SammyRides Daily Blog April 1, 2011

Today, the bikers biked from Navasota to Conroe, Texas.  On the way, and it was only a matter of time for it to happen, John Bear got a flat tire.  It was his rear tire, which is very difficult to change on the road, so John had to drive the van the last 12 miles.  Needless to say, he was very disappointed, especially after biking 50 miles two days in a row.  Since John recently had back surgery and has overcome a great deal in order to  get back to riding, all of us at SammyRides say to him...."Hats off John!" 
The riders today visited the children at the MD Anderson Children's Cancer Hospital. While there, they were met by Amy Silverman, Sammy's cousin, who brought lots and lots of delicious cookies for the riders.  It was extremely nice of her to come by and meet the riders and we can't thank her enough for her kindness, as well as that wonderful smile of hers!
While at the hospital, the riders also met an incredible 15 year old, handsome boy, named Tanner.  Tanner received a Sammyrides shirt, a medal and a letter from a student at the Ruskin Elementary School in Ruskin, Florida.  Tanner said that he would write back to her.  He will also follow the Sammyrides daily blog.  Tanner, you are one of our heroes!!  All the riders agreed that Tanner is an exceptionally nice young man and they were so happy to meet him.
The riders were greeted at the MD Anderson Hospital by Kate Shambach, who spent an hour with the riders, showing them all the latest technology and environmental additions at the hospital.  Kate has been following our blog for several weeks.  She also said that as of last week, all thirty pounds of Tootsie Rolls donated by the Tootsie Roll Company had been eaten.  There are most definitely some pretty hungry staff at the MD Anderson Hospital!!!!
Great strides in cancer research are being made at the University of Texas' MD Anderson Hospital, and all of us pray for the day when cancer will be no more.....wouldn't that be something?
A shout out to the South Shore Arts Camp and the Boys and Girl Scouts near us in Sun City Center, who are sponsored by the United Methodist Church of Sun City Center, for beautiful cards made and sent by way of John Bear for distribution to the children at the upcoming hospitals where the riders will be visiting.  These wonderful youngsters are keeping a watch on our daily blog and we want to thank them so much for their thoughtfulness and great sensitivity in the messages they placed in these fantastic cards.
Tomorrow the riders have a lay day in Conroe and then they take off on a 7 day ride that will take them from Texas to Louisiana and then to Alabama.
Until tomorrow, Michael, Adolf, Mike B. and John, send their love and best wishes to you all....
   From Lois

PS:  Mike B wanted Lois to see how much wear and tear the Sag Wagon has taken since she returned to Florida.