Today was a very challenging day for bike riding.  In some cases, I would call it brutal; however, it was a successful day.  The reason why I describe the day in this manner is because we traveled on many roads that were just like riding on pure gravel.  In addition, we were faced with extreme head winds which reduced our miles traveled per hour from approximately 13 to 9.  There was no way to avoid the wind and the impact of the rough roads on our bodies.  As a result, I am sure I will be using some warm compresses this evening to get myself prepared for tomorrow.  

I was also faced with riding up one of our largest bridge and hills yet.  It seemed like the wind became even stronger as I pedaled my way up the hill.  The best way I could make it up the hill was to keep my head down and only pedal three feet at a time without looking far ahead of me.  This is my bike ride philosophy that when faced with larger than life rides, try to make short term immediate gains that will eventually result in major accomplishments.  So far my philosophy has worked for me.  A picture of the bridge is provided below. 

All of the riders are doing well and are amazed at how fast the trip is moving along.  We only have 4 more days left and then we will be riding into the orphanage to complete our trek.  This trip has had many discoveries over the fourteen days.  Probably the best discovery I have had is what I thought of when I was riding this afternoon.  I am pleased to announce that after all this time; I think I have the best method for helping Joe DeLamielleure avoid losing his bike gloves.  I have decided to pin his gloves to his pants and therefore, if he loses his gloves, he will also lose his pants.  I am convinced that if Joe loses his pants, he will know it immediately and recover both his pants and his gloves. However, I am not sure if this is true, but we will find out tomorrow after I try this experiment.   

We had many great experiences today that I would like to highlight for you with the attached pictures.  The first thing I encountered once again was an overloaded vehicle which required me to get off the road and stop riding for a period of time.  I realize Texas is a big state, however, I have never seen so many large items being transported down the road.  The last part of our ride took us through Galveston Texas.  As you may recall, Galveston was recently hit with a severe hurricane.  It is very sad to see the devastation that took place as a result of the hurricane.  In the picture below you can see one home being rebuilt.  Unfortunately, what that picture doesn’t reflect are all of the other beautiful homes that use to be on the property that is now vacant.  The hurricane waves tore down hundreds of homes.   We rode our bikes miles and miles along the water front that has been left bear because of the hurricane.  When you see a situation like this you are heartbroken for those affected and truly appreciate the blessings you have. 

We took the ferry across the waterway in Galveston Texas which included transporting our suburban and bus.  It is amazing how many vehicles can be transported across the water in about twenty minutes.  Also, the great thing about the transport is that it was free.  Lastly, we arrived in Houston in the late afternoon to stay at the Holiday Inn Express.  We saw many beautiful buildings that reflected the beauty and character of the city.   One of those buildings is highlighted in the picture below.

As we continue our bike ride for the last four days, we expect to be faced with more headwinds along the way.  However, regardless of the strength of the headwinds and other challenges, we are mentally prepared to finish our ride one day at a time.  We look forward to Day # 15 tomorrow.