Thanks to everyone who helped me exceed my fundraising goal of $2500 for the Livestrong Challenge!
Wanted to share a little bit about the day:
We saddled up early and headed to Dripping Springs. The ride started at 7:30 AM. Truth be told a friend and I went off a little early. We thought, why not lead out Lance! So for us the ride started peacefully in the rolling hills on the county roads of central Texas. The sunrise was beautiful. Massive rays reaching up through an enormous bank of high clouds. Longhorns lazing behind barbed wire. People from out of state definitely got there money’s worth on the Texas scenery front.
The wind was blowing fairly hard early, which makes one a little nervous when riding a hilly 90 mile course, but it felt great. It looked like a winter day though the temp was in the mid seventies. We cruised along through the first couple of power stops sponsored by Power Bar.
When we hit the third aid station, in Wimberley, we were about 30 miles into the ride. We stopped and were greeted by a fantastic group of volunteers. As they were helping us with our bikes a brightly colored and fast moving train whooshed by. It was Lance and the lead group. That was the last we saw of them all day. We got back on and started pedaling. My buddy Colin, who works for the LAF, pulled me through a long gradual climb, into a head wind, on the way into Blanco. I’m sure I retuned the favor at some point… Around mile 40 we started connecting with more riders. This was a lot of fun. People were really hammering so we got caught up in that for awhile. We agreed not to get caught up in that again. Didn’t think we could hold 25 mph for another 45 miles.
The aid station at mile 52 had folks dressed in Poodle skirts. Elvis was blaring. Good times. The atmosphere at this ride, especially emanating from the volunteers, is one of gratitude. Many of these folks are cancer survivors and they know how to seize the day. They gave great energy and always said, “Thank you for riding.” To which I always responded, “Thanks for the PB&J”
Around mile 70 I was hoping to see mile 89. Getting tired. Lots of riders from the shorter routes were feeding into the 90 mile course. It was fun. Everybody was huffing and puffing and urging each other on. The sun was coming out now, it was a little after noon as we hit the last five mile stretch and popped out onto 290 heading east. We made the turn into Dripping Springs High and the crowds were there cheering and welcoming us back. I must admit I felt a little veclempt. I thought of everyone that had supported me via their donations. I told my buddy Colin (see photo above) that doing the ride made me proud of the people I know, that they would take time to give. He responded by saying, “That’s why I do what I do.” I understood.
Thanks for your support. The Austin Challenge raised $3.7 million!