Sunday, 25Jul10, Brattleboro, VT
Today was my father’s birthday … even though he passed away a few years ago … I still think of him and wanted to say “Happy Birthday” … because he taught me so many good things by his example: integrity, your word is your bond, and no matter whatever happens … never ever give up … and … “it’s not how many times you get knocked down that is important … it’s how many times you get back up!
And each one of those attributes … are applicable to this year’s “Life Across America 2010″ ride! (Whoopee, only Manchester and Portsmouth left to go … it’s a nice feeling … to be so close to finishing another successful tour!
Blood Fact: “Approximately 1 in 7 people entering a hospital need blood.” (Think about it … it is really important to encourage your family and friends to give blood … 1 in 7 may need it!)
Today was an awesome day! I think most of it was because it DID NOT RAIN! Yes, I rode 80 miles from Latham, NY, to Brattleboro, VT, and had to climb two mountain passes … yet … it was one of those days where I knew it was going to be a good day, no matter what happened!
Kiwi Rick (my New Zealand climbing mate was “supercharged” today and I was amazed as he kicked in the “afterburners” while we were climbing … he found a “gear” that worked for him and just kept pounding it … until I couldn’t see him anymore! And even a max48 mph downhill and a 35 mph average on the two downhills couldn’t reel him back in. (Congrats Kiwi … you were awesome today and you deserve the 1st floor accomodations for such a fantastic effort! Your “roomie” Don will be pleased!)
My game plan today was to ride at my climbing pace, enjoy God’s beauty, and do my best to finish with a reasonable average for the day and I was happy with a 15 mph average for today!
Adella just got in and she said it has started to rain … yet, she didn’t get “wet” and boy was she happy!
Tomorrow is Brattleboro to Manchester … approx. 86 miles miles and more climbing … but who cares … only 2 days left … I’m starting to have “flashbacks” of very cautious optimism … which will lead to “all-out” cheers of “Whoopee, Yippee, and I’m so happy!” (Once we finish the ride!)
Nice dinner tonight … steak, green beans, mashed potatoes, and ice cream with hot fudge. (I ate with Don and Sue tonight)
Everyone is getting ready for tomorrow’s last big ride … 86 miles and then the good-bye party in Manchester tomorrow night.
I received a call that Gail and Amber are already in Manchester and very curious as to what time we’ll be arriving at the hotel? (not sure yet.)
Lots of very cool “things” are happening behind the scenes … tell you about it tomorrow.