tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23098332485527150422024-03-13T07:21:14.318-07:00Southern Tier SabbaticalLincolnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08040737490451405988noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2309833248552715042.post-27555496664572810742010-10-06T18:41:00.001-07:002010-10-06T18:41:41.815-07:00Epilogue 10-6-10Day 33 Bed to fridge to lunch to nap to dinner to bed Miles 0, avg. Spd. Snails pace, time, as much as I want, total miles, same as yesterday.<br /><br />Yes, I did not ride today. I wasn't sure that I would ever ride again. But then Amy said, "Hey, maybe after the marathon, I should get serious about biking and we should ride across the country together." Ok, I'm in. How quickly we forget.<br />Two days ago I was only supposed to do 80 miles but I told Roger that I was going to go 100 because it may be the last time I ever do a century the rest of my life.<br />Then, Chris Haygood called today, Chris is a good friend who works at Bob Wallace Appliance (ask for him for all your appliance needs). Chris congratulated me and then said, "hey, I've got a favor, would you help me train and ride a century?" Ok, I'm in.<br /><br />I really expected to be more emotional than I was at the end. I was even more emotional thinking about the end than I was at the end. However, I am finding it difficult to talk about the experience without being emotional as I get further from the finish yesterday.<br /><br />Many thanks:<br />To God for his unfailing, love, mercy, patience and protection.<br /><br />To the Shepherds of the Twickenham Church for their vision in affording me this opportunity and their continued daily Godly living and their daily Godly leading of the Twickenham Church.<br /><br />To Amy for her love, her vigilance, her sacrifice, her support, her understanding of my need to do this, and for her ability to spend money.<br /><br />To Kolton, Kooper, and Kody for surviving without their dad, steak, and salsa for 39 days.<br /><br />To Lloyd Brooks, Brad Bass, Ben Logan, Jamie Kimbel, Jason Brooks, Suzanne Gass, Ben Logan again, Mark Thompson, Ed Sparks, Mark Chastain, Fred Tate, the Bass Family, and Roger Harwell.<br />Your friendship and sacrifice can only be described as Christlike.<br /><br />To the Twickenham church family for your continued prayers, thoughts, blog comments, and survival at church in my absence. See, I told you I wasn't indispensable.<br /><br />To all blog commenters. You will never know how much taking the time to post a comment kept me going.<br /><br />To the faithful steed. (Ridden hard, and put away wet). <br />I am very concerned about getting yelled at by Brooke at Bicycles Etc., when he sees the condition of my drivetrain. It's not pretty. You guys at the shop prepare for the worst.<br /><br />So, what's the moral of this story? I can't tell you right now. But you should hear lots of lessons in days to come.<br /><br />The best part is, I'm still off for a month and a half.<br /><br />We'll be home tomorrow. Kolton has football practice 3:30 PM. I may go and watch.<br /><br />Final pictures.<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/06/2621.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/06/s_2621.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Last Morning, Lake Butler, Fl..<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/06/2622.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/06/s_2622.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />That means "one more day."<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/06/2623.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/06/s_2623.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />We still have hills.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/06/2624.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/06/s_2624.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />The family arrives for the big finish.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/06/2625.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/06/s_2625.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />The long walk to the beach.(that's the Atlantic Ocean people)<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/06/2626.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/06/s_2626.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />It's a really long walk. The steed is not a great mudder.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/06/2627.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/06/s_2627.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />I'm wet, I don't care. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/06/2628.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/06/s_2628.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Wow, the steed is heavy. I think I just hurt myself. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/06/2629.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/06/s_2629.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /> <br />Who's the hot chick on the right?<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/06/2630.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/06/s_2630.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />A parting shot.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/06/2631.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/06/s_2631.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />The steed, loaded for the last time and the ride home. <br /><br />Merry Southern Tier Cross Country Tour to All and to All a Goodnight!<br /><br />Lincoln<br /><br /><br />P.S. "COME ON PEOPLE GET OUT THERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"<br /><br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Pensacola,%20Fl.&z=10'>Pensacola, Fl.</a></p>Lincolnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08040737490451405988noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2309833248552715042.post-62467967286758737612010-10-05T20:10:00.001-07:002010-10-05T20:10:25.159-07:00The Final Chapter<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/05/2706.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/05/s_2706.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/05/2708.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/05/s_2708.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Day 32 Lake Butler, Fl. To St. Augustine, Fl. 71 miles, 5hrs.9min. Avg. 13.7, Total Miles 2723.<br /><br />That's it. It's done. I finished around 1:00 PM in extremely high winds. The family did a little sightseeing and then we drove 6 hours back to Fred and Nicole's. The end was sort of anticlimactic but it's late and I think I'll wait until tomorrow for the wrap up. Stay tuned for one more day. God is good.<br /><br />Lincoln <br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Milton,%20Florida&z=10'>Milton, Florida</a></p>Lincolnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08040737490451405988noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2309833248552715042.post-5532375892590352662010-10-04T18:36:00.001-07:002010-10-04T18:36:40.296-07:00Whoops, and then There Was OneDay 30 or 31 (I think I forgot to count the off day back in Austin) Monticello, Fl. To Lake Butler, Fl. 104 miles, 6hrs. 53min. Avg. Spd. 15mph. Total miles 2652. <br /><br />I would have stopped and smelled the roses today but there weren't any, so I just rode. I intended to do a light 80 miles and then divide up the remainder over the next two days, but, there was a great tailwind and I felt good so I just rode on. Now I only have 70 miles to finish tomorrow.<br />Wait, did you get that?I finish tomorrow! I've been beating my brains out for 32 days and tomorrow it's over. I was expecting 45 days and we're done in 32.<br />Amy is on her way right now from Huntsville with the boys. They are stopping over in Atlanta at her brother Clark's house and then coming in for the big finish tomorrow afternoon.<br />I don't know what to expect tomorrow nor what to expect of my mental/emotional state afterward. All I know is that I set out to do this over a month ago, and way more than once I thought I was done. Somehow by the grace of God and the support of some great friends I am at the threshold of completion.<br />So many of you have expressed incredible inspiration about this story. I am compelled to ask you again, "WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO?"<br />COME ON PEOPLE GET OUT THERE!<br /><br />Who knows what my mental/emotional state will be tomorrow.<br /><br />Do I still live in Huntsville?<br /><br />Many thanks to Roger Harwell, without whom this expedition literally never happens. Three weeks ago, I would probably have punched him, but tomorrow, I'll probably hug him. Thanks Roger!<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/04/2358.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/04/s_2358.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Bikes loaded, 6:30 AM Central. Monticello, Fl.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/04/2360.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/04/s_2360.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /> <br />The Suwanee River. Is there a song about this river?<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/04/2361.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/04/s_2361.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />That's Roger, ever waiting.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/04/2365.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/04/s_2365.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Ok, I'm in Texas for like a year and then I see Longhorns in Florida, really?<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/04/2367.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/04/s_2367.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Where am I? The map is screwed up again.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/04/2371.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/04/s_2371.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />How many more pictures of me riding a bike do you really need to see?<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/04/2372.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/04/s_2372.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Ok, this one?<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/04/2373.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/04/s_2373.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Or, this one?<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/04/2374.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/04/s_2374.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />How about this one?<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/04/2375.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/04/s_2375.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />This possum is really good at playing dead. One of the best I've seen, and trust me, Lincoln knows "road kill." <br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/04/2378.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/04/s_2378.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Oh, another picture of me.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/04/2379.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/04/s_2379.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />This blimp was sent out just to cover my cross country ride.<br /><br />I can't wait to get home.<br /><br />Lincoln<br /><br />Or, you can call me by my proper name, "Lance."<br /><br />I forgot songs of the day stuck in my head for the past three days.<br /><br />Three days ago: "Our House" Crosby, Stills and Nash<br />Two days ago: "Chattahoochee" Alan Jackson<br />Today: "California Gurls" Katy Perry <br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=N%20Temple%20Ave,Starke,United%20States%4029.956335%2C-82.107957&z=10'>N Temple Ave,Starke,United States</a></p>Lincolnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08040737490451405988noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2309833248552715042.post-38538867256313220722010-10-03T17:47:00.001-07:002010-10-03T17:47:54.633-07:00And Then There Were ThreeOct. 3rd, Day 29 Marianna, Fl. To Monticello, Fl. 91 miles, 6hrs. 41min. Avg. Spd. 13.5mph, Total miles, 2548.<br /><br />Do you realize? Do you get it? Is this possible? I am planning the final routes. I could finish Tuesday, but I may wait until Wednesday as planned. We got a good start this morning and Roger got to ride with me on his bike for about 22 miles. The day looked great until we got close to Tallahassee and beyond. The hills were incredible, way more than I expected. <br />It looks like we're about 175 miles from St. Augustine, Fl. but there's no great way to get there.<br />I've been doing this so long that I may need counseling to return to regular life. My wife assures me that I'll be fine as soon as I get home to help her with the kids. Hey, I'm happy to help with the kids.<br />Hey, I'm happy to do just about anything but ride a bike. Wait, I'm happy to do anything but write this blog.<br />So basically there about three days left.<br />Russell Yokley asked me weeks ago if I was going to be able to stop and smell the roses on this trip, I replied that I would. I was wrong, I haven't sniffed a rose.<br />Somebody told Amy that I was going to have to keep writing after this was over, yeah, not gonna happen. But, you can the entire series of "Lost" on DVD.<br />I met a retired couple coming west in Orange beach a couple of days ago. They were headed to San Diego. I explained that I was 26 days out of San Diego. They asked me what is was like. How do you answer that question? How do I fully explain any of this to anyone. It can't be done. It is wholly my own. The grind, the pain, the boredom, the victory, they are mine and mine alone. I can only hope that somehow some of you will find your own conflict in your own story, and so claim the satisfaction of knowing that you have overcome. But remember that the only true overcoming is through the blood of Jesus Christ in whom I give all glory and honor for this victory and every other.<br /><br />Today's pic's:<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/03/2928.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/03/s_2928.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Sunrise over Marianna, Fl.. How many sunrises have I seen? How many have you seen?<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/03/2930.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/03/s_2930.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Florida children live very sheltered lives.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/03/2933.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/03/s_2933.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Hey, that's Roger!<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/03/2934.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/03/s_2934.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Yes, another university. Any Seminole fans out there?<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/03/2935.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/03/s_2935.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />You can just see the Steed in front of the Jefferson County Courthouse in Monticello.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/03/2941.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/03/s_2941.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /> <br />Yes, that is a hill.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/03/2943.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/03/s_2943.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Yes that is me.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/03/2945.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/03/s_2945.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Yes, I look good.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/03/2954.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/03/s_2954.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Yes, I am tired.<br /><br />Yes, I am almost done!<br /><br />Lincoln<br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Monticello,%20Fl.&z=10'>Monticello, Fl.</a></p>Lincolnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08040737490451405988noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2309833248552715042.post-13719287089637627172010-10-02T18:28:00.001-07:002010-10-02T18:28:29.845-07:00Some Days Are Just DaysOct.2nd Day 28 Pace, Fl. To Marianna, Fl. 124 miles, 9 hrs. Avg. Spd.13.7 Total Miles 2457.<br /><br />I put the date on today's blog because I didn't realize it was October. I have no concept of space or time, except to know that I hope to finish next Wednesday.<br />There have been some uneventful days in the past but this one was especially uninteresting. I rode rolling hills all day along on Fl. Hwy. 90 East, which parallels Interstate I10 for a long way.<br />Mark stayed with me until lunch time and then he headed back to meet Larissa and the kids in Gulf Shores.<br />How do I again express my thanks for having such great friends. Mark was another patient angel, waiting down the road every couple of miles.<br />Roger found me about 4:30 this afternoon in Cottondale, Fl.. Today was the latest I had been on the road this entire trip. We got to the motel about 5:30 PM.<br />Part of that was caused by a late start this morning. As I rolled out of Fred and Nicole's I noticed the back end of the bike was soft. I looked down and the tire was about half deflated. Sure enough I found a quarter inch sliver of metal in the tread. Changing the tire took way longer than it should have, but I haven't much experience changing tires as this is only the second flat I've had.<br />By the way, have I mentioned that "Alabama the Beautiful" is a stupid slogan? What does that mean anyway? C'mon man!<br /><br />Here's all four pictures:<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/02/2723.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/02/s_2723.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Wow, that's beautiful.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/02/2725.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/02/s_2725.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Even better from this angle.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/02/2731.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/02/s_2731.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Even slow days have a picture of the Steed. Hey Walton, what was the name of the dog in John Wayne's movie, "Big Jake?"<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/02/2737.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/02/s_2737.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/02/2739.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/02/s_2739.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />You can be anywhere and find somebody with political issues.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/02/2743.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/02/s_2743.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Any shoulder is better than no shoulder.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/02/2744.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/02/s_2744.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Lunch in DeFuniak Springs, Fl..<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/02/2746.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/02/s_2746.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /> <br />Hey, is that Roger's car?<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/02/2748.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/02/s_2748.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />If you think Florida is flat, think again.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/02/2749.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/02/s_2749.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Which way do I go? Which way do I go?<br /><br />Go East Young Man!<br /><br />Lincoln<br /><br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Marianna,%20Fl.&z=10'>Marianna, Fl.</a></p>Lincolnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08040737490451405988noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2309833248552715042.post-71308486645339969472010-10-01T19:42:00.001-07:002010-10-01T19:42:31.933-07:00My Friend Fred and a Largemouth Bass FamilyDay 27 Martinique by the Bay, Al. to Pea Ridge, Fl. 66 miles, 4 hours 42 minutes, 14.0 avg. Total miles, 2333.<br /><br />I left Martinique about 7:00 AM this morning. It was very strange riding road that I had ridden on many occasions. Once I got past Perdido Key it was road I had driven, but never ridden. Scenic Hwy 90 was tougher than I expected but with a headwind everything is tougher than you expect. Winds are out of the North again tomorrow, so we'll have to hope for the best.<br />We came back to Martinique tonight for dinner with the Bass family. The Bass' are like a second family to me and there's no way to express my affection for the entire family.<br />We're about to have steak again, yes, there's never enough steak.<br />After dinner Mark and I are headed back to Fred's for the night. I hope to make a long ride tomorrow before Roger Harwell takes over as support team. It is important to note that this whole trip is Roger's fault.<br /><br />Mark is going to stay until mid day and then I'm own again.<br /><br />My friend Fred brought 13 lbs. of rib eyes last night. I'm not kidding,<br /><br />Tonight I was fed by the Bass family, my second family. Bill and LaNette brought steak, shrimp, and homemade chocolate pie. Brad and Em made it in at a decent hour, and Adam and Erin finally made in about the time dinner was ready. Adam only schedules according to meals.<br /><br />I was shocked today by memories of my mother. I wish she was here to see this. I know she is watching as my good friend Carney Sharpe reminds me, but I still wish she was here. We shared the anniversary of her passing just a few short days ago. She was an extraordinary woman. I miss her.<br /><br />I hope you miss someone too.<br /><br />Today's pics.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/01/2555.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/01/s_2555.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Cycling over the Gulf.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/01/2556.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/01/s_2556.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Fred and Mark at Waffle House breakfast. I had the hash browns "all the way."<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/01/2557.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/01/s_2557.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />A Bridge over the gulf.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/01/2558.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/01/s_2558.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Coming out of Orange Beach.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/01/2559.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/01/s_2559.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />The Steed at breakfast.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/01/2560.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/01/s_2560.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />I'm even happy to be in Florida. THE LAST STATE!<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/01/2562.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/01/s_2562.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Another bridge, Perdido, Orange, I don't know.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/01/2563.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/10/01/s_2563.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /> <br />Lovely road in Pensacola.<br /><br />Do you realize this is almost over?<br /><br />Lincoln<br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Martinique%20by%20the%20Gulf&z=10'>Martinique by the Gulf</a></p>Lincolnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08040737490451405988noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2309833248552715042.post-65533617988065399752010-09-30T19:10:00.001-07:002010-09-30T19:10:54.371-07:00Alabama the BeautifulDay 26 Ocean Springs, Ms. To Fort Morgan Rd, Al. 71 miles, 4hrs. 35min. Avg. Spd. 15.4, Total miles 2267.<br /> <br />I can't begin to explain what it's like to be in familiar territory. I'm almost giddy. I'm sitting here at Martinique by the Gulf courtesy of Rex and Phyllis Watson. Thank you very much, Watson's! What a blessing. <br />Mark and I left Ocean Springs, Ms. at 6:30 AM. We were hoping to catch the Mobile Bay Ferry by 12:30, but you know me. We made the 11:00 ferry. <br />Mississippi coast gave way to Mississippi marsh, which turned into more pines and then suddenly the Alabama state line. We rode through some beautiful country from Grand Bay to Bayou La Batre and on to Dauphin Island. I was concerned about Mark getting on the ferry because I've seen it very full, pictures to follow. After getting off the ferry it was like homecoming, I haven't been that excited since Amy and the boys were here. Familiar territory, roads I've ridden multiple times, it was wonderful.<br />I'm now sitting here with a belly full of steak, with Mark and Fred Tate, and we're expecting David Olivet any minute. (actually, he just got here.)<br />If Amy was here I would say life was complete.<br />The next couple of days will be interesting as I shuffle between places and friends, but the end story is, that I hope to finish by next Wednesday. I have managed to shorten my route by not following the bike maps. <br />I was thinking today about how much of the glory of God we miss because we just don't see it. The ride in from the Alabama state line was beautiful, even though it's a stupid state slogan. Look around tomorrow and see the glory of God.<br /><br />Pictures:<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/30/2340.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/30/s_2340.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Early, early morning, Ocean Springs, Ms.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/30/2341.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/30/s_2341.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Crossing the Singing River in Pascagoula, Ms.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/30/2343.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/30/s_2343.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Wow, you have no idea how great it was to see this sign.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/30/2345.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/30/s_2345.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Drawbridge in Bayou La Batre, Al.. They had a troll but he left town due to the economy. Thanks, BP.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/30/2347.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/30/s_2347.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Mark on Mobile Bay Ferry.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/30/2349.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/30/s_2349.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Ok, I am not an Auburn fan, but you know who is.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/30/2351.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/30/s_2351.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Dauphin Island, bridge. I sent Mark on ahead to make sure he made the ferry.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/30/2358.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/30/s_2358.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Apparently, the ferry was not an issue. We're the only people in line.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/30/2361.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/30/s_2361.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />The Steed got a ride onto the ferry to save money.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/30/2363.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/30/s_2363.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Mark and the Steed.<br /><br />I'm covered up friends here, what a blessing, got to go.<br />Lincoln<br /><br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Martinique%20by%20the%20Gulf,%20Fort%20Morgan%20Rd.&z=10'>Martinique by the Gulf, Fort Morgan Rd.</a></p>Lincolnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08040737490451405988noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2309833248552715042.post-11527828772889045642010-09-29T19:23:00.001-07:002010-09-29T19:47:05.792-07:00I've Been Every Where ManDay 25 Hammond, La to Ocean Springs, Ms. 120 miles, 8hrs. 40min. Avg. Spd. 13.7 mph, Total miles 2196.<br /><br />Hellooooooo Mississippi! Yes, we rolled out of Hammond La. this morning at 6:48 AM. The weather was cool but the winds were up and out of the NE, bummer.<br />However, once again, if you stay at anything long enough you can get traction and overcome. So, we just kept riding, 8 hours and 40 minutes in the saddle. Outcome? 120 miles. Hey, whatever you're doing, stay at it.<br />We also saw some country today. I mean some country, hence the title from Johnny Cash. I have been everywhere, man!<br />The sugarcane of Louisiana gave way to the bayous of Louisiana which gave way to the trees of Mississippi, to the coast of Mississippi. We rode hwy. 190 all the way until it ended into Hwy. 90. Hwy 90 takes you along the Mississippi coast. I mean right along the coast. Hwy. 90 is on the coast for about 40 miles. We came onto the coast in Waveland, Ms. which gave way to, Bay St. Louis, to Pass Christian, to Long Beach, to Gulfport, to Biloxi, to Ocean Springs. What a ride. Unfortunately your choices were beach sidewalk or get hit by a car. But after some of the no shoulder roads I've been on for the last two days, getting hit by a car is pretty regular stuff.<br /><br />You know what? I have been everywhere, man.<br /><br />I realize that there are no hills down here, but have you seen the bridges? Pretty steep.<br /><br />Hey, and here's another thing. Carl Keenum, you need to get Morgan and Cutner, and we need to go back to Covington, La. for some unfinished business. I've got the license plate numbers, I just need a little muscle.<br /><br />Mark Chastain really deserves the patience award. He's only been here two days and those two days were the longest of the entire trip. We're headed to "Martinique by the Bay" tomorrow. Do you know where "Martinique by Bay" is? Sweet home, Alabama, Man! <br /><br />I'm a little concerned that I just said "sweet home, Alabama."<br /><br />The "Steed" is not shifting to well. I may have to give the boys at "Bicycles, Etc." a call. I can't complain though, 2000 plus miles, NO! Mechanical issues, and one flat tire. Are you kidding? One flat tire? That's got to be some kind of record. Go Schwalbe!<br /><br />I do need a favor. Can somebody please check the air pressure in Brad Bass' car tires. I'm concerned about the safety of his family. Brad and Emily are headed to the gulf Friday.<br /><br />Thanks to Scott Northcutt for the additional statistics on the last blog. Somebody see if you can get Scott and Ed hooked up for some more enlightening mathematics. Maybe you could make them some "Southern Tier" pocket protectors and lanyards too.<br /><br />Ok, how about some pictures?<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/29/2476.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/29/s_2476.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /> <br />Mark loading the car early this morning.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/29/2442.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/29/s_2442.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Mark also brings food, good Mark.<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/29/2443.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/29/s_2443.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br />Sunrise over Hammond, La..<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/29/2444.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/29/s_2444.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Trees, somewhere.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/29/2445.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/29/s_2445.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />There's some traffic in Covington.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/29/2477.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/29/s_2477.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />There's some traffic in Slidell.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/29/2447.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/29/s_2447.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />There's lunch at Eddie D's. The next food was 30 miles so we thought we should eat.<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/29/2462.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/29/s_2462.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Bayou's of Louisiana.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/29/2463.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/29/s_2463.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br />An actual drawbridge. I'm not sure if there's a troll.<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/29/2449.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/29/s_2449.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br />The Steed wanted to do the tour.<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/29/2450.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/29/s_2450.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Ya, the home thing might be a little of an exaggeration. But it did feel good to be there. Hey! I even match!<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/29/2451.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/29/s_2451.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br />A much deserved rest for the steed at a hurricane blown picnic sight.<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/29/2478.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/29/s_2478.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Yes! My own lane, I feel so special.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/29/2453.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/29/s_2453.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Don't I look good in yellow?<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/29/2454.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/29/s_2454.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br />They have some nice beach in Mississippi. Thanks BP!<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/29/2479.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/29/s_2479.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />The steed wasn't the only one tired today.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/29/2455.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/29/s_2455.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br />Lighthouse in Biloxi.<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/29/2456.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/29/s_2456.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br />Another bridge.<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/29/2457.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/29/s_2457.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br />A dead snake. Mark was extremely interested. After all the road kill I've seen, (actually rode over and smelled), it's pretty hard to impress me.<br /><br />Hey, tomorrow is another gift. What are you going to do with it? Start by thanking God, and take it from there.<br /><br />Lincoln <br /><br /><br /><br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Ocean%20Springs,%20Ms.&z=10'>Ocean Springs, Ms.</a></p>Lincolnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08040737490451405988noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2309833248552715042.post-62618679101651470112010-09-28T19:41:00.001-07:002010-09-28T19:48:35.036-07:00East Bound and DownDay 24 Eunice, La. To Hammond, La. 125 miles, 8hrs. 13 min. Avg. Spd. 15.2, Total miles 2076.<br /><br />Yes, you read it right, a new PR 125 miles. Sometimes you just get going and you keep going. The wind was out of the North this morning and then turned out of the NNW. That's in my favor. Mark and I left Eunice at 7:15AM,<br />It was cool and sunny and a great day for riding.<br />The pines of yesterday gave way to fields of sugarcane today. We crossed bridges 4 and 5 miles long, with no shoulders. Mark developed a new strategy, get behind me with the hazard lights on and everybody else can go around. I kind of liked it.<br />The last 20 miles into Hammond La. on La. 190 was absolutely no shoulder. We rolled in about 4:15 PM.<br /><br />I was talking to Amy last night and she said she entered me in the Liz Hurley benefit run on Team Christina. I said look, I'm riding my bike 3000 miles across America and you want me to run 3 miles as well, C'mon! Man! Ok, I'll do it. All of you better be out there too.<br /><br />I got a call from David Olivet today, how awesome is that? Another voice from the past checking in because of the blog. We're going to try and hook up in Pensacola.<br /><br />Hey listen, after today and the last couple of weeks I understand the principle of time. How do you ride 125 miles? You stay in the saddle until your bum falls off. How do you build a pyramid or a great wall? You do it over time. How do you learn to carve, or paint, or play the piano? You give it time, everyday. What have you always wanted to learn to do? You just need to start and give it time. You have your whole life in front of you, I don't care how old you are. Get out there and do something.<br /><br />Today's pics:<br /> <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/28/2352.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/28/s_2352.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br />Early morning, Eunice, La..<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/28/2354.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/28/s_2354.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br />Cousin Eddie? "that there's an RV Clark."<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/28/2355.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/28/s_2355.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br />Honey, what do you think about a tree in the house? Ok, how about trees all over in the house?<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/28/2360.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/28/s_2360.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br />Did you know they bury people above ground in Louisiana?<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/28/2362.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/28/s_2362.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br />Another day, another semi.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/28/2403.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/28/s_2403.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />In Louisiana casinos are everywhere.<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/28/2368.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/28/s_2368.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br />All bikers? Like, bicyclist's? MARK..... LUNCH!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/28/2371.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/28/s_2371.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br />Up.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/28/2373.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/28/s_2373.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br />Up.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/28/2374.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/28/s_2374.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br />And away.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/28/2376.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/28/s_2376.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br />Oh look, here I come.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/28/2377.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/28/s_2377.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br />5 mile bridge, no shoulder, Mark, hazards on.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/28/2378.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/28/s_2378.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br />You will never know how much debris is on the shoulder of the highway until you ride about 2000 miles on a bike.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/28/2380.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/28/s_2380.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br />Really, in Louisiana? C'mon man.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/28/2381.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/28/s_2381.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br />Do you think we should?<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/28/2383.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/28/s_2383.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br />Sure, I've got my hazard lights on.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/28/2384.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/28/s_2384.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br />Exxon, Mobil refinery in Baton Rouge.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/28/2385.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/28/s_2385.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br />Downtown, Baton Rouge.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/28/2386.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/28/s_2386.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br />Baton Rouge traffic.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/28/2392.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/28/s_2392.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br />What's a day without a picture of the steed. Ahhhhhh, McCafe steed.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/28/2406.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/28/s_2406.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />No shoulder, no problem, just turn on the hazards, oh wait, I don't have hazards.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/28/2394.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/28/s_2394.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br />Mark's a pharmacist. He apparently was killing time. I did lose him twice today.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/28/2405.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/28/s_2405.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />The pool was open and we hung our shorts outside, Louisiana, rednecks.<br /><br />I always seem to get a song stuck in my head that plays over and over all day long. Today's songs Jerry Reed, "East Bound and Down" and Michael Jackson, "Smooth Criminal." That's an interesting contradiction, go figure.<br />Annie, are you okay,<br />Are you okay Annie.<br />Lincoln<br /><br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Hammond,%20La.&z=10'>Hammond, La.</a></p>Lincolnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08040737490451405988noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2309833248552715042.post-65623500387602933952010-09-27T17:50:00.001-07:002010-09-27T17:50:05.894-07:00Pine Trees and Logging TrucksDay 23 Orange, Tx. To Eunice, La.. 100 miles, 7hrs. 13min. Avg. Spd. 13.6, Total miles 1951.<br /><br />LOUISIANA! Have I been in Texas for the last year? There's not a lot to tell, I rode past 100 miles of pine trees, and was passed by about 100 logging trucks.<br />The wind was strong out of the north this morning which we rode straight into for about 50 miles. Mark and Ed left about 11:30 AM and I rode for another 50 miles with a big crosswind.<br />A cold front has blown in and we're expecting 50 degree temps tonight. I hear it's cold at home too. Home? Where is that, I haven't been there in so long it's like a distant memory.<br />Amy had to get the air pressure in the Suburban checked today at Express Oil. She says that the guys at Express are still following me. Thanks guys.<br />Mark Chastain got in this afternoon, and we've already had a big time. He found Ed Sparks computations absolutely interesting and hilarious. Ed promises to keep the numbers coming.<br />Did you see Cervelo's comment about caloric intake and burn? Let me give you an example. Tonight with Mark Chastain as my witness I ate 7 pieces of chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, red beans and rice, an 8 piece spicy nugget and an apple pie. I may have something else before bed.<br />I was just talking to our hotel clerk who is not from this country. She was asking me about my trip and I was giving her some of the details. At one point she said "yoo, are verry brave." I thought about that for awhile. It appears to me that there is a fine line between bravery and stupidity. I hope I'm brave but I never really thought about it. If getting out there and stretching your comfort zones is brave, then my challenge for all of you tonight's this.<br />YOU GET OUT THERE AND BE BRAVE! Or stupid, just get out there.<br /><br />Pics:<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/27/2163.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/27/s_2163.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Team Thompson/Smith.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/27/2164.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/27/s_2164.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Phone call, Kathy leave us alone.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/27/2165.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/27/s_2165.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Watch out for the rumble strips.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/27/2166.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/27/s_2166.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Snack time.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/27/2168.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/27/s_2168.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Mark is out front. I'm not.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/27/2169.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/27/s_2169.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Subway on the side of the road for lunch.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/27/2170.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/27/s_2170.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Ed don't you need to go run some numbers or something?<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/27/2171.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/27/s_2171.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />There are goats in every state I've been through.<br /><br />See you tomorrow,<br /><br />Lincoln<br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Eunice,%20La.&z=10'>Eunice, La.</a></p>Lincolnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08040737490451405988noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2309833248552715042.post-36087702535761788252010-09-26T18:48:00.001-07:002010-09-26T18:48:30.986-07:00It's Finally Getting EasierDay 22 Cleveland, Tx. To Orange, Tx. 95 miles, 6 hrs. 13 min., avg. spd. 15.2 mph, Total Miles 1851.<br /><br />Ok, don't hold your breath or anything but today was the fastest average of the entire trip. There was a total of one, yes one hill. I even had a tailwind until midmorning. There's really not a lot to tell. I broke away from my maps and made my own route, which got us into a little interesting situation, but we survived. <br />The boys and Ben made it home safe, which is a huge relief. Ben Logan get's a star in his crown for his service this week. Many thanks Ben.<br /><br />Ed "the Geek" Sparks who is with us right now ran some interesting numbers tonight. By interesting, I mean the Huntsville, engineering, pocket protector, lanyard, PC, number crunching kind of interesting.<br />Ed calculated that by the number of miles, I have traveled 117,279,360 inches. Furthermore, by the circumference, of my tire size, I have made 425,556 revolutions. Just in case your interested, and I'm betting you're salivating as I speak, it would take 1,954,656 bikes, end to end to reach this far from where I started. Ed leaves tomorrow so don't expect this kind of data in the future. Way to go Ed!<br /><br />Mark Thompson and Ed Sparks leave tomorrow, but I'm looking forward to a few days with Mark Chastain who is coming in tomorrow evening.<br /><br />I just want to add what a blast it was to have my boys all week. Kolton, Kooper, and Kody are the best, I love you guys.<br /><br />Thanks also to Mark Thompson for sharing the ride. (and to Kathy for letting him come)<br /><br />By the way, has anybody heard from La Nette? She quit commenting on the blog.<br /><br /><br />Here's a few pictures.<br /><br /> <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/26/2992.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/26/s_2992.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />From left to right, Mark Thompson and Ed "the Geek" Sparks.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/26/2996.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/26/s_2996.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />7:00 AM Cleveland, Tx..<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/26/3000.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/26/s_3000.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Flat road.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/26/3005.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/26/s_3005.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Sunrise, over Moss Hill.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/26/3011.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/26/s_3011.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Beaumont is not the greatest place I've ever been.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/26/3016.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/26/s_3016.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Nice shoulder though.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/26/3019.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/26/s_3019.jpg' border='0' width='158' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Where am I going?<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/26/3020.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/26/s_3020.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Oh, Sour Lake.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/26/3021.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/26/s_3021.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Home of Texaco, who knew?<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/26/3025.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/26/s_3025.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />So if you're not a cowboy?<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/26/3032.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/26/s_3032.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Roughest road to date.<br /><br />I'm reading a book by Donald Miller that Mary Ashley Callaway gave me entitled "A Million Miles In a Thousand Years", on the first page Miller writes this.<br />"If you watched a movie about a guy who wanted a Volvo and worked for years to get it, you wouldn't cry at the end when he drove off the lot, testing the windshield wipers. You wouldn't tell your friends you saw a beautiful movie or go home and put a record on to think about the story you'd seen. The truth is, you wouldn't remember that movie a week later, except you'd feel robbed and want your money back. Nobody cries at the end of a movie about a guy who wants a Volvo. <br />But we spend years actually living those stories, and expect our lives to feel meaningful. The truth is, if what we choose to do with our lives won't make a story meaningful, it won't make a life meaningful either."<br /><br />WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO MAKE YOUR LIFE MEANINGFUL?<br /><br />I'm closing in on the end,<br />Lincoln<br /> <br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Orange,%20Tx.&z=10'>Orange, Tx.</a></p>Lincolnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08040737490451405988noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2309833248552715042.post-55734625902698800862010-09-25T19:16:00.001-07:002010-09-25T19:16:57.121-07:00A Little Bit of EverythingDay 21 Navasota, Tx. To Cleveland, Tx. 91 miles 6 hrs. 11 Min. Avg. Spd. 14.6 mph, total miles 1756.<br /><br />Boy, we saw a lot of stuff today. The morning started very different as two riders rode out together for the first time. Mark Thompson and Ed Sparks got here at about 12:30 AM this morning. Mark didn't sleep at all last night and was waiting for me in the breakfast room at 6:00 AM this morning. Mark is a Twickenham member and just wanted to ride with me for a couple of days. He brought his own support crew, friend Ed Sparks.<br />We had a lovely ride through the Sam Houston National Forest. We had hills, got chased by dogs, got into a bike race, saw a parade, saw 100 people on horseback, ran into a parked motorcycle, saw the weirdest recumbent bike ever, and watched Texas lose. (Kolton is devastated)<br /><br />Mark may not be able to ride tomorrow, but you'll have to ask him about it, as it may not be appropriate for children under 14 years of age.<br /><br />I also got to see another old college buddy and his wife, Jeff and Audra Wyatt. What a treat to renew another old friendship. Jeff and Audra are wonderful people and I hope to be able to stay in closer touch with them in the future. Once again I'm amazed how this trip has allowed me to renew friendships that might have never been renewed if I hadn't gotten out here.<br /><br />Speaking of renewal, WHAT DO YOU NEED TO GET THERE AND RENEW?<br /><br />Check out last nights comments, somebody saw the website on the side of the car at a restaurant in Austin and commented. It was good stuff too. Thanks Run CMD.<br /><br />The boys leave with Ben in the morning, pray for a safe trip and for Ben's sanity. After the last two days Ben's sanity is in peril.<br /><br />I hope the pictures explain it all.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/25/2470.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/25/s_2470.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Lovely morning start.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/25/2471.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/25/s_2471.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />You might not be able to recognize me, I'm in orange. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/25/2472.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/25/s_2472.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />This is not an optical illusion. Harding Rome (he's in front) had this bike custom built. Don't you get carsick if you look out the back of a moving vehicle? I'm told there are several ways to destroy a relationship. I'm guessing would probably do it. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/25/2473.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/25/s_2473.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Kody's eye.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/25/2474.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/25/s_2474.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Kolton's eye.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/25/2475.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/25/s_2475.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Is he really that tall? No, he's wearing high heels again.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/25/2476.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/25/s_2476.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />This is a crotch rocket.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/25/2477.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/25/s_2477.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />This is the car that hit the crotch Rocket. Way to go Ben.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/25/2478.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/25/s_2478.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Oh yeah we rode some more.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/25/2479.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/25/s_2479.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Right through a parade in Cold Spring. Where it was not cold.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/25/2480.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/25/s_2480.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />More riding.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/25/2482.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/25/s_2482.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />100 horses, I'm not exaggerating, 100, count them.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/25/2483.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/25/s_2483.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Why am I always in front?<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/25/2485.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/25/s_2485.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Come on Mark, take a turn in front.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/25/2487.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/25/s_2487.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Mark where are you?<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/25/2489.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/25/s_2489.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Dinner with the Wyatt's.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/25/2490.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/25/s_2490.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Nice truck Jeff.<br /><br />Have a great night.<br />Lincoln<br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Cleveland,%20Tx.&z=10'>Cleveland, Tx.</a></p>Lincolnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08040737490451405988noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2309833248552715042.post-16092848840739043132010-09-24T18:18:00.001-07:002010-09-24T18:18:44.734-07:00Back on the Road AgainDay 20 Bastrop, Tx. To Navasota, Tx. 101 miles, 7 hrs. 22 min. Avg. Spd. 13.6 mph, Total miles 1665.<br /><br />I had a good day today. We dropped Amy off at the Austin airport at 7:00 AM this morning. She's running the half marathon with Sheri, Colisa, Emily, and some of Emily's friends tomorrow in Nashville. <br />The first 40 miles was great this morning. A guy pulled out on a bike a half mile or so ahead of me in Smithville, Tx. on Hwy. 71. Smithville is where the movie "Hope Floats" was filmed. I caught up to him a little later, and said hi as I rode by. A little later I pulled over and he caught back up with me. We started a conversation and I found out that my new biking partner was 65 year old Larry Watts. Larry is about to retire from Austin city service. Larry rides four days a week and is training for the Austin MS 150, a charity ride for M.S.. Larry's daughter has M.S. And this ride is his support for her. Did I mention that Larry is 65? He kept up with me on a bike. He's training to ride 150 miles. What the heck are you doing? GET OUT THERE PEOPLE AND GET SOMETHING DONE!!! <br />The last 60 miles was very hilly as we followed the historical Texas trail of Independence. We also saw the biggest antique sale in the entire world. We're in the middle of nowhere when suddenly one of those D.O.T. flashing signs warns us, "event traffic, expect delays." What? Sure enough an antique sale that went for 8 miles, yes 8 miles.<br />We finally made it into Navasota about 4:15PM. The boys went for a swim, we grabbed some dinner and now it's TCU vs. SMU. I'm not sure that the boys are grasping the kind of impact by witnessing this trial by bike that I hoped they would. I probably wouldn't have at their age either. <br />As always Ben Logan is babysitting me and them, what a servant.<br /><br />Mark Thompson and a friend of his are supposed to be here tonight. Mark is actually going to ride with me for the next two or three days.<br /><br />By the way, the Southern Tier map set contains 7 map sets. By reaching Navasota, Tx. I have concluded 4 of the 7 and will begin map set 5 tomorrow.<br /><br />Here's yesterday's and today's pictures.<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/24/2618.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/24/s_2618.jpg' border='0' width='158' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />George W. At the Texas Capital.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/24/2620.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/24/s_2620.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Texas capital building under renovation. I love Texas.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/24/2621.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/24/s_2621.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Huey, Dewey, and Louie at Texas Memorial Stadium.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/24/2622.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/24/s_2622.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Kolton is changing his shorts right now.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/24/2623.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/24/s_2623.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Ben was also enamored with Austin after the room next door to him was raided this morning at 5:00 AM.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/24/2624.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/24/s_2624.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />There's no place like home......there's no place like home.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/24/2635.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/24/s_2635.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Kolton, well,....being Kolton.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/24/2636.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/24/s_2636.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Me and Larry Watts.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/24/2638.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/24/s_2638.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Larry Watts is another one of those fine individuals that God blesses your life with out of nowhere.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/24/2639.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/24/s_2639.jpg' border='0' width='158' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />The Kodymeister.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/24/2641.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/24/s_2641.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />The Koopernator.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/24/2642.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/24/s_2642.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />A picture of someone's mouth. Who knows.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/24/2645.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/24/s_2645.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Antiques in Round Top, Tx.I<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/24/2646.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/24/s_2646.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Oh, yay, we're just in time.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/24/2651.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/24/s_2651.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Limited access tunnel.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/24/2652.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/24/s_2652.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Wow, from this side....<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/24/2653.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/24/s_2653.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />And from this side........ I think I'll just stick with Florida.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/24/2654.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/24/s_2654.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Uuuuuhhhhhh, let's not show this to his mom. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/24/2656.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/24/s_2656.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />The dedicated steed.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/24/2657.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/24/s_2657.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Sam Houston was baptized here, cool huh?<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/24/2658.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/24/s_2658.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />The only time he smiled all day. Or, he just blew smoke.<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/24/2659.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/24/s_2659.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />We're way off the beaten path now.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/24/2660.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/24/s_2660.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Closing it out for the day.<br /><br />Rumor has it that the Liz Hurley benefit race is coming up, and "Team Christina" from Twickenham is the number two team entered with over 50 participants. Why can't we be number 1? Come on people let's get out there.<br /><br />Lincoln <br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Navasota,%20Tx.&z=10'>Navasota, Tx.</a></p>Lincolnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08040737490451405988noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2309833248552715042.post-91752044842440817012010-09-22T20:40:00.001-07:002010-09-22T20:40:07.941-07:00Rainy Days and Wednesdays Always Get Me Down.Day 19 New Braunfels, Tx. To Bastrop, Tx. 62 miles, 4 hrs. 29 min. Avg. Spd. 13.8 mph, Total miles 1564.<br /><br />It's a lot harder to get going in the morning with 5 people than it is with 1.<br />We finally departed Suzanne's house sadly at 8:00 AM. We then had todrive 45 minutes to New Braunfels where it had rained recently and the roads were soaked. In addition, I made some bad road selections and found myself in some tight spots.<br />I also had a new experience today. After all the miles I've covered I finally got cussed, I mean I got cussed good. On some lonely country road in the middle of nowhere somebody stopped and informed me, in no uncertain terms that I was all that was wrong with cycling, in fact I was all that was wrong with the whole world. He cussed me so bad it kind of got funny to me, which made him cuss harder. I told him that I hoped he had a great day and he drove off like I had offended him.<br />We had to stop for rain on several occasions and had trouble finding lunch. The first place Amy found was closed on Wednesdays. We then started seeing signs for a Chevron with a BBQ place in it. We found it but they only have the gas station in so far. Lunch was peanut butter and crackers.<br />Once again I'm indebted to Roger Harwell. In any kind of wet scenarios you would be soaked without fenders. With fenders it's very tolerable. Thanks Roger.<br />We finally put the bike up about 2:00 PM because it came another<br /> soaker. We then headed back to Austin to the Springhill Suites, Courtesy of Clark Edgin (Amy's brother, thanks Clark).<br />I got a call from an old college buddy (Steve Vierra) last night. He had talked to another college buddy (Jeff Wyatt) and found out that I was in the area. We had dinner with Steve and his wife Annette, and their daughter tonight. Once again I'm amazed at how God is giving me insight into my life through these experiences and the relationships with people new and old.<br /><br />It's been a great day to be together as family. I'm amazed that my kids are just as irritating as they were before I left. They said the same thing about me.<br /><br />Is my wife awesome or what? First she flies to California to save my life, then she listen's to my crying everyday, then she drives 14 hrs to see me the same week that she's supposed run a half marathon. Talk about heroes and angels, I LOVE MY WIFE!<br /><br />Tomorrow, I rest. This rest was not my choosing, but imposed by my wife.<br />We're going to check out the UT campus. Darren, Owen, that's the real UT, where they play football and everything.<br /><br />Brace yourselves people, I'm not blogging tomorrow. I know some of you will probably need to chew a piece of nicorette or something, but I promise, you'll survive. I'll be back to blogging on Friday and then you should have a couple more weeks before you have to find a new show.<br /><br />Today's pics: <br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/22/3178.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/22/s_3178.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />The steady steed awaiting transport.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/22/3179.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/22/s_3179.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Suzanne, Ella, and Inca.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/22/3183.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/22/s_3183.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />The whole crew. They tried to stand in front of the steed. I said no.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/22/3185.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/22/s_3185.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Homework.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/22/3186.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/22/s_3186.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />The appearance of homework.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/22/3194.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/22/s_3194.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />How did they get excused from school anyway? Hmmmmmmm, can you say Sheri Crigger?<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/22/3195.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/22/s_3195.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Lovely weather for a ride.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/22/3196.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/22/s_3196.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />I'm way back there on the left.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/22/3198.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/22/s_3198.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Uhhhhhhh, where did the shoulder go?<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/22/3199.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/22/s_3199.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />One lane river bridge.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/22/3203.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/22/s_3203.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />River.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/22/3208.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/22/s_3208.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />One lane river bridge crossing.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/22/3212.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/22/s_3212.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />The steed at home on the old San Antonio road.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/22/3217.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/22/s_3217.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Kolton taking picture through window of rearview mirror. With gummy bear stuck on it. If only he applied himself on homework that well.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/22/3220.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/22/s_3220.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Ok, I'm confused. Is that like inflight driving lessons on the ground?<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/22/3221.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/22/s_3221.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Lunch! No.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/22/3222.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/22/s_3222.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Lunch! No.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/22/3223.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/22/s_3223.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />More showers.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/22/3227.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/22/s_3227.jpg' border='0' width='158' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />What a support crew. Jeff Gordon eat your heart out.<br />Lincoln<br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Austin,%20Tx.%4030.210221%2C-97.753737&z=10'>Austin, Tx.</a></p>Lincolnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08040737490451405988noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2309833248552715042.post-40030391853347685872010-09-21T19:12:00.001-07:002010-09-21T19:12:52.333-07:00Family ReunionDay 18 San Antonio, Tx. To New Braunfels, Tx. 47 miles, 3 hours 53 min., avg. Spd. 12mph, Total miles 1502.<br /><br />I took a short day today so that Amy and the boys and I could all meet up here at Suzanne's house. Who would of thought that in my cycling career 47 miles would have been a short day. <br />The hill country of Texas is hilly. Wow, that's profound. It never ends - up and down and up and down. Do I even need to mention the east wind?<br />I may have to fly Emily Bass out soon to help me wade through the plethora of receipts and see if there is any way to write off any of the expenses of this trip. It's probably futile, but if any can be financially creative, it's Emily. <br />I actually thought about the office staff today. I hope Adrienne, Janet, Larissa, and Leigh Ann are well. Brad and Darren haven't crossed my mind. I actually forgot that Steve works there and called his Intergraph office the other afternoon. It should be a hoot when I get back.<br />Part two:<br />Amy got here in 13 hrs. and 50 min. I'm not exactly sure how she did it. Kolton says it's because of his great mapping skills. She actually missed a turn in Meridian, Ms. And when the GPS backed up an hour she stuck with it. Nice call. If you ever come to San Antonio from Huntsville, don't take I-30 or I-20, go I-10.<br />I'm off to Bastrop, Tx. tomorrow with the family and then it's R&R in Austin, Tx. For a day.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/21/2790.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/21/s_2790.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />No cameraman, I took this myself.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/21/2791.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/21/s_2791.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /> <br />Side shot, notice the vanishing waist line.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/21/2792.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/21/s_2792.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Politics are everywhere.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/21/2802.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/21/s_2802.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Nothing like a picture of a waiting steed.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/21/2809.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/21/s_2809.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Suzanne's house.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/21/2813.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/21/s_2813.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />This is how the car was dedicated when they got here.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/21/2816.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/21/s_2816.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='158' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />People all over the southeast are looking this up tonight, ok, not really.<br /><br />Lincoln<br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=San%20Antonio,%20Tx.%20&z=10'>San Antonio, Tx. </a></p>Lincolnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08040737490451405988noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2309833248552715042.post-26806327675494157142010-09-20T18:59:00.001-07:002010-09-20T19:25:08.681-07:00San Antonio RoseDay 17 Knippa, Tx. To Boerne, Tx. 86 miles, 7 hours, 9min. Avg. Spd. 12mph. Total miles 1455.<br /><br />Willie Nelson once remade a Patsy Cline song entitled <br />"San Antonio Rose," I always liked that song and it came to mind tonight after I realized where I was. I am not in a motel, I did not eat in a restaurant, <br />and, I will not listen to the sound of a motel air conditioner going on and off all night. <br />I am at the home of Suzanne(Brooks) and Paul Gass. Suzanne is Jason's sister and Lehn and Diana Brooks daughter. Suzanne was also a member of the Twickenham youth group when I came to Twickenham in 1992. Suzanne and Paul have a 10 month old daughter named Ella. Ella is the bomb. Unfortunately, Paul is not here because he's deployed to Haiti with the army reserves until November. <br />I arrived at Suzanne's house with Jason in tow about 4:00 PM. An hour earlier I was on Bandera Rd., when sirens suddenly shattered my concentration and my ear drums. I thought to myself, "what have I done now." It turns out it was Suzanne, on her way home from work. Suzanne works for the Department of Homeland Security, and her car is equipped with, sirens, flashers, machine guns, smoke screens, a latte machine and a bunch of other stuff, very cool.<br />Ok, this getting way to long, the point is I had roast, mashed potatoes, fried okra and rolls, right here in the house. I mean, I had a lot of roast, mashed potatoes, and fried okra. It was smokin' good. <br />Today's ride was more of the same, rain this morning, headwinds to 20mph, and lots of ups and downs. My old friend Jeff Wyatt promises that the winds are going to shift soon, Jeff, I'm counting on you buddy.<br />I guess it should be noted that I'm real close to the halfway point. That's hard to believe, because I CAN'T BELIEVE I HAVE TO DO THIS FOR ANOTHER. 1545 MILES!<br />It's kind of interesting though, I realized today that after you do this for this long, it just becomes who you are. It occurs to me that discipleship, and prayer life, and righteous living are kind of like that. You have to keep practicing them daily until they become who you are.<br />Amy and the boys are driving all day tomorrow, please pray for them. This next week will be different as I try to ride and spend time with them. We're going to see the University of Texas (Kolton may wet himself) and some other Austin sights.<br />Jason is another in a growing list of angels. My deepest thanks to him for his time and friendship. I'm also grateful that Vallye, Hadley, and Kennedy gave him up for a few days.<br />Here's some pics.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/20/2748.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/20/s_2748.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />A rainy start in Knippa, Tx. 7:30AM. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/20/2749.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/20/s_2749.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />This is defined as limited shoulder.<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/20/2750.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/20/s_2750.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Where is Jason? Is he hiding again?<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/20/2751.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/20/s_2751.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />I love semi's, but those cattle haulers are the best. Nothing like the smell of cow pies first thing in the morning.<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/20/2752.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/20/s_2752.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br />Wow, that guy was close. Actually, it's an optical illusion, he missed me by at least 6 inches.<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/20/2753.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/20/s_2753.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />I think I can......<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/20/2754.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/20/s_2754.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /> I think I can......<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/20/2755.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/20/s_2755.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />I can!<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/20/2756.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/20/s_2756.jpg' border='0' width='157' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Hey, where did everybody go?<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/20/2757.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/20/s_2757.jpg' border='0' width='157' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Winds out of the east. I scoff at winds out of the east, I own winds out of the east, I hope the winds are out of the east tomorrow.... Ok, not really.<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/20/2758.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/20/s_2758.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Wait, did I make a wrong turn? I saw that sign in San Diego.<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/20/2759.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/20/s_2759.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />I did make a wrong turn. Emory pass is in New Mexico.<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/20/2760.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/20/s_2760.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Why do they print flood signs backwards?<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/20/2761.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/20/s_2761.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Hey folks when you see a sign like this, take it from me, a cyclist, SHARE THE ROAD PLEASE!<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/20/2762.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/20/s_2762.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Now that is the best sign of the day.<br />Thanks Suzanne, my San Antonio Rose,<br />Good night all,<br />Lincoln<br /><br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Silver%20Rock,San%20Antonio,United%20States%4029.678682%2C-98.658395&z=10'>Silver Rock,San Antonio,United States</a></p>Lincolnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08040737490451405988noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2309833248552715042.post-26952422221743546042010-09-19T19:08:00.001-07:002010-09-19T19:50:51.270-07:00Last Night I Had the Strangest DreamDay 16 Del Rio, Tx. To Uvalde, Tx. 78 miles, 7 hrs. 59 min. Avg. Sp. 10.1 total miles, 1359.<br /><br />Ok, here's the deal. I read one of my best friends comment just now. Fred Tate has been a constant, a mentor , a friend, a guitar teacher, a foreign missions partner, and a solace. I live for a visit to Fred's house, and so do my boys. Every time we go see Fred and Nicole, we make a trip to Joe Patti's. Joe Patti's is a fresh seafood market, the likes of which has never been seen. We then head back to Fred's driveway for blackened fish, mine and the boys favorite.<br />All of that to say, Fred lives one quarter of a mile from the Southern Tier route in Pace, Fl.. I have dreamed of that stopover for 15 days. Fred, I want microwave popcorn. As mentioned in his comments, if you want to join us there will be plenty of food for everyone.<br /><br />I'm glad to have that inspiration because today was another in a long string of disappointments. Jason and I had planned to a simple 80 and watch some NFL football. To keep this simple check out the stats. It took as long to ride 78 miles today as it did to ride a hundred yesterday. I was punched in the mouth all day long by 20 to 30 mile an hour winds. The shoulder on the highway was the roughest I've ridden on the entire trip. My arms and bum are still vibrating from the trauma. Then, it rained, and drizzled and rained. I was wet and miserable by the time I shut it down. I averaged 10 miles an hour, 10 miles an hour, are you kidding? I suddenly have a new appreciation for Job. My dad sent this.<br /><br />Job 36:15<br />"But those who suffer, He delivers from their suffering; He speaks to them in their affliction."<br />Thanks Dad.<br /><br />I'm tired, but I will ride again tomorrow. You ride too.<br /><br />Jason and I had communion tonight at the hotel, very cool.<br /><br />Here's the pictures.<br /> <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/19/3162.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/19/s_3162.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />That's rain behind me.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/19/3163.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/19/s_3163.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br />Another long road.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/19/3164.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/19/s_3164.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br />Where's the top?<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/19/3165.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/19/s_3165.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br />For lo, they are with us always.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/19/3166.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/19/s_3166.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br />Do you see which the way the grass is blowing?<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/19/3167.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/19/s_3167.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br />More rain on the horizon.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/19/3168.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/19/s_3168.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br />Do I look tired yet?<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/19/3169.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/19/s_3169.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br />The trusted steed ready and willing, as always.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/19/3170.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/19/s_3170.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br />A cactus growing 10 feet up in the air in a tree.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/19/3175.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/19/s_3175.jpg' border='0' width='157' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br />Ok, that's a great shot of an east wind, punching me in the mouth.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/19/3176.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/19/s_3176.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br />Those are wild pig heads on a game ranch fence. Eat your heart out Mike Patterson. Wait, Jason just decided those might be catfish heads. Come on make up your mind.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/19/3272.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/19/s_3272.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br />Ummmm, I'd watch the kids.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/19/3273.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/19/s_3273.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br />That's rain.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/19/3274.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/19/s_3274.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br />Yep, I'm wet.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/19/3276.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/19/s_3276.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br />Downhill, top speed 10mph.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/19/3277.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/19/s_3277.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br />Jason climbed another rock pile for this one.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/19/3278.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/19/s_3278.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br />Drizzle, drizzle, drizzle.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/19/3279.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/19/s_3279.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br />That's the smooth shoulder I'm riding on.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/19/3280.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/19/s_3280.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br />Wild turkeys.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/19/3281.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/19/s_3281.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br />Are Emu's wild?<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/19/3282.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/19/s_3282.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br />Let's climb.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/19/3283.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/19/s_3283.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br />Do I look tired yet?<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/19/3284.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/19/s_3284.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br />I'm tired of rain.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/19/3285.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/19/s_3285.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br />I'm tired of making captions on pictures.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/19/3286.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/19/s_3286.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br />It might as well be 115.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/19/3287.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/19/s_3287.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br />Nice shot crossing a bridge. Jason had to hike a quarter of a mile for this one.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/19/3288.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/19/s_3288.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br />At last, Uvalde!<br /><br />I have strange dreams every night, thanks Fred.<br /><br />Lincoln<br /><br />P.S. To load this many pictures I have to publish and then edit and add photos, so if the first time you see the blog it looks incomplete check back in a few minutes for the final copy.<br /><br />P.S.S. Will somebody tell LaNette Bass to take a chill pill until I finish.<br /><br /><br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Uvalde,%20Tx.&z=10'>Uvalde, Tx.</a></p>Lincolnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08040737490451405988noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2309833248552715042.post-77417952093149061582010-09-18T18:07:00.001-07:002010-09-18T18:33:25.691-07:00Dream of Great ThingsDay 15 Dryden, Tx. To Del Rio, Tx. 101 miles, 7 hrs. 59 mi. Avg. Spd. 12.1 mph. Total miles 1281.<br /><br />The following is a quote from Teddy Roosevelt that my dad sent last night.<br /><br /> "It is far better to dream of great things,<br />to envision glorious triumphs, even though<br />confronted with failure.<br />Than to join in that throng who neither<br />suffer much or gain much.<br />Who live in a grey twilight<br />that knows neither victory or defeat."<br /><br />I never intended for this undertaking to become what it has for so many other people. Yet, I am humbled before God that so many of you have found inspiration in my trials. I have never wanted to quit anything so badly so many times as I have this trip. I reserve the right to still do so, but I must confess that your journey with me through your comments compels me along with my own knot headed determination to continue one day at a time.<br /><br />We started this morning at a daylight and immediately had mechanical issues. I tweaked my front fender several days ago, and no amount of adjustment has righted the situation to date. This morning we decided to quit trying to fix it and dismounted the fender. That fixed it.<br /><br />I knew I had to get Del Rio, Tx., or sleep on the side of the road. By looking at the elevation map I thought it would be downhill all day, and it was, with an uphill at every downhill. A steep uphill, lots of steep uphills. I'm not sure the the total elevation climb was equal to the mountains of New Mexico. Oh, did I mention headwind? Yes, headwind all day. <br /><br />Jason Brooks is another fabulous support driver. He also shares Jamie's magnetic attraction for Border Patrol. We hadn't been out an hour when Jason got stopped by the Border Patrol. I actually didn't see Jason for the first hour because right after we got started Jason remembered that he was out of gas and had to drive 25 miles back to Sanderson, Tx., for gas and then come back and find me. He left with this question, "hey you'll be ok without me for a little while right?" Sure, I'm in the middle of nowhere with bandito's, wild animals, crazy drivers, illegal aliens, bald and on a bike, oh ya, I'll be fine.<br /><br />Jason took some fantastic pictures today. He even broke Ben Logan's single day picture record. (Amy can you get a new battery for the camera, the digital readout says "tired.")<br /><br />Throughout the day we visited the Judge Roy Bean center in Langtry, Tx. (check out wikipedia on this guy, fascinating), we crossed the Pecos river basin, and crossed the Amistad lake reservoir.<br /><br />Hopefully the pictures tonight will give you greater insight into the day. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/18/2721.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/18/s_2721.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br />The only building in Dryden, Tx.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/18/2722.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/18/s_2722.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br />Sunrise over Dryden.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/18/2723.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/18/s_2723.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br />Early morning preparations.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/18/2724.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/18/s_2724.jpg' border='0' width='157' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br />Everything looks good.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/18/2725.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/18/s_2725.jpg' border='0' width='157' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br />EXCEPT FOR THE SEMI!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/18/2726.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/18/s_2726.jpg' border='0' width='157' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br />Jason, did you get gas for tomorrow?<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/18/2727.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/18/s_2727.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br />What more could you ask for? A trailer and a windmill<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/18/2728.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/18/s_2728.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I still have 81? That's depressing.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/18/2729.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/18/s_2729.jpg' border='0' width='157' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br />I hope you get the idea.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/18/2730.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/18/s_2730.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br />Are you kidding?<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/18/2731.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/18/s_2731.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br />Are you serious?<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/18/2732.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/18/s_2732.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br />Does it ever end?<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/18/2733.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/18/s_2733.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br />I see the top.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/18/2735.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/18/s_2735.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br />Check out Jason's shadow.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/18/2736.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/18/s_2736.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br />It's never over.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/18/2737.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/18/s_2737.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br />Literally.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/18/2738.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/18/s_2738.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br />Aaaahhhhh, the superfluous steed.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/18/2781.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/18/s_2781.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br />The steed needs rest too.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/18/2782.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/18/s_2782.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br />The only food in Langtry.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/18/2783.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/18/s_2783.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br />Suddenly, a new steed.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/18/2784.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/18/s_2784.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br />Bathroom security is important around these parts, have you seen the size of the dogs?<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/18/2785.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/18/s_2785.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br />Jason, doing what he does best.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/18/2786.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/18/s_2786.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br />The actual bar where Judge Roy Bean carried out sentences.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/18/2787.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/18/s_2787.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br />I scoff at Judge Bean, did he ever ride 1200 miles on a bike? Wait, did they have bikes?<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/18/2788.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/18/s_2788.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br />I thought I should include a downhill, just to be fair.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/18/2789.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/18/s_2789.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br />I can't tell which way I'm going.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/18/2790.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/18/s_2790.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br />Jason climbed a mountain for this one<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/18/2791.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/18/s_2791.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br />Long road.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/18/2792.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/18/s_2792.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br />Crossing the Pecos.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/18/2793.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/18/s_2793.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br />I'm tired.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/18/2794.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/18/s_2794.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br />Let's stop here.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/18/2795.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/18/s_2795.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br />They have lovely accomodations.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/18/2796.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/18/s_2796.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br />Trust me if you're worried about the border, it's covered.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/18/2797.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/18/s_2797.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br />And the goats will be separated to his right. Check that, goats on the left.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/18/2798.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/18/s_2798.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br />Lake Amistad.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/18/2799.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/18/s_2799.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br />See you tomorrow.<br /><br />What's your dream? I'm glad you're enjoying mine, but hey, YOU NEED YOUR OWN! GET OUT THERE AND FIND IT!<br />Lincoln<br /><br />P.S. When we got to Del Rio a thunderstorm had just passed through and the road was soaking wet. Remember the fender, this morning? As I pass Jason on the side of the road he rolls down the window and sticks the fender out at me. What a pal. <br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Del%20Rio,%20Tx.&z=10'>Del Rio, Tx.</a></p>Lincolnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08040737490451405988noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2309833248552715042.post-51503255038853985062010-09-17T19:03:00.001-07:002010-09-17T19:03:24.790-07:00What Should Have BeenDay 14 Alpine, Tx. To Dryden, Tx. 104 miles 7hrs. 53 min. 13.6 avg. Total miles 1180<br /><br />I know a lot of you have been praying for a tailwind. I want to assure you that God has answered your prayers. He said "NO." <br />It should have been an epic ride. Mostly downhill with lots of rolls and it was, except for the due east 10-15 mile an hour headwind this morning followed by the 20-25 mile an hour headwind this afternoon. Have you ever heard that winds prevail from the west in our country? Ya, I'm not seeing that so much yet. I did make a century, mostly because if I hadn't I would have had 120 miles tomorrow to get to Del Rio, Tx.. Now I only have 102 miles, pinch me I'm dreaming.<br />We went through some interesting country today, acaross the whole 100 miles there was a total of one stop. That was in Marathon, Tx. Pop. 455. it actually was one of the nicer small towns we've been through. Marathon is home of the Gage motel, a former headquarters for cattle baron, John Gage. Gage at one time ranches over 600 sections of land in that area. Do the math, a section is 640 acres. Lloyd Brooks for instance ranches one third of a section, but don't get me wrong he's a fine fellow.<br />The distances were so great that Jamie had to pick up sandwiches in Marathon that we enjoyed 30 miles later at a roadside picnic table. <br />Other than that and a few gems you'll catch in the pictures, it was another grind. You know, sometimes life is like that. Sometimes you just have to keep going. Headwind, uphill, 100 miles or more, just keep going. Hey, people, get out there and keep going.<br />I really questioned God today. I was saying to myself, come on God, I'm out here killing myself, can't I get a tailwind? I came to the realization that there are a lot more important things going on in this world than my comfort. Hey, guess what? There are a lot more important things going on in this world than your comfort too. So hey, get uncomfortable!<br />In other news, Jamie got stopped again. Yes, it's true. This time a Terrell county deputy sheriff pulled him over for suspicious behavior. Somebody alert Huntsville, HPD, Jamie is flying home tomorrow, somebody should keep an eye on him.<br />Ok, I'm almost done. I fight a headwind all day, ride a hundred miles, and marvel at the expanse of this great land. We check into the Budget Inn. This is probably the finest establishment I've ever had the privilege of staying in. They charged us $39.00. They probably should have paid us for staying here. Pictures to follow. We then tried to go out for dinner. The four restaurants in town were all closed for HOMECOMING! We had to eat at a gas station! I probably have food poisoning, I'll let you know tomorrow.<br />Please Lord, get me to Del Rio. <br />Jamie leaves for El Paso tomorrow to fly home. We're expecting Jason any minute. That's all for now.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/17/2463.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/17/s_2463.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Early morning drizzle over Alpine, Tx.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/17/2464.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/17/s_2464.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Early morning start. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/17/2465.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/17/s_2465.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />As promised, the Gage motel.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/17/2466.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/17/s_2466.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Me and the support car.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/17/2467.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/17/s_2467.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Jamie said, "don't touch the car."<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/17/2468.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/17/s_2468.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />I'm really not that fat, the camera adds 10 lbs.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/17/2469.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/17/s_2469.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Vulture eating coyote, very cool.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/17/2470.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/17/s_2470.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Those are buffalo in the wild.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/17/2471.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/17/s_2471.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Ahhhhhh, the trusty steed waiting patiently for lunch to finish.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/17/2472.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/17/s_2472.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Have you seen that shirt before?<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/17/2473.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/17/s_2473.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />That's a train, Jamie thought it was cool.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/17/2474.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/17/s_2474.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Nice room.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/17/2475.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/17/s_2475.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Love the decor.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/17/2477.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/17/s_2477.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Let's take a dip in the pool.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/17/2478.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/17/s_2478.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Even the office is scary.<br />See you tomorrow, <br />Lincoln <br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Sanderson,%20Tx.&z=10'>Sanderson, Tx.</a></p>Lincolnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08040737490451405988noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2309833248552715042.post-17587515123695011832010-09-16T18:12:00.001-07:002010-09-16T18:12:18.285-07:00Headwinds and Art in Southwest TexasVan Horn, Tx. To Alpine, Tx. 83 miles 6hrs. 39min. Avg. Sp. 12.4 mph, Total miles 1076 <br />I'll keep it simple. Bad day. 60 miles climbing into a headwind on the loneliest road in America. No stops, no stores, no nothing. Except for a Prada art exhibit in Valentine, Tx., more to come. At mile 70, a thunderstorm broke out on top of us. I don't know what you do without a support car. I guess you get wet. We went into town got a hotel and then I had Jamie bring me back out so that I could finish the ride. Except, now the roads were soaked and so I was by the time I finished the last 13 miles.<br />Here is a shout out to Roger Harwell. He highly recommended fenders which I was very concerned was overkill. Fenders are definitely not overkill. Thanks, Rog. <br />So somewhere in the middle of this nightmare Jamie comes up on this art exhibit for Prada. There is no way we can ever explain how bizarre this was but, I'll let Jamie try later.<br />We also got to visit Marfa, Tx. Pop. 2101. This eclectic, artsy community is another modern marvel. Marfa is home to one of the oldest hotels in Tx. In fact you might have seen it if you are old enough to remember the movie "Giant" with, Rock Hudson, James Dean, and Elizabeth Taylor. (I love the movie) Giant was filmed in Marfa, Tx.<br />Apparently some rich artist named Donald Judd wanted to start a minimalist art community. So he basically bought the town of Marfa and set up a grant system by which other minimalist artists can live and set up their own studios. This place is crazy. The city has no law enforcement. You couldn't make this stuff up. I didn't stay long.<br />By the way, I have no skin on my lips, ears, or forearms.<br /> <br />Wow, I hope tomorrow is better. Pray for Jason Brooks who is driving to meet us in Sanderson, Tx. Tomorrow night.<br /><br />Here's Jamie<br /><br />Let me start by saying that it has been an absolute honor to join Lincoln out here for only a couple days. I wish that I could stay longer. Secondly, I feel undeserving to write on this blog, which feels like sacred ground for many followers. I have been amazed to watch the endless calls of encouragement and text messages that say "Hey, I am praying for you." Lincoln has been starting each day's ride with a short prayer, which puts it all in perspective. One may feel alone here, but it is obvious that the spirit of God and His faithful are along for the journey.<br /><br />I can't explain the Prada store that is in absolutely the middle of nowhere. The funny part is that it really was the only interesting thing in 75 miles. Those of you looking for open land to roost or who are worried about global over crowding, may I suggest west TX.<br /><br />I will miss my border patrol friends. Wow, are they good at there job. They are everywhere. I am wondering if illegal border crossings are really a big conspiracy to create more government jobs.<br /><br />Lastly, Lincoln makes me feel lazy. He is a machine on a bike. I can't tell you how many times I have pulled a few miles ahead, put the car in park, thought it will be a while before he covers that gap, and then was startled as he went buzzing by the car window. Lincoln says I have to stop typing.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/16/2320.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/16/s_2320.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Sunrise over nowhere, Tx.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/16/2321.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/16/s_2321.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />The Prada art project.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/16/2325.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/16/s_2325.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Only left shoes. Purses have false bottoms with security sensors. The exhibit is broken into often.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/16/2327.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/16/s_2327.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />I got nothing.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/16/2330.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/16/s_2330.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Tarantula on roadway. It's much larger than it looks.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/16/2333.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/16/s_2333.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Air Force aerostat, monitoring borders with I R.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/16/2335.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/16/s_2335.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Aerostat on ground.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/16/2336.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/16/s_2336.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Yes, Marfa.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/16/2337.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/16/s_2337.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Hotel Paisano, from "Giant".<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/16/2338.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/16/s_2338.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Thunderstorm.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/16/2341.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/16/s_2341.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Goodnight Surly, goodnight friend.<br />Lincoln <br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Alpine,%20Texas&z=10'>Alpine, Texas</a></p>Lincolnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08040737490451405988noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2309833248552715042.post-86372941164242374492010-09-15T19:37:00.001-07:002010-09-15T19:37:05.185-07:00But Everyday Is Another Day (That's Deep)Day 12 Fort Hancock,Tx, to Van Horn, Tx. 92 miles 6 hrs 14 min.s avg sp. 13.9 total 993 miles.<br /> <br />Ok, the first news is, I just washed clothes and included my wallet, very exciting. Other than that, it was a pretty tough day. I got chased by wild dogs, was way to close to the border, rode a bunch of miles on the interstate, where in Texas the speed limit is 80 miles an hour. Lots of uphill, lots of headwind, but managed 92 and gets me closer to Alpine, Tx. than expected. <br />Jamie has been a trooper, especially when not being harassed by the border patrol.<br />I really feel traction for the first time. If I could get closer to civilization I can actually see finishing this thing.<br />Shout outs to Russell Yokely, who yesterday said after a moment of my weakness, "I don't know whether to counsel you to quit or keep going."<br />Shout out to Janet Campbell, who found this, from Shawshank Redemption, (actually she had it memorized)<br /><br />"I hope, I can make it across the border. I hope I can find Andy and shake his hand. I hope the pacific is as blue as it has been in my dreams. I hope."<br /><br />I'm in tears as I dream about the Atlantic.<br />What's your dream? Don't stop dreaming it! <br /><br />Shout outs to people I've never met who have my blog and are commenting.<br />Can someone tell Doris and Wayne Elkins how to comment on the blog.<br />Another news flash, Mike Shell has bought www.baldguyonabike.com you can now go to that website and directly to the blog. Hey, tell the world. It's a national movement.<br /><br />Here's a shout out to the "Big Dog, my man Carl Keenum, and the boys at Boral Brick, thanks forth encouragement.<br /><br />NEWS FLASH............ Rumour has it that I have a, in person, visit coming from the Smith family this coming Tuesday. We may be bankrupt, but we'll be together!<br /><br /><br />Come on folks, you know what to do, do something!<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/15/2331.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/15/s_2331.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Looking into Mexico.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/15/2333.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/15/s_2333.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />There are actually illegals in those bushes.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/15/2335.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/15/s_2335.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />This is a wash or as Jamie says, "a white" he's from St. Louis.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/15/2336.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/15/s_2336.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />On the interstate speed limit 80 mph.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/15/2342.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/15/s_2342.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Yes, I'm passing the truck!<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/15/2344.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/15/s_2344.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Jamie and the Surly, please don't touch the bike Jamie.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/15/2346.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/15/s_2346.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />This is where we're staying tonight.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/15/2347.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/15/s_2347.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />That's uphill!<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/15/2349.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/15/s_2349.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Rain shower over Van Horn, Tx. today, very cool<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/15/2350.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/15/s_2350.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Railroad trestle, is that like the ennsylvania, the hortline, and the eading?<br />Monopoly humor.<br /><br />In the words of Steve Fee today, (at one point today I rode a frontage road visible straight in front of me for 14 miles) on the Ipod. "Glorious one, Glorious one, light of the world, you outshine the sun," can you imagine that? The Glory of God brighter than any sun ? Praise Him, and don't stop!<br /><br />Lincoln <br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Van%20Horn,%20Tx.&z=10'>Van Horn, Tx.</a></p>Lincolnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08040737490451405988noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2309833248552715042.post-79343385547541861282010-09-14T19:10:00.001-07:002010-09-14T19:10:52.553-07:00What a Difference a Day MakesDay 11 Las Cruces, NM to Fort Hancock, Tx. 100 miles Total time 6 hours. 44 min. Avg. Sp. 14.7 Total miles 901.<br /><br />Today was superb riding. It was cool to start, and I had a nice ride out of Las Cruces. I did 40 miles south into the El Paso are. El Paso was less than excellent. Any time your biking through a major metropolitan area, it's less than excellent, and it was obvious that the city missed Ron Woods. I felt good so we kept rolling through the Rio Grande river valley surrounded by more pecan trees and chili fields. The entire 60 miles after El Paso we were in sight of the Mexican border.<br />At one point two border patrol vehicles went screaming by me. They then turned around and came screaming back by me. Up ahead I could see that they had pulled somebody over. As I began to get closer I thought I recognized the vehicle, and yes, Jamie Kimbel had been pulled over by the US Border Patrol for, "suspicious activity." Apparently somebody had called in a car that kept pulling over and stopping. That was Jamie waiting for me. We all had a good laugh and they wished us well.<br />I ended the day in Fort Hancock, Tx. (isn't there a Shawshank Redemption reference to Fort Hancock?) We then had to backtrack 30 miles in the car to find a decent motel. It's off to Sierra Blanca, and Van Horn tomorrow.<br />I really appreciate all the comments on the blog. I wish I had time to answer them all but I have to try and sleep sometime.<br />The next few days get really remote. There are warnings all over the bike maps about distances between services and being prepared to sleep on the side of the road. We'll just have to take it a day at a time. That's all God asks of us anyway, isn't it?<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/14/2321.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/14/s_2321.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Pecan trees in Las Cruces. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/14/2322.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/14/s_2322.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Close up!<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/14/2323.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/14/s_2323.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Not a lot of room to ride.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/14/2324.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/14/s_2324.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />On the sidewalk in Downtown El Paso.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/14/2325.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/14/s_2325.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Have You seen me in this shirt before?<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/14/2326.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/14/s_2326.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />I'm having a nice time following this tractor.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/14/2327.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/14/s_2327.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Jamie accuses me of drafting. Drafting? This is taking advantage of an obvious gift from heaven.<br /><br />Pray for someone other than yourself tonight,<br />Lincoln<br /><br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Clint,%20Tx.%20-%20Fort%20Hancock,%20Tx.&z=10'>Clint, Tx. - Fort Hancock, Tx.</a></p>Lincolnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08040737490451405988noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2309833248552715042.post-44612863053743250662010-09-13T18:25:00.001-07:002010-09-13T18:29:49.246-07:00Oh, How the Mighty Have FallenDay 10 - Emory Pass, N.M. To Las Cruces, N. M. 101 miles, 7 hrs. 13 min. 13.3 avg. Total miles to date 801.<br /><br />The title today is from my dad. That's something he used to say from scripture anytime somebody got to big for their britches. Yesterday's triumph over the mountain was supposed to be followed by a downhill jaunt to Las Cruces, N.M.. The first hour was. Brad and Ben drooped me at the pass at 7:30 AM. They then headed for Phoenix. I, dropped off the edge of the world for the next hour. I told you yesterday that my first hour total was 7 miles. My first hour today, I totaled 18 miles. Yes downhill. I turned south NM 185 at I25. I was then greeted by a headwind for the next 70 miles. It had to be 15-25 mph. I'm supposed to be going downhill, and I am, but I'm getting beat down like a red headed step child. I don't think there's anything worse than a headwind. When you are only going one direction and that direction is into the wind, it bites. Another day like today and you can come and get me. It's not fun, it's not inspirational, it's just beat down. I'm tired of motels, I miss my wife and kids, and I fail to see how I can do this for 2200 more miles. So, how was your day?<br />After descending the mountain, I spent most of the day in Rio Grande river valley. There's a lot of agriculture in the valley, but only because of the river. This is one of the top green chili producing areas in the nation. <br />We actually had a thunderstorm in Las Cruces this evening. That's the first rain I've seen in a couple of weeks.<br />Jamie is supposed to get in to El Paso around 9PM, he should be here by 10:00 or so. <br />We'll see what happens tomorrow. All I know to is keep going until God tells me otherwise.<br />Pray for my family.<br />Amazed at God's grace and my continued need for it,<br />Lincoln<br />PS. That's two century's, I only need 58 more to catch Bob Lewis.<br /><br />When I'm the only photographer, comedy suffers.<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/13/2402.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/13/s_2402.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Brad and Ben 7:30 AM Emory Pass Vista.<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/13/2403.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/13/s_2403.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />I honestly don't remember if this uphill or downhill, it's all I've got.<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/13/2404.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/13/s_2404.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />That's supposed to show a climb, but you probably can't see the grade in the background.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/13/2405.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/13/s_2405.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />That's water.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/13/2406.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/13/s_2406.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Yes the Rio Grande.<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/13/2407.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/13/s_2407.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />That's a picture of my bike. There's no one else to take a picture of. Doesn't my bike look happy?<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/13/2408.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/13/s_2408.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />These are dried chilis. This is just one stand of many. I had Mexican food at lunch, that was outstanding.<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/13/2409.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/13/s_2409.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Nice glove tan. The picture doesn't even do it justice.<br />See you tomorrow.<br /><br /><br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Las%20Cruces,%20N.%20M.&z=10'>Las Cruces, N. M.</a></p>Lincolnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08040737490451405988noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2309833248552715042.post-6441026617476846912010-09-12T19:48:00.001-07:002010-09-12T19:52:16.685-07:00Elevation 8228Lordsburg, N.M. To Emory Pass, N.M. 74 miles 7 hours, 15 min. Avg. Sp. 10 mph total 699<br /><br />Let me cut to the chase tonight. This was the hardest day on a bicycle that I've ever had. Today was the highest point on the entire Southern Tier. I climbed to elevation 8228. I know I've complained about going uphill a couple of times but nothing was even close to this. I started out of Lordsburg at 7:15 AM. It took me an hour to ride the first 7 miles. I crossed the continental divide shortly after that first seven miles, at elevation 6355. If you think the continental divide is the top, you are mistaken. I climbed all day after the continental divide. The elevation was back to 5900 in Silver City. We saw some huge mining operations today. At one of the mines I ran into a another biker named Patrick and we rode into Silver City together. I had not actually intended to make the summit today, but in order to sleep tonight I pushed on through.<br />Brad and Ben have been awesome. I mean truly awesome. My deepest thanks for their taking the time and expense to support me. I hope you will thank them too.<br />Tomorrow morning Brad and Ben and will drop me off at Emory Pass. I will head downhill, and they will head back to Phoenix.<br />Jamie Kimbel flys into El Paso tomorrow to come babysit until Saturday. After that, I'm uncovered.<br />Did I mention I climbed to 8228 elevation? COME ON PEOPLE! PUT DOWN THE REMOTE! GET OFF THE COUCH! GET OUT THERE AND WORK YOUR TAIL OFF! <br />I've insisted that everyone who participates in this journey take part in the blog so before the pictures, here's Brad and Ben.<br /><br />This is brad. I will begin by telling you that i thought that this trip was a big deal. This is not a big deal. This is epic. I am officially beginning my quest to do something epic at some point in my life.<br />I will also tell you that Lincoln didn't climb 4000 vertical feet today. He climbed an absolute minimum of 10,000 feet, and I'm actually guessing closer to 15,000, give or take 1,000 vertical feet. We went up and down all day, and by up and down, I mean 500 up, 500 down. I seriously think we have been following superman based on what I witnessed today. Sheer willpower and determination. I can't even begin to tell you how impressed i was by this man. <br />I'm being told to speed this up, so I will ask for prayers as he keeps going, that he have a tailwind, that he find people who can ride with him occasionally, that he remains positive (cause negativity is waiting at every hill), and that the lord continues to give him the strength to do the kind of things that he did today. I will return to Huntsville tomorrow, but will be with him in spirit every mile that he has left. Love you buddy.<br /><br />This is Ben...I have been asked to comment so I will do so...I honestly do not have the words for what I played a very, very small part in today. I mean really there are NO words. There is no way for me to put into words what i was able to witness....the pictures do it no justice. As noted above, the day was a never ending up and down and then lots of ups. To say that I proud of him would be the understatement of the year...I am simple honored to call him friend. It was just one of those days that we will share and remember forever. Simply humbling....I can not really explain it any other way than that. I was also called upon to document with the camera the last couple of days...I hope my sister is proud. I can't believe my time is already over...I hope that he remains strong on his journey. I hope for more downhills and tailwinds. Thank you for sharing this experience with me...safe travels. Really...I just hope the pictures are ok... <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/12/2828.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/12/s_2828.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />What kind of activity?<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/12/2829.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/12/s_2829.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Oh, it's only just beginning.<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/12/2830.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/12/s_2830.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Look at the road behind me.<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/12/2831.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/12/s_2831.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Can you see the falling rock sign?<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/12/2832.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/12/s_2832.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Me and Patrick, is that like Sponge Bob?<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/12/2833.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/12/s_2833.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />That's a little disconcerting.<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/12/2834.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/12/s_2834.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Ok, I get the elk, but what's the flasher for. Brad thought it was a moose crossing.<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/12/2835.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/12/s_2835.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />You can't tell, but that's a homemade sign, now fading. Where's Larissa?<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/12/2836.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/12/s_2836.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Is he really that much taller than me? At least we're color coordinated.<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/12/2837.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/12/s_2837.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />What is that stance? Uh, hi, I'm Alphonse.<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/12/2838.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/12/s_2838.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Is that like spin the bottle?<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/12/2839.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/12/s_2839.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Brad's giving me some riding technique pointers. "pedal in circles, not in squares" That joke compliments of Jon Noles.<br />Some hill somewhere.<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/12/2840.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/12/s_2840.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/12/2841.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/12/s_2841.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Check that out.<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/12/2842.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/12/s_2842.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Yes, I'm really there. <br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br /><br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Silver%20City,%20N.M.&z=10'>Silver City, N.M.</a></p>Lincolnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08040737490451405988noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2309833248552715042.post-75979702025973098512010-09-11T18:39:00.001-07:002010-09-11T18:39:48.222-07:00Three Friends, Three Dead Vultures, and a Plague of LocustsSafford, Az. To Lordsburg, N.M. 80 miles, 6 hours, 9 min. 13 mph avg. Total miles 625<br /><br />It was a tough day. Lots of vertical, a headwind, and a plague of locusts. Ben and Brad got in at 12:30 AM central. It sure would have been great if they had gotten here earlier. We left Safford Az. about 6:15 AM. The temperature started at 55 again but soon zoomed to 100. It actually was a very scenic ride, low traffic, and several interesting highlights. Over the eighty miles, there was exactly one, stop off, and that was in Duncan, Az. <br />Something out here has caused a hatch of locusts. Locusts are everywhere, millions and millions of locusts. They are not being very nice to each other either. Apparently there's nothing to eat and they are eating each other. On the other hand I saw three dead vultures today. It's got to be pretty bleak out there for a vulture to die. Apparently vultures don't eat locusts.<br />Brad and Ben did a great job today. We're holed up in a hotel in Lordsburg watching college football having a great time. Except that I have to ride again tomorrow while they take pictures of locusts.<br />Tomorrow, I climb all day start to finish. From here I have to climb 2000 ft. To Silver City, N.M., then I have to go to 8228 ft. At Emory pass. Then we'll head back to Silver City for the rest of the day. Tomorrow is the highest point of the Southern Tier route.<br />I tried something new this morning. I listened to my iPod. As a purist I don't normally condone this activity, because I want to be able to hear traffic. After the incident in the tunnel I'm not sure I really want to hear it, if I'm fixing to get plastered. The upside was I had some great worship time with Chris Tomlin singing at the cows on the side of the road. The downside was, singing while riding uphill is extremely taxing to one's respiratory system. The cows didn't seem to enjoy it either.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/11/2589.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/11/s_2589.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />An early start in Safford, Az.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/11/2590.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/11/s_2590.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Yes, he is.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/11/2591.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/11/s_2591.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />If the vultures are dying, what about us?<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/11/2592.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/11/s_2592.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Lincoln, uphill.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/11/2593.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/11/s_2593.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Suddenly, out of nowhere a cowboy. Could it be Jason Brooks?<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/11/2595.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/11/s_2595.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />I wish the roads were straighter<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/11/2596.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/11/s_2596.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Comment removed by editor.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/11/2597.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/11/s_2597.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Two states down.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/11/2598.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/11/s_2598.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Apparently shooting your state sign is berry classy.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/11/2599.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/11/s_2599.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Another uphill.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/11/2600.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/11/s_2600.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Finally, a taste of home.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/11/2601.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/09/11/s_2601.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />I wonder if they need a worship minister?<br />Lincoln<br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Lordsburg,%20N.M.&z=10'>Lordsburg, N.M.</a></p>Lincolnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08040737490451405988noreply@blogger.com7