The day started out overcast, which we like. It blocks the sun (which also means that cars behind us can see us better), and keeps it cool. A light rain was forecasted, so we wore rain gear. Three miles into the ride, we confronted our first challenge – a bridge we were supposed to cross was under construction and completely impassable. No worries, we backtracked and took a side road that was very pretty and it only added about 4 miles to our ride. But, as we turned the corner to get back on the original route, the skies just opened up. Our light raingear was no match – we were soaked through and through, and, as we moved further east, we could see lightening and hear thunder. The van made an early stop and half of us (6) hopped on. The van made a stop at local coffee shop and we all took a break for hot chocolate and coffee. We moved on to the lunch location. By this time the rain had stopped.
But, sadly, one of the riders who had stayed on the road went down. Even though the rain had stopped, he rode across a cattle grate that was slippery, and his tires went out from under him. We called the ambulance, picked up his bicycle and hoped for best.
As the rain had stopped, I got back on the road and was able to complete the ride. Fortunately, as the van had all our luggage, I was able to change into a dry shirt, socks and replace my jacket. We meandered through farms and ranches, and all the roadside wildflowers came out. And, we finally got a tailwind! I received the “Eddie” award at dinner for having gotten back on the road. Eddie is a little red dinosaur that we pass among one another for going above and beyond.
Our news at the end of the day was that our fellow rider broke his wrist and needed 22 stitches, and his bicycle is unridable. He’ll be headed home to NJ tomorrow. We are down to 11.
Tomorrow we head to Cleveland; the good news is that no rain is forecast.
Congrats on the “Eddie” award!!!!! Sorry to hear about your fellow rider 🙁