Fri & Sat: bike rides

I'll keep this one short. [Photo: my oldest son riding out back ... trying to scratch his itch to ride. A few more acres sure would be nice, but I'm thankful for what we have.]

Friday's exercise was a bike ride over the lunch hour with two others. It was nice to ride again and to ride together. The ride was relational, with the exception of what has become kind of traditional - the last sprint to the finish. That's where my HR saw a max of 182 and my lungs continued to gasp for air even after having to back off for breathing reasons...

Saturday was a full day and my chance for a ride came at 7 PM - with roughly 90 minutes before the sun goes down. It was the first chance to ride with a minimum or goal HR. I was aiming for an avg of 150 - which I think I was close to, but not certain as I forgot to stop my HRM when I stopped to adjust my seat and handle bar. My HRM also erroneously registered a max HR of 237 - I'm certain that was an error. (It's always disappointing when that happens as it messes up my numbers. This time it happened on me Polar - which doesn't normally get those bad numbers.) The ride was just under 2 hrs and had an avg of just over 19 mph.

As I've been thinking about what the next goals should be - I've kind of settled on a Fall 5 hr century and marathon: both will be firsts for me. I still have a good bit of improving to do if I am to seriously try to do a century ride with an avg speed of 20+ mph. And I'd like to try to get my pace to around 8min/mi for the marathon. Both goals will require me to work on my speed and work on exercising at higher HR's. So that's what my training goals are now: tempo training... (fun stuff - I'm kidding).

My thoughts after a few training sessions running and riding now with the HR as the focus: I've been training at a low intensity level. :-( But, now that I know that I am working on it. Rather than just adding more miles I'm trying to work harder. I hope to run and ride a couple times this week and will continue on the HR min goal: 145 when running and 150 when on the bike - are the planed minimum avg hr values for the week.

Wed-Th: wk 2 of 2 Health class; 8 mi run

[PHOTOS: some shots of a Cardinal that has it's home in our bushes out back. Mrs Cardinal was harder to capture as she was a little more shy. But it's neat to have so many different birds at home in the bushes and trees of our home. Even as I type this I can hear the birds (crows, cardinals, mocking birds, blue jays) singing their songs...so nice...]

Transitional times are kind of challenging for one who likes to have some routine - especially in the area of my exercise / training. The time sense the 'big ride' has been such a time: where my schedule and goals are not firmed up and my routine is different day to day. I am still trying to figure out what it should normalize to once the kids are out of school in one more week. It will be different as I'm not going to solely focus on biking; I want to add back in running and weights (for overall balance). We'll see...

Wed night was the second of two youth meetings (with some adults attending too) where we talked about Health and Nutrition. The first night was more focused on scriptures and a foundation and this past Wed was hitting some highlights: water, rest, nutrition, exercise, stress, detoxification, ... etc. I went to the grocery store that morning and took pictures of the nutritional information on various things: Coke, Pepsi, Dr Pepper, diet Coke, M&M's, cake mix, frosting, chips, ... which were then shown via a power point and we talked briefly about them. We talked about different ingredients like hydrogenated oils, aspartame, MSG, sugar, and what quantities are in those foods and some of the effects of those foods on our bodies. I also brought the nutritional information put out by many of the 'food stores' in the area: Taco Bueno, Taco Bell, Chili's, Chick-Fillet, Mc Donald's, Starbucks, Crispy Cream, ... so people could take a look at the ingredients in most of these foods (sugar, salt, fats ...). The night ended with a 'juice bar'! Lynne and I had juiced some fruits and veggies and brought it up for others to sample. I had separate containers of apple, orange, carrot, sweet potato, beet and spinach. It was a lot of fun to start with nice yummy beginner drinks like apple and orange and then have others request straight spinach, or some started saying, "Make me something." - which interpreted means "Give me some of the stuff that doesn't taste good by them selves in a mix that does taste good." Those are more advanced drinks (meaning higher nutritional value and higher nutritional taste). There was a lot of information given and hopefully there was something for each person to grasp onto and take a step towards improved health.

Exercise: has been light during the transition and slight floundering while I am with out a goal to be training for. I did run yesterday morning - 8 miles. I haven't run for an hour for quite some time, so that was kind of the goal - to maintain the HR of 145 and run for over an hour - aiming at 8 miles (the 6 mile route with a one mile loop done twice at about 3 miles in). The actual time was 1:05:12 with avg HR of 146 and max HR of 166. The two one mile loops were aiming at avg HR of 150 and had a time of 7:19 and 7:20. (This is where I'd like to be in a couple of months after keeping this HR training.) The recovery HR time for the run was 1:41 for 50 beats. [The recovery time is a good indicator of fitness and improvement, so it's also a good number to watch. I have my HRM (Polar S610i) set for a recovery HR of 115 BPM, so it will time how long it takes from the end of the run to get to that HR. It's something that I'm going to be watching. It is dependant on how hard I'm working over all, so it's not exactly a linear problem.]

It has been nice to run in the mornings as the rabbits, birds and squirrels are out in large numbers: the air has been cool and the sun rises nice too. The thought of a fall marathon is still simmering as is a fall century ride of under 5 hrs - both events would be firsts for me.

Time to speak up: what are you training for, or what could you be training for? Something to stretch you physically and mentally, maybe bump you off of a comfortable place? One of the best ways to see progress is to share it 'out loud' with someone else and if don't have someone to share it with - add it to a comment here. I'll do my best to help keep you accountable... :-)

Back to the basics...HR based training

[Photos: are all from a storm that was brewing a bit West of here.]

I've seen clouds like this a few months back when I didn't have my camera. Thankfully my oldest Son called me out to check out the clouds. It's nice that he notices things like this too.

On the subject of my Son - after he came home from going MTB riding this evening, I noticed he had some writing on his chest. I asked about it and had him come so I could see it...he wrote his contact info on his chest. I immediately knew what he did, as I too carry a slip of paper in my bag on my bike with my name and contact information. You know what it's for right? (If something should happen - who ever finds us will be able to know who we are.) It's kind of a serious thing - and I thought it neat that he was being responsible like that.

Yesterday was my first time back on my bike since the 'great ride' - 10 days ago. I meet someone at church on Sunday as I was talking to people about the recent 6 day ride and just being available. He was visiting family and had his bike and was riding while he was here. We talked about riding together the following morning and sure enough we did. It was Great. I hadn't been on my bike for a while so it was nice to ride with Jon. To bad he doesn't live around here as he'd likely be a good riding buddy. Cycling is kind of neat how people can enjoy the same activity together - people who don't know each other. But, buy the end of 30 miles have the starts of a friendship. Very cool. (Thanks for the nice ride Jon. Maybe next year I can join you for the 3 State 3 Mountain ride!)

The numbers: 32 miles @ 17.5 avg / Max 39.3. Avg hr 133 / Max HR 176.

Today was a run morning. It's a lot easier to get out and run ~6 miles and be back by 7 to be available and see the kids off than to go for a ride and be back at 7. As I started last week, I'm going to go back to a HR based training plan. I've gotten comfortable with pace and it's not pushing me like I'd like. After reviewing the HR chart using a resting HR of 50 and a Max HR of 185, 145 is 70%. So, I've decided that I'm going to just aim for making sure I am over the 70% mark when I run and ride. The numbers for today were 6 miles @ 8:07 avg/mi. Avg HR 149 / Max HR 175. Far from a Boston Qualifying Event pace (BQE) - but I'm only just starting ... :-)

I'm not sure how I'm going to get in many bike rides in the morning for the next 2 weeks while the kids are still in school. I expect the next week and a half to mostly be runs in the mornings due to time constraints. Once school is out the need to be home by 7 will be gone and I can aim for a 40 mile route before work. I haven't had a full ride yet where I was on the HR plan - so I'm looking forward to seeing what that turns out like.

I guess that's all for now. I still haven't figured out where to add the weight training again. It's important - but not included yet.

Chores for exercise

In looking at others photos, (this one from Jon), I noticed that we were often laughing and having a Fun time! :-) [The photo is of Doug and myself. Not sure of where it was taken.]

It was a neat trip - hard to believe it is over already..

Today was a much needed day of chores around the home. It was one of those days where one chore lead into another and another and a few hours later I had 6 projects going with little hope of finishing any of them. But some progress was made in the garage and with the bushes and weeds and a few other little projects too. 

My bike came yesterday and I was able to put it back together and give it a good cleaning in the process (as cleaning is a good way to touch every part to make sure it's all safe and working well). I was hoping to ride today - but the day was full. It's been 9 days with out a ride..I'm looking forward to a ride soon.

Today's exercise was spent cleaning, cutting and trimming. And there was the 1/2 hour or so when Jacob came out and suggested I take a break and we ride our motorcycles - so I did. That was nice ...! It was nice to remember why I have a YZ250 --- because they are Crazy Fast!! We had fun digging up the grass out by the back fence and playing follow the leader around the many obstacles in the yard. If we had more than 1/2 acre I'd like to keep it, but I'm leaning towards selling it as I don't ride it enough. It's to nice of a bike to have sitting -- someone should be enjoying it! Today I did.

Nutrition has been OK, but Saturday is typically a more difficult day for me as I have more time around the home and there is always something here to be found and eaten.

Training: my plan for the next two weeks is to go back to a HR based training routine - independent of the form of exercise. I have gotten used to and comfortable with a lower HR when I'm exercising and I'd like to bump that up slowly over the next months and see how that goes. It will require a little more intensity, but that will be a good curve ball for my body as I have gotten comfortable with just adding more time and distance rather than shorter harder work outs.  Until next time ... be strong and courageous!

X-Ray: 3 screws into the Femur

Many of you have asked how Jon is doing, so I asked him for a note to pass on and he sent the following:

"In an instant the plan to finish in Orlando, FL was changed to Nassau, FL when I fell from my bike and broke my left femur bone.  Through much prayer, God brought me through the surgery, with very little pain and was released from Baptist Medical Center on May 15th (33 hours after surgery!).

   
I saw an orthopedic doctor in Charlotte, NC.  He said the surgeon who did my surgery did excellent work.  He stated that within 2 months I'll be able to start putting real pressure on my leg.  Even now 15-20 pounds is okay (better then the original diagnosis of no pressure for 4-6 months!).  I'll have a followup appointment every month for X-Rays to make sure things are healing properly.  I will begin physical therapy after two months. 
  
Please continue to pray for me in the recovery process.  My stomach has not felt normal for a few days.  Pray for my wife that God will strengthen her for the extra load she handles taking care of me and our two children (Austin 10, Abbi 7).  May God bless each of you for your kindness in praying for me and my family."

Balance...

[Photo: This morning there was some intense sunlight coming into a room. Here's a beam of sunlight that was just piercing as it came in the window, through the room and lit a spot on the far hall wall. It was much more impressive in person.]

Exercise: Another run this morning. Six miles today. I was hoping to get my bike back today, but it's still out there somewhere, so tomorrow morning will likely be another run too: maybe 7 miles to keep with the trend. (I did notice today in running with my HRM, that I was running at a low HR. It has it's place and is 'fun', but I'm going to go back to doing some HR zone training again. I'm getting soft...) So tomorrow's run will be at a more aerobically beneficial HR, with a middle mile at a more challenging HR too. Two days in a row of running and my legs are a little achy.

Nutrition: still eating good food (in quantities higher than I need). I was also drawn to the chips and home made salsa this evening.

Balance: Lunch with my wife and our oldests family...that's good balance: making time for people and relationships. It's a wonderful thing to be able to feed your Granddaughter water through a straw. :)

I've also added some exercise, but very moderate from where I've been. This is good and well under the radar.

Sat will be a work day around the home: starting with a trip to Home Depot followed by some time replacing fence posts. And if there is any more time, cleaning the garage, trimming the bushes, yard tool repair, ... no shortage of things to work on.

Getting back on track

Today was kind of stressful, but still a good day in most respects.

I was able to start the day with a run first thing this morning: I was out of the house by ~6:15. It was cool and quiet (other than the animals). I have a 5 mi route that I like which is kind of my preferred minimum run and it gets me back in time to see my first kid out the door for school. There are times when I like to exercise with out any electronics involved: not HRM, no GPS, no monitoring of performance or comparing of times..and that's what I did this morning. I felt free...

I haven't added back the weights yet, but do plan on starting them up again as they are an important part in overall fitness and helping the body be balanced with the running and cycling. I'm not real motivated yet - but need to start anyways.

Nutrition was fine today (I finally finished the ice cream at lunch so that distraction is gone - yea). Above is a photo of the pre-smoothie ingredients, but I forgot to photograph the beet and sweet potato. Lunch was left over lasagna and dinner was stir fry.

A highlight for today was leading the first of two discussions in out youth group meeting on the subject of Health and Nutrition. Tonight we mostly talked about scriptures of putting God first, seeking him (Ps 73, Pr 3), freedom, use of our freedom, desiring not to increase in knowledge but in obedience (James 1 my favorite chapter) and others as well. It was a good discussion and interactions. Next week will be more focused on health issues: nutrition, exercise, sleep, stress, etc. There will be juicers, smoothies, examples of salt and fat in common foods, it should be a very hands on lesson. Again: not just for fun, but with the hope that God will be in it and encourage people to act on what they know - any less is sin. [It's kind of hard to say that, but I think we've become so comfortable with a little bit of sin for a little bit of time that we aren't seeing it for what it is. That scripture is pretty clear, if we know what we ought to do and don't do it - we sin.] It was great to have Lynne present and helping as she has great experience with nutrition and health issues.

If you'd like a food log or have any questions, please ask. I'd much rather have interactions here than be producing a 'news paper'

Day 5 of no exercise...

My how the pendulum swings...from 4 days of riding over 100 miles each day to five days in a row with out any vigorous exercise. Yikes...

One of the ways the lack of exercise affects me is in my discipline with eating. Today was a poor day nutritionally as I had more than one serving of ice cream, snacked on bread much of the afternoon, didn't drink nearly enough water for the day, and over ate...I'll be feeling it tomorrow. I did have oatmeal for breakfast with two pieces of toast and jam. And I took the smoothie to work with me (orange, apple, pear, carrots, sweat potato, spinach, strawberries, protein powder, soy milk and ice). But my appetite has still been high, so I've been eating good and bad - meaning I'm eating my good foods and adding the bad as I am still hungry and lacking the will power. Adding the poor eating to my already lacking exercise and it affects my attitude: patience, stress level, ... etc. It's a loosing situation.

I have thought of other minor goals (a 5 hr century, my first marathon) for the future and others have suggested some too - including that I take a break and focus energy on other tasks. It's a busy time with the end of the school year and projects at home - so I'm trying to figure out how to have balance for me and others (read - 'my wife' (Hi Dear :-) ).

I'm trying to work through some of these issues as they strike to my core and I'm not sure why. Why do some people want to climb Mt Everest? Finish an iron man? Run in the Boston Marathon? Why do I need to have goals to pursue? And why do they need to continue to progress: requiring more time, effort and commitment? What am I escaping? ...?

Here is a fine example of food void of nutrition - to call it food is actually to much of a reach and instead lets just call it empty calories. But, none the less, I had some and bought it for my kids... .

Tomorrow I'm giving a talk to my youth group and any adults that show up on the subject of health and nutrition. I've done this a fair bit over the last couple years and am looking forward to it. I haven't done it enough to have a routine down, but each time is a little unique and requires individual preparation and review. For tomorrow there will need to be some 'shock and awe' as well as some support of why it's important. The Bible has much to say on it so I'm going there first. I also plan on having some examples of common foods that are eaten and how they score on the nutrition scale. It should be fun, but preparing is stressful for me.

Perhaps I will get up and go for a run tomorrow morning at first light - that will help my attitude and be good for me. For now, I need to get back to working on tomorrow's discussion.

Reminder for the Day: don't forget to read the labels on the foods that you buy - making sure that you look at the servings per container. It is shocking sometimes to see how small a serving is: part of the sneaky plan to have the nutritional information not be as descriptive as it really is. Don't be deceived.

6 Day Ride Summary

It is now Monday, May 18 th. I came home last night (late) and my bike should leave FL today in its box and join me later this week.

My Bike: it's worth noting that my first road bike - is what many refer to as your third road bike (meaning that it usually takes 3 purchases to figure out what you really like and what works for you and each step is usually a step up in performance and cost). Well, my used 2004 Cannondale R5000 - the bike that God allowed me to buy, has served me VERY well! I had minor shifting problems but it was just a matter of making some adjustments to the cabling. It is a very responsive bike: stopping promptly, accelerating and following the path in my mind almost before it gets to my hands...no complaints. I've put over 3000 miles on it already this year. [The next dream component for my bike that should help in my on going training is a power meter. I'm watching CinQo and waiting for them to have a unit that will fit my Cannondale SI Hollowgram crankset. I've already corresponded with them with the hopes of getting a trial or lease version - who knows what will happen, but not asking is certainly a 'no' answer.]

The Distance: My 'unofficial' number for the miles that I rode is 527. (I need to go back over my notes and distances, but that number should be close.) It is short of the total proposed riding distance due to the need to SAG (get a ride in the Support And Gear vehicle). The accident and the concerns for Jon and his care immediately came to the top of the priority list. So we stayed there until we all felt it was safe and time to go - and then we SAG'd off the island and down to a point where we could ride in to our next stop in the time remaining. Then after our last support stop (where we riders meet up with the support crew to replenish our bottles and eat something) we rode in to our stopping point for the night: riding about 56 miles on day 5. We later found out that the SAG vehicle had transmission problems and was at a shop overnight to be checked out in the morning. We can not ride (safely) very far with out a support vehicle, so while the details were worked out we lost more riding time that finial day. Eventually we were able to SAG to a point where we could finish the ride at the Headquarters by 3 PM as we were to have a part in the break time. That last day we rode ~ 30 miles. It was still the most miles I've every ridden in 6 days time and I have never before done 4 century rides back to back. And day 1 was my longest ride ever at 120 miles. Due to the pace of the group I found the distance not as taxing on my body as the time in the saddle was on my bottom. There is no replacement for 'time in the saddle'.

Relationships: this was the key part of this ride. There were relationships with us as a team - and we certainly became one before the ride was over; short touches with many people on the way through their acts of hospitality and kindness, encouragement and generosity; being able to pray for many churches and those that go there and live there as we rode past, seeing that there are many who Love God in this still Great Country where we have the freedoms given to us by our rich heritage of years past and present times as many lay down their lives for us at home. I enjoyed getting to meet and visit with many people - a couple each day.

Nutrition: this was an area of initial concern for me. I have certain foods that I like to eat and others that I really like to avoid, so I wasn't sure how that would all shake out. I was excited to see that the Sam's trip yielded some fresh raw spinach and at the end of day one there was Soy milk available too. Cool...! I quickly picked up a few nick-names: ferret (one who likes to ride fast) and sailorman (one who eats raw spinach often) are the two that stick in my memory, but other riders also participated in adding spinach to their PB&J sandwiches (raw spinach is like #3 on the list of nutritious foods-very good for you). I packed some foods just in case, but didn't use much of it. I was expecting to loose some weight, but came home at very close to the same weight as when I left. This I attribute to eating well and not quite exercising at the level that I was expecting to (lower calorie burn).

Pledges: many have pledged support for the DRC scholarship project that we are raising funds for. The goal that I had hoped to reach has been meet and even exceeded! I'm very excited about that as I see my time, efforts and expenses as the investment and the pledges as God's return for those in the DRC. It is not to late to make a pledge if you would like to do so.

This has been a very neat experience and I'm very glad to have been a part. Thank you all who have been encouraging me and praying.

[I was wondering if this would put a cap on my desire to be challenged on the bike - but I think it has only helped to point me more focused at some other challenging goals to aim for. The title of my blog is truly accurate of my lifestyle, and as one who is always training for something, over the next few weeks it will be fun to see what lands in the cross hairs. Anybody up for a 'Double', a 5 hr century ride, ... (any suggestions for a good next target)?

If something is missing that you are interested in, please ask in a comment and I'll try to answer any and all questions. :-) ]

Sat: saying good bye

[To late for photo comments. If you have a question - ask. :-) ]

Today was the day that all the rider but me left FL that don't live here (Doug being the only one). A van took the Northern riders this morning early and my Dallas colleague left shortly after by 8 AM. Saying good bye after being together for a week - through all that we shared and experienced together, was a little sobering. I know the next time we spend time together we'll be able to pick up where we left off, but I don't know when that will be...maybe a future ride.

I wasn't sure what the events of the weekend were going to be when I purchased my tickets, so I left enough room to handle some activities. As it turned out - there were no other plans, so I took the day by myself and drove to the Kennedy Space Center and spent the day there. Then went to the Cocoa Pier and hung around their for a few hours in the evening.

The space center was something: the bus tour, Saturn V, a space shuttle on the lunch pad, IMAX movie, shuttle launch ride, ... a full days worth of things to see. (As I'm loading my camera, I see that I took 281 photos today. Now to pick out just a couple and still get to bed soon.)

The beach was nice too. I ate some fish and chips - something that my wife and I used to do in the early days of our married life at Bob's in Moro Bay, CA. The food tonight wasn't as good as Bob's - but it was nice to stir the memories. I also watched the surfers and had memories stirred; and watched the fishermen. It was a very nice time, even though I would have liked to have my wife with me.

Tonight I'm at Doug's home. I got here a little after 8 PM and it's been nice visiting. On the 10 day trip I was able to stay with my friend in Waxhaw TH night and now here tonight. So, I have these home stays as bookends of the trip.

No exercise today other than being up on my feet and walking around the space center all day (minus the time on the bus tour).

Nutrition was so-so. I've not been eating enough vegetables and fruit, so I'm looking forward to getting home and getting back to a more normal eating routine for me. I will likely hit the VitaMix and Omega 2000 pretty good the first week or so to shake things up in my body and see what shakes out.

Friday - another emotional day

Photos: not in chronological order
- the sunset over one of the ponds here at the FL center
- my bike, packed again and ready to go into the box and head back to TX
-2:The wall of honor at the Campus Crusade for Christ headquarters: people who have given their lives in the process of being a part of the Jesus film project.
-2: The archive room of various copies of the Jesus film.
- Ed Speyers standing holding a copy of the New Testament that he worked on: the 500 th one for Wycliffe.
- A picture done with charcoal and only the finger prints of the artist.
- A tree with leaves that have languages written on them...
- Different peoples with information when they got the New Testament and a recording of John 3:16 in their language.


Today: another emotional day, but of a different kind. Going through the Wycliffe discovery center was a powerful experience. To think a fresh of the need of peoples to have God's word - it was very moving. Then in the afternoon to get a tour of the Jesus Film project at the Campus Crusade for Christ headquarters moved me to tears - more than once. To see the response that people young and old have to the story of Jesus in their own language ... is very moving! I bought two of their movies to bring home to share with my family and others.

Nutrition: with out the training or riding - I'm back to needing to have more discipline in my eating quantity as I've gotten into the habit of fueling my body at a rate that I'm no longer burning. That is a bit of a struggle, but I'm working on it.


I boxed my bike today. The box was a little short, but it was modified and I think it should be safe for travel. It is done and ready to go out on Monday.


Tomorrow I will have most of the day by myself. That will be nice. I've enjoyed the time with others, but some self time will be good to process what's going on today and what has happened these last days.

Update: Jon was released from the hospital today and should be home by now. He is doing well, but has a long recovery a head of him. As often as you remember - please pray for him and his family.


The Wall of Honor was a reminder that people are still giving their lives for their God. It challenged me to not be mediocre - but to be always ready for what ever God would call me to. (This is one of the thoughts that needs further processing.)

Why live a safe life if God is supporting a radical life?! Why be concerned for personal retirement when people don't know God?! Do we really believe God will take care of our every need? Are we willing to live at the level of God's provision?...Do we really Love God?

The theme for today was: Live life to the fullest: Live life fully surrendered to God: can we only accept good from God? A life of obedience is the only way to have life of purpose!

Once again I'm the last one up. No grammar checks tonight. I need my sleep so I'm signing off.

Th: the end of the Ride

Photos: not in chronological order

- sunset at dinner Th night at Jamie's home. I couldn't see it all, but what was visible was very nice...

- Ben working on seconds (I found myself eating and snacking often on this trip, and Ben was usually there commenting that I'm eating again - so it was nice to see him going for seconds, thirds, ...)

- The welcome at the Wycliffe headquarters. Good scones and great visiting.

-Us by the sign here in FL.

- a shot from the greeting crew that was outside as we drove up.

-The first sighting of 'gators ... about 6-8 of them in the lake as we drove over.

- a shot of the very cool clouds that were about all day yesterday.

- a shot from the vehicle that came and picked us up as we drove through a strong rain, with the truck hauling the bikes visible through the window.

- Loading up the truck in the morning (late) so we could SAG to a point where we could ride to the finish.

- Two photos of the sun rise and clouds in the morning at Church on the Rock

Thursday started with out a solution on transportation. The options that had been tried were unsuccessful. As it turns out Doug's wife and oldest drove up a van and truck and picked us all up and the trailer too. We then SAG'd to a point on the route where we could finish the ride with the reduced time available. The total riding distance was ~27 miles.

I was able to speak with Jon's wife after he was out of surgery. He has 3 pins in his leg now. The surgery went well according to the Dr's. And he was up in the evening on crutches in his first PT session. He has a two story home, so there are some steps in the PT sessions - probably starting on Friday. We talked with him after getting here also and he's doing well.

I saw some 'gators finally. I was expecting to see some, so it was nice to. Unfortunately I was in a vehicle and not able to get a close up. I guess locals will still use lakes that are shard with alligators. After seeing them swimming...I wouldn't!

One of the neat highlights of the ride was stopping at a church that had a school. The kids came out and we were shaking hands and answering questions at a rate of about 1 every 4 seconds! It was FUN: why are your tires so small, what's in here, what's that on your helmet, why do you have lights, what are these, how much did it cost, ... It would be neat to visit more schools in future trips.

When we rode into the complex .. it was a barrel of mixed emotions. Once we hit the main center we could hear the cheering before we could see the people. That was kind of neat. Then when we made it inside we walked through the walkways pushing our bikes with people on both sides and up the stairs all applauding and cheering. Then we were allowed to go through the line first. We then hung around and visited with different people. Then ... they were gone and we were there alone again.

Hmmmm.... time to be praying about the post ride depression. This was an event that I have been preparing for for since late last year. If you've read some of the older posts here, you are aware of how the training has altered my life's routine. So, now to be done, ... I need to work through that. As one who needs to have a goal out there - I've already started toying with what is an appropriate next goal. Some candidates are: aiming for a fast century ride (5 hrs or less), doing my first marathon in the fall, ...??

Dinner was at a home - the first meal in a home since leaving home a week ago. That was nice. We also had a time for 'debriefing': or at least starting the process of the debriefing and collecting of information that can be used for future events and planning.

It was a late night, and that's why I wasn't able to update last night.

Being able to sleep in until 7 was nice this morning (Friday).

Today will be some visiting of the center here, boxing my bike and some more time together at meal times as a team.

I guess that's all for now. If you have questions or are interested in other things, please leave a question in the comments section. More to follow...