Tom joined us all for our 70 mile from Austin to Eureka. Still in Nevada. Our road captain Paul insisted Tom put his touring bike with panniers (over 100 pounds) in the truck and ride one of our spare bikes. Tom couldn't refuse. We started by finishing the climb past Austin up 4 more miles. After we came down to the bottom on the hill we were on the straightist roads I've ever been on. You can see where you are going to be 30 minutes later. Larry and I rode hard for the first 37 miles until we got to lunch. Again another great lunch served by the amazing girls in the USO rv.
Larry and I almost left just before the main group arrived but we hung out to see them in. This turned a bike ride into a day that will never be forgotten.
Paul had been riding his handcycle for the first half of the ride and was completely exhausted so he wanted us to take turns riding the handcycle the rest of the way in. Interesting idea, none of us have ever riding a handcycle before but we were all game. They decided wach would ride for 10k each (6 miles). Tom took his turn and Paul rode his bike. We all rode as a group watching Tom enjoying his time riding something completely different from what he has been riding for the past 9 months.
After his 10k, it was my turn. Tom took over the tandem riding with Larry. They took off at top speed having an absolute blast. I've never been on a handcycle for more than a quick turn in a parking lot during my bike shop days. This was so much fun and very hard work with my little bird arms.
Next on the handcycle was Larry. YES, Larry!!
Did I ever mention that Larry is blind?
I rode behind Larry with Paul on the tandem. I just treated it like skiing but easier. The road was straight and had rumblestrips on the white line. All I had to do was tell Larry 'a little to the left , a little to the right' as we rode along. It worked out great. Larry being as fearless as he is, he picked up the pace quite quickly. We were going 20mph. Larry was going as straight as an arrow.
3 comments:
What a great story! I can picture it all as if I was there for the ride. You should be coming up on state line crossing two, yeah? Hi to Larry, and have a great day today!!
Way to go Larry!!! It had to be a rush to ride a bike by yourself. Greg, thanks for the updates and pictures. Larry couldn't ask for a better partner.
Great job guys! Love to hear all the news.
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