Day 15, January 19, 2002
JEFF'S
UPDATE
Well, another challenging day. It started out in rainy and blustery conditions with a very strong headwind for the first 4 hours. We struggled as we contemplated how we were going to finish our ride before dark.
Then it was almost at that moment, as we grabbed a quick lunch in the RV, that the sun came out and the wind changed direction to be at our side and our backs for the next 2.5 hours. We got renewed energy and rode like the wind chewing off almost 60 miles in a little over 2 hours.
As I rode today, I reflected on how much today's ride reflects on life. Like life, today's ride has some lows, some highs, some significant struggles, and in the end some great joy as we reach our goal of Kountze, Texas putting us about 45 miles ahead of where we wanted to be at this time of the ride.
I got energy thinking about the people we rode for today. John Van Berkel was the father of my very good friend Jack Van Berkel. John unfortunately passed away from cancer. My thoughts were with the Van Berkel family today, and especially Jack's daughter Rachel who sent us a very nice note in the comments section.
The other person we rode for was Ruth Diefenbacher, submitted by my Aunt Marilyn. It is a great cancer success story and one that shows the value of struggling against the odds. Ruth, I hope you felt our presence as we rode hard through the morning rain in yours and John's honor.
Tomorrow looks like decent weather and looking at the contour lines on the map I think we are finally on flat ground. If we get wind in our favor for a change, we will try to ride about 155 miles, making it our second longest day.
Goodnight
and my love to Brooklyn, Skylar, Diane, Jeff
SCOTT'S UPDATE
I'm spent. Three great days of riding with the two very strong Coast-to-Coasters. The crews are doing a superb job despite the outset of cabin [a.k.a. RV] fever. Everyone takes time each day to reflect on who they are riding for that day, and how this ride will hopefully benefit the fight against cancer.
I'm thankful that I was able to contribute to this effort. My hope is that Jeff & Kevin's sweat, and the long hours put in by the support team [Alison, Jennifer, Kenn, Eric, and Chrissy] give strength to all those families affected by cancer. Ride like the wind is at your back [though from what I have seen it rarely is!]
Love to Robbie, Mom & Dad!
Scott Graham
KEVIN'S UPDATE
EAT, SLEEP, RIDE!! Yes that has been the extent of my life for the last 15 days. Jeff and I made a commitment to ride for people suffering & succumbing to cancer. Yes my butt hurts, my muscles ache, it is sometimes hard to keep motivated, and I miss everyone at home. But I still keep reminding myself that whatever is bothering me pales in comparison to having cancer. As we pedal mile after mile for 8 hours a day I keep reminding myself how lucky I am to be a part of this great ride for a great cause.
EAT, SLEEP, RIDE!! If Jeff and I do not eat or sleep properly the next day becomes a struggle. Up before dawn, EATING. On the bikes after breakfast, RIDING. Stopping 15 minutes for lunch, EATING. RIDING until mid-afternoon. EATING for 10 minutes. RIDING until dusk. EATING dinner. Finding a place to stay. Doing the daily update. SLEEPING.
EAT, SLEEP, RIDE that is our day! It is challenging but we love doing it for such a great cause and would do it all again! Hopefully the people we are riding for will benefit in some way because that is why we are riding our hearts out everyday!!
A quick note to everyone at Gears Spinning; KEEP WORKING OUT! I'm riding with you in spirit.
Rose, Jonathan, Andrew I love you and miss you. Cheers to the staff at Gears [Ron I am glad you are home safe]
Kevin Wallace