Calling Thursday a ‘bike ride’ would be akin to calling the Grand Canyon a ‘little hole in the ground’.  The term ‘bike ride’ doesn’t even come close to describing what happened over the 112-miles we crossed before arriving in Delta, Utah.

The memory I’ll have seared into my mind forever is our entire Team at the top of Sacramento Pass, writing in the road with chalk the names of those who are enduring treatment for cancer, those who have been treated and survived, and the names of some who have not survived their battle with cancer.  I’ll never forget rolling to the top of the summit and seeing Jason sitting on his bike contemplating what we were about to do.  I pulled-up beside him, put my arms around him, and was so overcome with emotion I couldn’t get out the words I wanted to say.  Jason lost his sister, Alison, to cancer.  I didn’t know Alison, but I know her brother, and because I know her remarkable brother I know Alison herself was remarkable and the world was a far better place with her than it is without her.

I was honored that Larry allowed me to write the name of his sister, Carla Garner, on Highway 50.  I did have the pleasure of meeting Carla and being in her home and know what a wonderful person she was.  She too, has an amazing brother, and I’m proud to call Larry a friend.

I wrote my Dad’s name, my Mom’s, and other family members and friends.  All very, very, emotional and I was so grateful to be there with such wonderful friends doing something so meaningful.

After leaving Sacramento Pass, it was down and across the Nevada/Utah border, up a rather lengthy climb and on to Delta.  It was on this climb I totally blew-up.  The wheels came off, I was cooked.  I felt as though I couldn’t turn the crank another revolution.  I wanted to, but my body said, “Uh, uh. Ain’t happening.”  It was only with the help of Larry, Jason, Steve, Ravell, Scott, Joe, and Coleman that I was able to get back in the paceline and recover enough to continue the journey.  Larry has made me his personal project and made sure I was where I needed to be to get the best draft and best protection from the elements.  Had it not been for Larry’s protective care, and the watch care of each member of our Team, my carcass would still be out in the Utah desert.  Thank you, my friends.

We finally rolled-into Delta, Utah, around 6 p.m. after battling ~35-mph winds for the last 40 or 50-miles of the ride. It’s just brutal the way the road continues long and straight . . . not the slightest turn to the right or left.  Just miles and miles straight ahead.  But, we made it.  We’re in Delta!!!  And, almost home.