We left Corpus Christi around 8 a.m. on our way to Raymondville Texas.  We faced a combination of things including 94 degrees, 43% humidity, 20 mile per hour winds, and a gravel riding surface about half of the time.   The combination of these conditions requires a lot of water, calories, and hard riding.   The riders viewed this day similar to a football game.  We are currently in the last half of the fourth quarter and we are up by two touchdowns.  We have played hard as a team and complemented each other’s ability to deal with our opponents which included wind, rain, gravel, heat, and a lot of miles to cover.  We recognize the fact that we must play the game all the way to the last second, to be sure that we get a win.  All of us have had experiences with teams that have been ahead with only 5 minutes left in the game, and have lost the game because they let up on their opponent.  That is not the case with us.  We are determined to ride all the way to the border and into Mexico by noon tomorrow.  Dick Comar is preparing our bikes for the final ride and had to replace 2 flats that I got today because I rode through some small thorns.  I ended up getting the flats about 20 yards from my final destination.  If you are going to get a flat, that’s the way to do it.  Dick Comar has been a blessing on this trip by keeping our bikes tuned up along with maintaining the vehicles, food, etc. 

Eljay Bowron rode well today considering the conditions.  He has been a consistent rider and has done a remarkable job in spite of the fact that he has had 16 operations.  I have to give him a lot of credit because he has guided us through our entire ride, mapping out our travel and making adjustments where needed based on detours, construction, etc.  I really believe our United States Presidents were well protected when Eljay was serving as the Director of the Secret Service, because if he can handle the riders for 18 days straight, he could handle any situation.

I consider Joe DeLamielleure our most amazing bike rider.  Joe has only ridden a bike about 10 times before practicing for this ride.  He did not own a bike as a child because he lived in the city and didn’t feel there was a practical need for it.  Joe has become a great bike rider, that I believe could go on like the Eveready battery if needed.  He is strong and rides with determination.  The only problem Joe will need to address is the fact that he will always need to buy extra gloves, pants, etc.  I am convinced that if Joe ever went on a major ride by himself, he might be considered a streaker on a bike, because he would lose everything that is not permanently attached to his body.  I have a special picture to show you below that shows Joe riding his bike against traffic.  I am sure you are probably wondering why he was riding the bike in the wrong direction.  see a picture of Joe, You guessed it, he had to pick up the gloves that he set on the truck and blew off as we drove away.  I think the reason why Joe has improved at bike riding so much is because he has ridden many more miles than all the rest of us, because he is always going backwards to pick up things that he has left behind. 

A ride like this takes a lot of support from many different people in various ways. I cannot tell you how deeply appreciative I am for all of the people who have given to this cause in one way or another.  I would like to share some key areas of support that provide you with insight as to the many facets of this bike ride, and the intricacies that have made it work.  Many of these areas are often times in the background and never recognized.  I appreciate your understanding in knowing that this is a sample list and does not include everyone.

These are just a few of the many supporters who have made this ride possible.  We are deeply grateful to these individuals and so many others who have been behind us 100%.  We look so forward to reaching our final destination tomorrow.   We are more than ready for Day # 18.  It’s been a long time coming!

I am providing you with a few pictures that highlight Joe DeLamielleure riding to get his gloves, the Suburban, and our bus with Dick Comar.