Nerves were high. Adrenaline was pumping. Bikers were suited up and ready to go. Tennessee Highway Patrol was on duty, ready to escort the men and women giving up their week to bike across the state. Monday was filled to the brim with bright sunny, rays of sunshine, puffy white clouds and temperatures that left the bikers wet with sweat.
Today also left the bikers wet. This time their lips were blue and additional layers of clothing were needed to try their hardest to keep dry. It rained 3/4 of their 109 mile trek from Jackson to Dickson. Tonight we are all safe in our hotel rooms. The THP has done their jobs and the bikers are exhausted. I really am amazed at the sacrifice all of them are making for the sake of others. It's the kind of thing that makes you swallow with a lump in your throat.
We have travelled up and down Highway 70, kneeling behind guard rails, climbing to the middle of cotton fields, chancing our safety by standing in the middle of a four-lane highway, climbing to the bridge to get a good overhead view of them passing by. It's been hard work. My wrist feels like I have carpel tunnel. But, I will not complain. I did not ride a bike 109 hilly miles today in the pouring rain. I'm just happy to be a part of the media crew... all 2 of us. :)
I'm also just happy to be doing what I love. And, even more so I'm amazed at the attention, energy and hopefulness these 56 riders are bringing to hundreds of kids longing for a family of their own.
{Sunday Night Orientation}
Memphis
{Monday}
Memphis > Jackson
8 a.m., outside the hotel
...and they're off!
Stop 1 ~ Celebration Kick-off
{Memphis Mayor, A.C. Wharton, blessing their journey}
Kids from an elementary school on the route cheering them on...
Next stop ~ Celebration at Youth Villages
Off again...
{Tuesday}
Jackson > Dickson
7 a.m., outside the hotel
Mid-morning stop: Central Elementary School in Huntington, TN cheering them on! 
Fixing a flat...
Robert, Adoption Tour Videographer, trying to stay dry...
I'm sitting in my hotel room, dry and warm, needing to jump in the shower and go to bed. Although Tennessee is in need of some rain, I am hating the downpour I hear outside. Tomorrow might be another long and wet day for the team. I'll post an update tomorrow or Thursday.
1 comment:
I was sitting outside the Starbucks at Appling and 70 Monday when a sirens went off and a group of cyclists came by...all dressed in the same yellow and blue outfits. I waved and encouraged them... Didn't know that you were probably in one of the cars following them! Small world...
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