Day 5, January 9, 2002
JEFF'S
UPDATE
How do I describe today; in a word EPIC! 200 kms/124 miles, 9,500 feet of vertical climbing, and some of the most awe inspired scenery I have every witnessed.
Kevin rode incredible today kicking my butt on the long mountain pass. We have really come together over the last 5 days of riding and are working incredibly well as a team. On the flats and rolling terrain we each take the lead to break the wind every mile, and on the mountains we pushed and supported one another up the long mountain pass, and many smaller hills. I feel honored to be riding with someone with so much bike knowledge, as I am learning something each and everyday.
On a personal level, I had many thoughts around the cause we are riding for. In my heart I want so badly for this event and all the other wonderful charitable efforts going on around the globe to beat cancer so that my family, my friends, and all the great people who are pulling for us never have to have the pain that this disease can cause. Kevin and I are inspired and driven by the support of each and everyone of you to do everything in our power to make this event into something that can help towards this much larger goal.
As we rode through the hills and the unbelievable countryside we raised our water bottles and toasted a dedication to Bill Johnson who we rode for today. To his surviving family, know that we thought of Bill often during the day and our prayers are with you.
Goodnight and my love to Brooklyn, Skylar, and Diane. Your are in my heart! Jeff
KEVIN'S UPDATE
Now that we are in the mountains I feel so exhilarated and full of energy. The locals laughed [literally!] at us when we told them the round about route we were going to take so we could do the mountain pass. Then a local police officer stopped us before we went into the mountain pass concerned about our safety in the high hills with narrow, winding roads. Instead of not allowing us to proceed, he escorted us up the hill with lights flashing behind us thus blocking traffic to allow us through the dangerous section. We are honored to have met such a wonderful person.
The day was full of majestic secery, towering mountains, and at the end of the day fabulous rolling terrain that extended as far as the eye could see. All this made this one of the best days yet.
The comments and support we read nightly from everyone who is following this story, make Jeff and I feel that there is not a mountain or distance we can't achieve. We ride in honor of all of you.
The spirit of everyone logging on to our website is with us on every hill, headwind, and epic downhill. WE DON'T FEEL ALONE.
Love to all friends and family. Kevin