Day 11, January 15, 2002
JEFF'S
UPDATE
Another surprising day! We are using some maps we got from Adventure Cycling and unlike the first 3 maps of the 7 part series the 4th map had no elevation table so....we mistakenly assumed we would have a relatively flat, enjoyable ride after our 175 mile day yesterday. Well were we wrong!
Out of Del Rio we climbed a gradual climb for about 4 hours and about 4,700 feet elevation into a very strong headwind. We then got an 18 mile break with the wind at our back and then entered what they call the "Texas Hill Country". I guess if I was smart the name should have been my first clue! Well the area lived up to its name and we climbed and descended the rolling hills, some as large as 750 feet. There just was not any flat terrain. Total altitude gained was over 10,000 feet making it the second largest climbing day on the trip.
I learned more from Kevin today. He is a skilled and talented rider, a decade younger and stronger, and unbelievable climbing talent with his massive legs [take a look at the pictures from today to get a sense of what I am dealing with on a daily basis!!] I'm really glad Kevin is doing this with me as it would be that much more difficult alone!!
In the end, we preserved and did more mileage than we had on our original schedule so we will have more time with the Lance Armstrong Foundation in Austin on the 17th.
Today we rode for the Brown family and more specifically for Mike Brown's mother who has fought cancer several times over the years. We wanted to highlight the Brown family as they represent many families who have a high incident of cancer because of genetics and environmental factors.
As I struggled through the day, my spirits remained high because we remain more committed than ever to the mission of our Coast to Coast ride for cancer. Our tough day today can in no way even start to compare to a day someone with cancer must endure. This is a fact that I always think about.
Tomorrow we continue riding through Texas Hill country on our way to Austin and the Lance Armstrong Foundation for a halfway celebration.
Goodnight and my love to Brooklyn, Skylar and Diane. I thought of you often as I looked at the countryside which reminded me of our cottage. I'll be home soon.
Jeff
KEVIN'S UPDATE
Big headwind in the morning; huge hills in the afternoon. Another hard day at the biking office!!
The mileage, wind, and elevation changes are borderline comical. I'm at the point now where a hill is just another hill, a headwind is another opportunity to preserve, and mile after mile the challenge seems tougher now that we are in the middle of the ride.
BUT even though this is a super challenge.... For us the sky is blue, the scenery is beautiful, and there are many animals curiously checking us out in our bright Gears cycling outfits as we whiz by one huge ranch estate after another. Even though I am physically exhausted I am not taking for granted riding my bike for the cause we are riding for, through beautiful Texas countryside having the opportunity to hopefully inspire others to have great physical experiences with their family and friends. Our spirits are still high as I ride my bike Coast to Coast for Cancer.
Please keep cheering us on as your support means a lot to us. And Rose thanks for loving me for who I am.
Kevin.