Day 34 - Elation and Sadness

We've looked forward to leaving Texas for sometime now and when it finally happened there was a few moments of jubilation and then Cindy, our only female rider, got a call from her family informing her that her father had died. We've only known each other for a little over a month but in that short time we've become family. Ron who is a pastor was most helpful during this very difficult situation. We've usually supported each other when things got difficult on this journey but Cindy's situation really caught us off guard. The leaders really steeped up and helped Cindy into camp where she'll be leaving us for a day or two in Baton Rouge to take care of arrangements. We all feel badly for our friend. Cindy does plan to return and finish the ride just as her father would have wanted. 

(Goodbye Texas)

A new rider joined us today. His name is Clyde and he's from New Jersey. He was on the Southern Teir ride last year but he had an accident just as he entered Louisiana. He hit a guard rail and seriously injured his leg. He was not able to complete the journey. Today he joined us just a few miles from where he had his mishap. We're really happy he is with us. 

(Ron on his recumbent bike)

Another sad event today is Pastor Ron is leaving the ride. After completing the most difficult part of the adventure he must now go and take part in his missionary work. Like Clyde, he'll complete the rest of the Southern Tier next year where he left off. Ron was our quiet spiritual leader on the journey. He'll be sorely missed. Tonight I'm with my fellow cyclist at a campground in Louisiana. Clyde bought pizza for all of us and we had a great night sitting around just conversing about whatever. Today's ride was 70 miles and tomorrow's ride will be 85 miles. Now that the mountains and hills are behind us we just have to deal with weather conditions. As of now and for the next few days those conditions look very favorable.