have given, and several are still on active duty with incredible wounds is truly aw inspiring. They are the reason we are bringing their cause to light. Go look at www.woundedwarriorproject.org, look at the photos and read their stories. Hearing them 1st hand is even more amazing. We are all looking forward to riding with them starting tomorrow,


Sorry for the wanderings, spelling and grammar errors, I am tired, sore and well just want to get it out there. I am also having issues uploading photos....They will get up there, I promise.

Day 4

Picture 1 - The guys arrived safely at Blanco State Park, where they will spend the night tonight.

Picture 2 - A pretty church in Cypress Mill, a pic from the road.

Picture 3 - Lunch in Johnson City. The picture may be blurry, but at least we know they were fed well. There seems to have been no shortage of eating on this trip, but I guess they don't have to count calories!

Pic 4 - The guys have been able to take in some amazing views from the road. This picture is of the Johnson City Wildlife Area.

The guys have made it to Blanco State Park, and they are camping out for the night. The pictures above are from their 45 mile journey to Blanco, TX today.

Tomorrow, they will finally make it to San Antonio. As I am sure they are feeling the miles at this point, I know the cause is keeping them turning the cranks day after day. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers as they continue to support our nation's troops and Wounded Warriors.

If you haven't already, please click on the Wounded Warrior Project link to the right and find out why this group of cyclists are spending their days in the saddle.

Also, continue to keep an eye on Tate's WWP page for more pics:

http://s155.photobucket.com/albums/s289/pkhakes/WWP%20Roll%20Aid%2008/

3 down miles to go

Well we made it to Marble Falls in about 5.5 hours 57 miles. Light rain most of the day, but actualy the best riding day yet. No wind and NO CHIPSEAL!!!. Charlie joined us today, a real Wounded Warrior. We made good time even taking our time. County road 200 from Cooperas Cove to Burnet was a real small, and smooth for the most part. There were a few 100 yard gaps that was dirt/mud, but no issues. Stopped in Burnet at Storms for a good meal of greasy burgers, and onion rings...good fuel for a cool wet day. The back road, Mormon Hills rd, from Burnet to Marble Falls was a great road mostly down hill, a few short STEEP climbs but nothing too tough. Steve took a fall at a creek crossing, green slime on the bottom and 700X23 don't do well in that condition. We also had 4 cattle crossing and all but Cliff walked them, he was young and brave and rode across them. About 1/2 way we came across the sign in the attached photo, we had to stop and get a shot. There were a lot more great shots but we think this one says it all. You can see all the shots from the below link

http://s155.photobucket.com/albums/s289/pkhakes/WWP%20Roll%20Aid%2008/

And They're Off...

The guys should be approaching Copperas Cove by now, if they haven't already arrived. We are praying for their safety and a good night's rest. I have not been able to communicate with them by phone, but I have received one picture as posted above. I will update throughout the week as I am able to receive updates. Let's keep cheering them on!

Edit: The guys have arrived safely to Copperas Cove, yet they have lost two individuals due to the terrain and mileage. The first day was tough at 95 miles, and today's 77 miles included a 20 mph headwind. Needless to say, they have made it to the Howard Johnson Hotel for some much needed rest. The guys would also like to express their thanks to Charlie Hunt, who will be providing SAG Support for the remainder of the ride. Charlie will replace Mad Duck, who was originally going to fill that role. With this change, the guys will have a chance to sleep in tomorrow before riding the 55 miles to Marble Falls.

A couple of highlights: Good send-off from the VFW in Benbrook (these guys have been great), a top notch breakfast in Meridian with a friendly wait staff, and a good mexican food lunch at the halfway point. The little things make a big difference.

Tate is posting pictures on his photobucket site along the route, and his link for the Roll Aid ride is:

http://s155.photobucket.com/albums/s289/pkhakes/WWP%20Roll%20Aid%2008/

Let's ride before the rain

Well our long days look ok, maybe a little wind, and chilly i the mornings...I don't really mind the cold though so it's ok by me, just more cloths to wear/carry. Maybe Clarence can carry that stuff back to the duck for us once we hit the warmer weather in the south? Looks like it might be a wet night Monday...let hope it's only in the dark. At least we'll have shorter days by then.

Ft. Worth
Tonight Lo: 25° Partly cloudy. Isolated thunderstorms and snow showers in the evening. Lows in the mid 20s. North winds 10 to 15 mph.
Saturday Hi: 59° Mostly sunny. Highs in the upper 50s. South winds around 5 mph becoming south 10 to 15 mph in the afternoon.


Cleburne
Friday Night: Lo: 25° Partly cloudy. Isolated flurries in the evening. No snow accumulation. Lows in the mid 20s. North winds 10 to 15 mph.
Saturday: Hi: 59°Mostly sunny. Highs in the upper 50s. South winds around 5 mph becoming south 10 to 15 mph in the afternoon.
Saturday Night: Lo: 41° Partly cloudy. Not as cool. Lows in the lower 40s. South winds 10 to 15 mph.

Meridian
Saturday: Hi: 61° Mostly sunny. Highs in the lower 60s. South winds around 5 mph becoming south 10 to 15 mph in the afternoon.
Saturday: Night Lo: 45° Partly cloudy. Not as cool. Lows in the mid 40s. South winds 10 to 15 mph.
Sunday: Hi: 65° Partly sunny. Highs in the mid 60s. South winds 10 to 15 mph.

Gatesville
Saturday Night:Lo: 45° Partly cloudy. Not as cool. Lows in the mid 40s. South winds 10 to 15 mph.
Sunday: Hi: 65° Partly sunny. Highs in the mid 60s. South winds 10 to 15 mph.
Sunday Night; Lo: 50° Mostly cloudy. Lows around 50.

Cooperas Cove
Sunday; Hi: 65° Partly sunny. Highs in the mid 60s. South winds 10 to 15 mph.
Sunday Night: Lo: 50° Mostly cloudy. Lows around 50.
Monday: Hi: 59° POP: 40% Cloudy. A chance of showers and thunderstorms...Mainly in the afternoon. Highs in the upper 50s. Chance of rain 40 percent

Marble Falls
Monday: Hi: 59° POP: 60% Cloudy with showers and thunderstorms likely. Highs in the upper 50s. Chance of rain 60 percent.
Monday Night: Lo: 45° POP: 40% Cloudy with a 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Lows in the mid 40s
Tuesday: Hi: 69°Mostly cloudy. Highs in the upper 60s.

Blanco
Tuesday: Hi: 69° Mostly cloudy. Highs in the upper 60s.
Tuesday Night: Lo: 45° Partly cloudy. Lows in the mid 40s. Highs in the mid 70s.
Wednesday: Hi: 75° Partly cloudy. Lows in the mid 40s. Highs in the mid 70s

Drink up, fellas.

Worrywart sez: "Staying hydrated will keep you warm, and it's hard to know how much you're sweating when it's cool and dry out."

Here's something to cogitate on: If we add 8-12 (est.) miles to tomorrow's route, we can have a hot lunch in Cleburne. Or we can take the short route, carry extra food for all day and grab dinner in Meridian before getting to the Park.

I haven't ridden South of Cleburne State Park, but I'm pretty sure that after the Subway in Godley around mile 25, there's no kind of stores until maybe Morgan, possibly Meridian - which I know has some stores & restaurants

Caveat: Traffic can be pretty ugly in Cleburne on a Saturday.


See you tomorrow. Everybody good to go?

Say, "Map!" Say, "Map!"

Do you guys want copies of paper maps? I have several pretty granular books of Texas maps. I intend to scan the salient pages for routing changes on the fly. I know some of you are rocking the Garmins, but let me know before tonight if you want some paper backup.

I remember a smart guy telling me once, "If your GPS gets shot, you have a paperweight. If your map gets shot, you have a map with a hole in it."

Nature abhors a vacuum - a case study

I'm looking at the empty pockets and extra space in my panniers, thinking, "Surely I can fit something in there - I must have forgot something..."

I gotta remember I'll (hopefully) need some of that space to put the warm stuff I'll be wearing when we start out. Low of 27° Friday morning.

And the predicted wind shifted. Phooey.

Still that empty space just begs me to shove something heavy and comfortable in it.

It is gonna warm up as we ride South, right?

Just had a call with the SR organization - Couple things

1. Riders, including Lari and your dad - I need your full names to give to Woody so that we can be admitted to Brooke AMC, for the San Antonio ride.
   
   
2. If we hook up with the SR group at 7am on Thursday, we can get a free Cracker Barrel breakfast with them and follow them onto base.
   
   
3. I've asked for, and am reasonably confident we'll receive, some degree of police escort, either bike or motorcycle, from the vicinity of Mission Espada to Hwy 181 to ward Beeville.
   
   
4. The SR group is staying in San A on Thursday Night, rather than Beeville, and trucking in, on Friday morning. The Beeville ride will start at 10 am. There is some question if any of the official riders are up to the full 45 mile ride to Portland, but many expect to.
   
   
5. There are a few hairy portions of 181 with minimal shoulder. Lari's dad's escort services will be invaluable here.
   
   
6. Lunch will be provided on the road to Portland with the SR group.
   
   
7. The plan is to truck us with the official riders over the Harbor Bridge into Corpus from Portland Friday night, after an ice cream party in Portland. There is a social event at Theo's billiards on Friday night.
   
   
8. Saturday, we hook up with the group with the public riders at Texas A&M, just outside the gate at NASCC, and we're invited to stay for the after party.
   
   *******EDIT! HEADS UP!******
   
   
9. YOU MUST HAVE A VALID PHOTO IDENTIFICATION FOR ACCESS TO THE BASE!!!!!
   
   

I think that's it. Questions/Comments?

Tate, Clarence is meeting us in Copperas Cove, correct - or sometime Sunday before that?

Can we just go today?

Please? Y'all are ready, right?

Riders, check your emails.

I've sent you a document from the WWP with more detailed planning. Read it over and let me know if you have questions. Or let me know if you didn't get it.

Brutal stinkin' wind.

I'm willing to pray to anyone that next Saturday bears no resemblance to today in the wind department. I rode the 1st half of the Day One route, due frickin' South. I was so happy when my wife called to tell me the weather was supposed to be coming in sooner so I had a legitimate reason to turn around. I wound up getting in about 60 miles, but it hurt like 100.

Knee doesn't like weather changes either, go figger.