Days 1, 2, and 3 of the Great Ride

(Warning: I don't have pics up yet...they are stuck on Darrell's computer. Hope to have them soon.)
We headed south on Friday and had a nice, long, 10 HOUR trip. We got settled into our hotel rooms in anticipation of the Ride finally being here. Ron Holland said he felt like a kid on Christmas Eve and could hardly sleep!
The guys started their day at the bridge at the Mexican border at 8:50 and pedaled all day until 2:30 for some, and 3:30 for others. They had a few breaks along the way and stopped for lunch.
The thing that was kicking them on this "short" 53 mile day, was the North wind that was supposed to be coming from the South and pushing them. The wind has not let up and we are praying hard for the wind to either stop or turn 180 degrees.
Day 2 started good with the guys pedaling by 7:40. It was cold and windy and the winds were still out of the North. They were a little discouraged to wake up to the flags pointing due South! Regardless they finished strong by taking advantage of some drafting techniques, not only with their bikes, but with the SAG vehicle as well. This day was finished with 80 more miles under their belt and a comfortable home to land in for the evening. (Mike Bell has relatives in Bishop, TX...where they stopped at the end of this day.)
My day ended on a sad note as I had to leave the bikers and head north to Ft. Worth. I have really made mayself a part of that team, and it was hard not to finish what I started. But Brigitte Little will be taking over my duties and making the trip as easy for the bikers as possilbe. Philip Shero will also join the ride for days 3 and 4 and then return to Ft. Worth.
(This just in...Brigitte won't be able to drive the SAG vehicle after all...she woke the guys up last night because she was having some heart rhythm issues. Mike Bell and Darrell Crow took her to the hospital and they admitted her for atleast 24 hours. Philip has graciously offered to SAG for these two days until they can come up with plan B.)
Be praying for the guys that they don't get "beat up" mentally by the wind and little set backs. Pray that they will have the confidence and endurance to finish strong!

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THE SCHEDULE:
Day One - Brownsville to Raymondsville - 51.4 miles
Day Two - Raymondsville to Bishop - 82.3 miles
Day Three - Bishop to Vidaurri - 75.7 miles
Day Four - Vidaurri to Hallettesville - 70 miles
Day Five - Halletesville to Rockdale - 88.7 miles
Day Six - Rockdale to Rosenthal - 58.7 miles
Day Seven - Rosenthal to Alvarado - 74.5 miles
Day Eight - Alvarado to Denton - 67.4 miles
Day Nine - Denton to the Red River - 34.1 miles
(A few of these days could get longer or shorter depending on how they feel.)