The day begins with pomp and ceremony. Riders gather at the start. Music plays. There is a huge Red Cross inflatible arch like you'd see at the Tour de France. The tour director thanks riders for their fundraising and volunteers for their work. The ride director describes the route and implores the riders to ride safely. The riders are getting restless. A rider leads a prayer for safe travel. The Star spangled Banner is played over the PA. The riders cheer. A lone rider yells: "Go Hawks!" Horns sound and we're off in a mass start complete with a police escort thru the Houston airport and the adjoining neighborhood. The police really like to accomodate the Red Cross.
When I walked out this morning it was 78 degrees and humid. My third day in bike shorts all year. The wind was in our faces out of the SSE all day. Steady at 20-30 with gusts up to 40 mph. Its a strong group. Almost all of the riders finished the day on their own power. The group is in good spirits. The effects I think of shared experience and a noble cause. As we ride along the route, local Red Cross volunteers set up rest stops. They benefit from our fundraising and enjoy being part of the event. we riders appreciate the refreshments.
Road kill. Deer, opossums, snakes, raccoons, armadillo and alligator. Something tells me Toto this isn't Kansas.
I'm worn out, as are all the riders and volunteers after a challenging day. We'll all be back at it tomorrow morning. Looking for SPF > 30 for tomorrow.
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