Day#9 Santa Rosa, NM to Amarillo, TX
The "Team" at the Texas Border with our escorts from the Texas Department of Public SafetyToday is our longest day so far, over 170 miles long. Each rider will be burning over 3300 calories during their ride today. Since we are heading into Texas we want to tell a little story of what rider, Fred Fogarty is doing. In 2005 San Antonio Police Officer John Wheeler was killed in a traffic accident. Fred now resides in Texas and decided before leaving that he would dedicate his ride in Honor of Officer Wheeler. Fred is carrying 2 LAPD stuffed bears on the entire ride. Upon arrival in Washington DC Fred is going to present these bears to the family of Officer Wheeler at the Candlelight Vigil.
The first group (Rob, Pat, Dennis and Kevin) started off at 6:45 to a great temp of 48 degrees. Through many grinding hills they went until it gradually became a number of great downhills. They blazed a trail through several construction zones. The wind was getting stronger as we went, but they managed to keep spinning. Kevin brought them to a halt when he experienced his first flat tire on a fast descent. Their overall average pace was extremely fast.
The second group (Fred, Craig and SB) started off as the wind picked up, changing from a tailwind to a brutal cross wind. SB felt it was their teams toughest ride so far. The conditions seemed to get the best of him at times as he could be heard reciting random lines from the movie “Anchorman”. At the Texas Border we met up with Trooper David Edwards (Texas DPS) who along with another Trooper got together with our entire Team for a picture. Trooper Edwards then escorted us towards Amarillo. They ended on an uphill with strong winds. Fred had 2 flat tires.
The final group (Bruce, Nancy, Dawn and Tony) began the final 57 mile leg into gusting winds (20 – 30mph). FLAT FLAT FLAT was the scenery of this last leg. We are told that you can see from one side of Texas to the other from here. This group worked as best they could to minimize the effects of the winds. Exhausting as it was they made it to the Hotel in Amarillo.
We have ridden our bikes over 1200 miles during the past 9 days. Tomorrow will be a REST day with no riding. We will be holding a ceremony on Sunday for DPS Trooper Matthew D. Myrick, killed in Jan 2006, and all Texas Officers killed in 2005.
Fred with the LAPD Bear on his back
Bruce, Nancy, Dawn and Tony working into the wind
Dawn and Tony moving at a fast clip 
Bearing down into the wind
George W would be proud of these Troopers
Fred, SB and Craig in Texas
Kevin, Pat, Dennis and Rob moving along
Dennis leading the paceline with Kevin, Pat and Rob
posted by PUT Coast to Coast at 7:35 PM
11 Comments:
Dearest Derf, We wrote just a little while ago, but are very proud of your bears. The Okies are quite proud of YOU!
Great job guys. It looks like you are having a great time and we admire you for the sacrifice you guys are giving. It's been great following the trip and I hope you enjoy your much needed day of rest.
Scott H BWT PD NJ
daddy...i agree with the okies...this website is totally addicting. i LOVE the bear. cutest picture!! the autism walk was today and went very well...maybe you can do a bike ride ;) miss you and have fun with all your descents. ha. tschuss.
Supporters,
I just wanted to take a minute to thank all of you who have supported me in this awesome adventure and cause. Getiing your messages of support means a lot to me and the reat of the teams.
My very special thanks go to my darling and wonderful wife Julie who without her this porbably wouldn't have happened. Also, my daughters Kelly and Amy who were there to see us off and Julies cousin Delia from London, see you soon in NJ.
Thanks again and take care,
Craig
SHANE, HAVE A GREAT REST DAY--ARE C & D ON THE RIDE TOO!M,E,J
Rob, you are still pulling through even with all of your wheel troubles, which hopefully will be solved soon. I'm glad you finally have a day to rest your little bum today. Enjoy the time off and then saddle up again tomorrow and get back on the road! Love you...MUAH!
So, yeah, that sounds like fun. I love the story with you guys burning down the hotel...well, almost burning it down. So, life in Willyville is pretty boring. Sarah, Bianca, and I took the bus to the mall yesterday and then went and saw American Dreamz...don't go and see it. It was the most boring movie ever. I wanted to go see Silent Hill but they didn't want to sneak in.
So, can't wait to see you in Washington. Justin and Jessica are coming with us! Yes.
♥ Nicholas
Dennis-
I can't believe you're taking a day off..you're a slacker! Me and Jim went for a 10 mile run this morning at the crack of dawn just to make up for you sleeping in. We could have went another 10 miles, but I figured if you were taking the day off, so were we. I'm glad to see Mr. Hoffman is taking good care of you. Williamsville feels a little less safe with out the two of you, but I think the other officers are doing a good job:) Can't wait to see you in Washington. Love you and Miss you
-Beth
Hey guys! This is Rachel in Amarillo. (your waitress at the roadhouse). Just wanted to thank you again for your kindness. Y'all blessed me so much by your generosity. Y'all reminded me that there are still some good people who appreciate the hard work I do. Not only did you bless me financially, y'all have put the wind back under my sails to finish up paying for my responsibilities before I move to Nicaragua. I know you will be blessed in return for all the good work you are doing with your awareness ride and what you have done for me. Enjoy your day of rest and good luck with your ride. Y'ALL ARE AWESOME!!! ~Rachel
Hey Fred -
I'm writing this from Sue's - all the Bolgers send you their best. They have been checking in on the site. Hope that your day of rest - means that Moose has recovered from the bad water. The husband of one of the girls at work is in Iraq - she sent this to him so he could also check this out. I've been checking out the weather ahead & praying that it stays nice for you guys. Keep up the pedaling.
Your big sis...
Craig,
You guys are doing an awesome job. Keep up the good work. We rode our bikes yesterday in your honor. Take care, stay well.
Liz and Barry
Post a Comment
<< Home