Today's ride started on a somber note, one of our riders passed away in his sleep. The preliminary cause of death is likely sleep apneia. The rider was Ray, from Carson City, NV. Ray was one of the weaker riders and often would catch a ride in the van if things got a little too tough. He wasn't embarrassed about it and had expressed at our orientation and introductions in Costa Mesa that he wouldn't be afraid to ride the van if things got uncomfortable on the road. But yesterday he rode the whole 102 miles, plus some because he got off the route a few times. He was one of the last riders in last night. Everybody that had talked with Ray after the ride said, that Ray had expressed he had his best day of cycling ever. He departed this world loving what he does. The rest of the ride is being dedicated to Ray's memory and we'll tie black ribbons on our bikes and release them to the ocean in Savanna.
I just spoke to the three women in my life that I love and they all want me to come home now, which of course I won't. I'm sure this is my last bike trip of any consequence. They didn't want me to do this trip, and now after a bike crash that resulted in a broken leg, a bike crash that resulted in severe road rash to the face and now a death, this trip will surely be my last if my wife and daughters have their way. The Pennsylvania boys are being hyper vigilant and are not taking any mile for granted.
Today we rode a 122 miles through the very beautiful Oklahoma countryside, mostly on roads no wider than the shoulders on the Texas roads. Tomorrow is the 143 mile grind to MacAlester, OK. Depending on what time we get in, eat and how I feel, I may forgo the blog tomorrow.
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My condolences and prayers go out to Ray's family.
ReplyDeleteMcAlester, Ok. was named after Lt. Gov who was the main character in the movie True Grit.
ReplyDeleteHome to Ok state prison rodeo
Tomorrow is Ft. Smith Ar , named after General Thomas Smith, who never visited the town or fort.
ReplyDeleteJudge Isaac Parker, 1875, ie the hanging judge, lived here. During his term he sentenced 160 men to hang. Wonder how that compares to Judge Roy Bean.
1996 tornado destroyed downtown.
So sorry to hear of the passing of a fellow cyclist. For each mile from here to Savannah, the determined cycling group will have Ray guiding you along the way. The SMVC boys are working them angels overtime. Keep focused and enjoy the country ! Joe
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