July 9th 2011
37 bottles of chamois butter down, only 12 more pounds left. There are only two articles of clothing in our bags without grease marks on them. We are half way there and the days seem easier. We are getting stronger as a group and I are able to ride faster together. Today was a very exciting and scary day. We started off with a usual morning of the boys taking a little bit longer to wake up than everyone else (sorry about that) however we all made it out on time. The morning was damp and seemed as if it was going to rain. We left our campsite at 8:30. We had about 90 miles ahead of us. 10 miles into the ride everything was great, our bodies were all starting to warm up and we were ready for the day. At about mile 12 we had something that normally does not happen in our daily routine. Unfortunately we had a spill of cyclists on the road. Luckily everyone who was involved in this crash was ok and no cars passed us, however it was scary for everyone to see the group have there first fall. But thankfully there were only scraps and bruises, nothing that time won’t heal. So after about 45 minutes of fixing everyone’s bikes and injuries we kept on trekking. Everything was going great for the whole morning, everyone enjoying himself or herself and looking forward to the of the rest day in our near future. Also as hard as it may seem today was the first day where we completed ninety-nine bottles of beer on the wall, which was a historical moment for the trip (shout out to Tuck B.). Later that afternoon we had more dramatic moments. I guess today was an unlucky day for us but yet again we had another major crash. I do not know what happened but that mailbox came out of nowhere. Luckily everyone popped right up and got back on their bikes for more riding. I guess that’s what riding across the country is all about. It’s not about how hard or fast your can do it, it is about how hard you can get hit and keep on going, keep on pedaling. As the day came to an end we were all tired and did not feel like putting up tents. After a great chicken fajita dinner made by the Hymansons we all set up our sleeping bags and went to bed with another day ahead of us. And so it goes.
-Luke Norena
Sorry to hear about your crashes. Glad everyone fared well other than bruises and road rash. Unfortunately, it happens.
ReplyDeleteAs always, I'm enjoying your posts. I can understand why you'd entertain yourself singing 99 beers on the wall and count down. Would love to hear that on one of your videos, if there is an opportunity.
I bet you don't have to count sheep to fall asleep after long and hot ride days. ;-) I'm a noncombat veteran and former reservist who had a traumatic brain injury. Cycling helps me sleep better through the night and cycling is better than medication for depression.
Thank you again for what you're doing for America's combat veterans and other veterans -- like me -- who've had a life changing injury.