Day Four Fun

Subject: Day Four Fun

I know it's hard to believe that a day containing an 88 mile bike ride could be described as "fun" but that's the word of choice for what we experienced today. We have been riding for three days against a strong head wind. So we were in cautioned joy when we saw the motel flag hanging limp as we pulled out at 7:20a. It was barely daylight and we kept thinking the sun would bring the wind. We even rode in "draft" formation for a while to fight a wind that didn't exist.

The road was still flat and (a new experience) the shoulder was roller rink smooth. Wow!! What a joy to ride.

The day went on with great riding and lots of phone calls at the breaks. We were staying in touch with Marilyn and Linda as they drove south to meet up with us. We finally found each other north of Victoria, after the ride team had eaten lunch. Once we were together, Phillip switched all the van contents so we could use the Holland van going north. Then Linda took Brigitte's van and continued south to fetch Brigitte to bring her back to FtW. Linda would still have another 2 or 3 hours of driving before reaching Brigitte's side.

The ladies had brought a thorough report of the road conditons - warning us of some heavy construction before we would reach Halleyeville. Did I mention there was no wind and the road was smooth?

Phillip continued his masterful job as SAG Driver. But now he had a trainee assistant, Marilyn. At the next-to-final Rest Stop, the riders arrived under a shade tree where blankets had been spread on the ground and the food supplies were served to the reclining riders. It was amazing!! One stop later  Phillip left us. We had less than 10 miles to go, so Marilyn drove Phillip north to Schulenburg, where he had pre-positioned his car, while we completed the ride to Hallettesville.

Upon arrival at our motel, we met Pierre. Pierre is a biker too. He is from Holland. He is biking alone  and camping out, if necessary, as he goes. This night he is staying in the Budget Inn. Pierre started his ride six weeks ago in Ontario, Canada and plans to finish in about five months in Argentina. So, the Lord knows how to keep proud riders humble. But I will say I've only met four men on my Iife who have biked from Brownsville to Hallettesville. They are the four friends with whom I shared the road today - and it was a smooth road with lots of fun.

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