Group tries for 200 miles.
Today is a day of records, as BikeMovement will try for a double century. Already they have set the record for earliest rise time (4:15am), earliest departure time (5:10am), and fewest riders (4).
After a breakfast of scrambled eggs, cottage cheese, fruit, and cereal, and after stocking up with snacks and sandwiches made the night before, the group departed just as the eastern horizon began to light up.
Weather conditions are favorable. The day so far has been overcast with a few sprinkles, and a slight tail wind. Today’s temperature has been considerably cooler then the triple digit numbers we have seen the previous week.
At the 73 mile marker, the group took their first break (second breakfast) around 9:30am. Things where going well, the riders where feeling strong and in good spirits. They where averaging 19.2 mph. If they continue at this pace, they will tie yesterday’s record high average speed.
Also of note is that Llamabull is not riding with the group today. Reports have not been confirmed, but it is believed that Llamabull may have been slowing down the leader Landis (Dave, not Floyd). There is speculation that Llamabull can’t take 200 miles, but a disgruntled Llamabull has denied these allegations. One source (although he tends to be unreliable) tells us the Llamabull is actually boycotting today’s ride until more donations are made to Amigos.
The group has seen its lowest numbers to date, however we are expecting to be joined by new riders and returning riders shortly. Nathan Maust was the first to leave Saturday (August 30) for a wedding and will be returning in a week. Jenny Hartwig left us Sunday morning to fly home and begin her training for teaching this fall. Yesterday, Denver Steiner drove Sarah Thompson and Timothy Schenk to Colorado. Sarah will be attending a racial ethnic conference, and Timothy will be attending two weddings. Both Sarah and Timothy will be returning to the group in the coming weeks.
Stay tuned for updates, and in the mean time, keep donating to Amigos (because the support crew would rather not have a disgruntled Llamabull with them in the car for the rest of the trip).
August 1st, 2006 at 4:57 pm
I feel for llamabull. Must be tough to have to give up such a record ride just because there were no donations to support him. Please give llamabull my condolences and let him know that I trust him to talk some sense into the rest of the group as they set about making records the moment some of their strongest members decide to leave
. Miss you guys and thinking of all of you.
Love,
Jenny
August 2nd, 2006 at 11:21 am
What a day! 200 miles is quite a feat. Are you sore? We were glad to hear that the weather was nice. It is distressing seeing that poor Llamabull confined to the car until more funds are raised for Amigos. We would like to contribute the following to the Amigos fund in honor of your groups’ tremendous effort and in order to free Llamabull .
211 miles x 4.25 riders = 896.75
pain and suffering = 103.25
Total = 1000.00 dollars
FREE LLAMABULL!! Our prayers are with you as you continue this wonderful journey.
Blessings,
Chip and Jan Foderaro
August 2nd, 2006 at 4:23 pm
“Congratulations” for completing over 2oo miles yesterday! That’s alot of bike riding in one day! We are proud of you and thankful for safety and good weather for all of you. We also will be sending a donation to the AMIGOS fund. Please let LLAMABULL enjoy the bike ride!
Our prayers are always with your group,
Steve & Rosemary Landis (Dave’s parents)
August 2nd, 2006 at 6:32 pm
I have followed your trek with fascination. Congrats on the 200 mile day! Teresa and I look forward to seeing you on August 9 in Des Moines. We’ll be coming in from the east by car while you guys come from the west by bike.
Lonnie