Day 2, January 6, 2002
HAMISH'S UPDATE
Day 2 is done - 146 miles (235 km) with Jeff and Kevin as my wingmen. Yes today they were my wings and I was one of theirs. We worked together like a well-oiled machine until we hit the wall of wind. For 60 miles we pushed through a very strong headwind with our personal thoughts and screaming muscles. I asked myself why are we doing this? It all became clear when the sun set and the sky exploded with every hue of red imaginable and the wind died down with the setting sun. It was magic, pure magic. We chewed up the last 25 miles at a very fast pace under the desert stars.
We couldn't have done it without the support of Jennifer who kept us well fed and hydrated all day, Kenn, who kept us safe with the RV following us, and Chrissy from the television program Ride Guide who recorded every painful and ecstatic moment on film.
I'm proud to be part of this team for the three days I am riding with Jeff and Kevin. Hasta Manana Hamish.
KEVIN'S UPDATE
Big Day! We were much more organized today, which was why we were able to log some big miles.
Trying to figure out some food issues because by the 100 km mark I hurled my lunch all over Highway #8.
The wind gods where playing tricks on us. We rode 100 km on a constant slight grade up into a HEAD WIND!!! Whats up with that?? Sound like a tale your parents would tell. Every day I'm learning though that we would not be able to log these miles without our support crew - Jennifer Curry, Ken Rushton and when Chrissy's not working the camera she is getting in the mess room.
Tomorrow is another huge day - same mileage with half a day of big climbs so I'm going to bed. Thanks for logging on. Kevin.
JEFF'S UPDATE
My riding mates have told you all about the long miles and headwinds, so my update is around some learnings I think we all had today around the value of teamwork, setting goals, and perseverance. Today was not an easy day both because of the long miles in the headwind, and because some of the road surfaces. With about 40 miles/65 kms to go I think we all had doubts whether our bodies could do what our minds wanted but through working together as an integrated team [the riders and the support crew], we persevered and hit our goal to be in Quartzside Arizona.
Part of the reason was the inspiration we received from the people we rode for today. Cindi Martindale did not survive cancer and was a very good friend and mentor to my friend Linda Delong. Rosemary Ebos is the mother of a good friend of mine Lesley Carlberg. Rosemary survived her cancer and remains a loving mother to her family. Throughout the day, at the points when the goal seemed the hardest, we reached for strength from the stories of these two people. We are proud to have ridden for them today.
Goodnight Brooklyn, Skylar, and Diane. I miss you and look forward to seeing you soon! Jeff