We awoke this morning excited for a new state after almost a
week in Oklahoma. JD, a Texan native, really got into the spirit of things when
he decided to wear his (rather tightly fitting) “Don’t Mess With Texas” shirt –
if only we had known how appropriate those words would be today.
After a delicious breakfast set out by our generous hosts at
Arnett United Methodist, our 90-mile day got off to a rather slow start. Within
the first 10 miles, a storm started brewing just north of us, shooting off
lightning bolts that sent us scurrying over to the nearest “shelter” (a bush)
for about an hour. Despite our anxiousness to get moving, we did get the rare
opportunity to watch a breathtaking sunrise (it usually comes up behind us!).
The ride was simply gorgeous, and I can honestly say I
enjoyed every minute of it. However, our route was incredibly challenging –
probably the toughest I’ve ever
completed. Texas continued the Oklahoman tradition of some dirty
crosswinds while also throwing in 15 miles worth of gravel roads. The second
section of gravel was quite treacherous - an 8-mile stretch I doubt anyone will forget
for a long while to come. The powers that be thought that this point would be a
particularly amusing time to snap my gear cable, rendering my bike useless.
However, Amanda who is unfortunately feeling under the weather came to my rescue
and lent me hers!
Despite literally “scooting”, sometimes even being reduced
to the humiliating walking of the bike, Austin (who I rode with through much of
these obstacles) and I had a great time and often found ourselves reduced to
tears at the ridiculousness of the day’s events. We even saw the long, thin
ears and sinewy body of a real, live jack rabbit bounding through a giant field,
a creature that we both thought was completely mythical.
After a long, long day, we were greeted with juicy watermelon, ice cold water, and huge smiles from our hosts at Union Church in Spearman, Texas. After a huge dinner, our hosts shuttled us in the back of their pick-up trucks to the local pool that they kept open just for us. They even had a waterslide!
After a long, long day, we were greeted with juicy watermelon, ice cold water, and huge smiles from our hosts at Union Church in Spearman, Texas. After a huge dinner, our hosts shuttled us in the back of their pick-up trucks to the local pool that they kept open just for us. They even had a waterslide!
As usual, I’m exhausted but couldn’t be more thrilled for
tomorrow – another day to live the Dream!
Ride On,
Lacy
All the cows gathered around when my bike broke. Very, very creepy.
Take that, cows!
The dead center of nowhere.
Gravel road #1. Still Smiling.
Dan
Elaina.
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