Day 14, January 18, 2002
JEFF'S
UPDATE
After finally coming down from the exciting day yesterday meeting Lance Armstrong and visiting with the Lance Armstrong Foundation, I mentally got ready for a relatively big day. Today we rode 136 miles/220 kms in rolling terrain in the Texas countryside and the fantastic Bastrop State Park.
Although it was overcast and raining, today was special for several reasons. First from a friendship point of view, Kevin and I where blessed with some friends from Toronto who rode with us; thanks again to Scott Graham, Neil Ostrum, and Ruth Love.
Second, it was a day of inspiration for me personally. Today I rode for two special people. Today's ride was dedicated to Lance Armstrong, mostly because of what he has overcome and how he has used his cancer survival story to give cancer patients hope, dreams, and through his foundation tangible programs around survivorship and research. I still can't believe my chance meeting with him yesterday; it was truly an incredible thing especially when I had dedicated today to him over two months ago!!
The second part of my inspiration came from my wife Diane who has been behind me for all of our 16 wonderful years of marriage, and more recently has provided unending support and help for the Coast to Coast ride for Cancer. To my best friend and lifelong soul mate, thanks for being everything you are!! I thought of you often today.
Tomorrow we ride our last day with Scott Graham so we are going to do everything we can to use every last piece of energy he has and send him back happy but exhausted to Toronto. Goodnight and my love to Brooklyn & Skylar
Jeff
SCOTT'S UPDATE
Hi Robbie, it's dad!
Another stellar day her in the great state of Texas. I thought Texas was flat. It isn't. The guidebook said that today's ride would be scenic with "pleasant" rolling hills. HA! Pleasant for the eyes perhaps, but agony for the thighs. Well, my thighs at least! I managed a personal best for single day distance, which is what the ride is all about - challenges. I thought of you as a trudged to the finish. Thanks for the boost. Papa and Dizzy called to say that they were watching Jeff and Kevin's progress. They're not alone!
The strength of Jeff & Kevin came into focus today. They really are powerhouses. It's been a joy to be part of the event and I thank them for the opportunity. Thanks too to Jenn and Chrissy for their own strength in dealing with the very, very tough role that they play in making this all work smoothly.
We had a few glitches today. Missed several turns causing time delays more than anything else. The Winni had a close encounter with an over pass - 2 feet too low (!) - but was saved by Chrissy's keen eye. Lots of people and lots of fun.
Off to bed. Not sure if I'm riding tomorrow. It depends on how far the route takes me away from Houston since I need to catch my flight home on Sunday.
I love you Robbie and look forward to joining you in the life enriching adventures that you will pursue.Go get 'em.
Dad.
NEIL OSTROM'S UPDATE
[note: Neil & Ruth Love joined Kevin & Jeff for one day of the ride coming all the way from Toronto; thanks again Neil and Ruth for the support and encouragement!!]
Only one word to describe today's ride: WOW!! The ride with Kevin and Jeff was truly amazing and a great personal experience. To ride for a cause such as cancer changes the whole perspective. It keeps you pushing down the hardest roads, and allows you to maintain total focus. I thought a lot of my friend Dave whose father passed away last week, and my friend SK and her Dad Herb who meant a lot to her.
See everyone soon at Gear's spinning where I will tell you more about our great experience!
KEVIN'S UPDATE
The hills are still alive! Can you believe it? Another big climbing day over rolling hills.
We called in the troops to help us out for the day. Neil Ostrom, Ruth Love, Eric Jensen, & Scott Graham helped break some wind for Jeff and I for a good part of the day. The help and the company of our friends was greatly appreciated. And to add to this 5 guys riding in Gears clothing made me very proud! They came down on their own ticket to ride with us and support the cause. That says a lot about who these people are.
Boy this is a big State!! Riding through Texas for 8 days makes me feel like we are not making any headway! It will be nice to get to the other smaller States [Louisiana, Alabama, and Florida] so we are actually making progress.
The new support team [Alison Wallace & Eric Jensen] are taking the Texas bull by the horns taking over the chores that Kenn Rushton was doing during the first half of the trip. Jennifer Currie is showing lots of tolerance and endurance putting up with all our needs and initiating the new crew. I've said it before but it is worth repeating; without assistance this dream would be ten times harder for Jeff and I.
As a special note to my Uncle Victor, happy 85th and I love you! I'm inspired by your endurance. I love you Auntie Marg, Rosemarie, Andrew & Jonathan for staying strong. I will be home soon. Thanks for the care package. I love you.
Kevin Wallace