The Weekend started with Health and Sports Expo on Friday night and Saturday. Similar to the Seattle Bike Expo there was a wealth of biking information and of course Cancer Programs and Information. We even met up with an old friend, Phil of Racing Stroller fame say's hello, and life is good down south.
On Sunday October 17th my brother Rick, my wife Barb and I joined Lance, Cheryl, Robin, Will, Bob and 6,500 other riders for the 8th. annual Ride for the Roses. After a few words from Lance including the Manifesto of the Lance Armstrong Foundation, a rendition of America by Cheryl, and a motivational speech by "President Bush" (or was it Will?) we were ready to hit the road, but then Robin joined in with a hyper kenetic spasmatic announcement, followed by a few words from Bob...then we were off.
8:30 AM with 80 plus degrees and 80% plus humidity 6,500 riders who raised funds for the LAF ( for info check the web site at www.laf.org , there is also a course map and elevation guide) rode out from the edge of Austin into the hill country of Texas. The hill country of Texas? Imagine 100 miles of rollers like Independence road in the Lower Valley. The weather was similar to the Yakima Valley in August with a little humidity added for southern comfort. They even ordered up a steady afternoon headwind to make us feel at home, those Texans don't miss a trick.
The start was a mass of riders including many who were not well versed in road etiquette. We were fine for 10 miles until a rider in front of us hit his brakes at the base of a hill. This fine rider gave my wife her first over the handlebars experience, the amazing part is Barb got up quickly and with a bruised hip, ribs, shoulder and a cracked helmet she went another 90 miles. The bulk of the riders were good folks and after 6 hours of wind, heat and humidity the Party at the end with Free Guinness made our day. Next time I vote for 40 or 70 miles and more party time.
See you on the road, Brian & Barb Blount
Here are a couple of pictures from my brothers friend who rode with Lance. Yes, that is Sheryl Crow getting a push. She rode 25 miles, hooking up with the fast group for the last few miles of their 70 miles. They averaged 29 mph for 70 miles. Yikes.