Today was a perfect day for riding and a great route. No wind, little hills and straight back roads. We ate well last night and started out strong, averaging over 14mph with full panniers (a very strong pass). The day was off to a great start! About 40 miles into the ride we saw a police car and ambulance going the other way at high speed, common enough until a passing driver told us “5 of your biking crew were hit by a car”. Our crew is Jim and I, but we have been riding and camping along with the Adventure Cycle America (ACA) crew and saw some of their folks on the route today. My heart sank, these are friends that someone hit. We arrived in Red Cloud RV Park and shortly after the ACA Van arrived, it was not their cyclists that were hit, but they did witness and provided aid. I am mixed on my feelings, being glad it was not the ACA folks, but not wishing the pain and suffering on anyone else either. Hug and tell your loved ones how you feel today, tomorrow you may not have a chance. To the FUMC Faith Group, thank you 🙏.
We were invited to dinner with the ACA folks and had a great but subdued meal. The one constant in this trip is the kindness of strangers (and new found friends).
Tomorrow if all goes well we will exit Texas and cross the 2/3 mark of the trip.
https://strava.app.link/R8JZAUg7Mkb
Your adventures are the closest our FUMC faith circle will get to experiencing this journey close up...and know that we are indeed keeping your safety, stamina and comfort in our prayers. We are very much intrigued with your excitement and spirited joy of discovery while at the same time cautiously supportive of the concern of your family members. Renee also commented on the kindness of strangers as you journey and that is even more impressive than the meals you seem to find. Keep on keeping on...we are both supportive of your strong deliberate drive but also pulling you forward to a safe return home to the mitten state.
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