SAMMYRIDES DAILY BLOG APRIL 7, 2011



Tired Bike

 In just a few more weeks, the four riders will be returning to Sun City Center!  Yesterday, was a particularly difficult ride and all four of them were feeling good but extremely tired.  It was also described to me how crawfish is eaten...believe me, you don't want to know!!!  

The weather is also getting warmer and more humid, making biking 40-60 miles, all the more challenging!

Mike Brown was bitten by Fire Ants a few days ago and for a few nights had a swollen foot along the horrific itch Fire Ants create, but today he was much better and was back on the bike for the full ride.   I was very honored that they called me a few times to get my expert advice as an EMT to figure out how to handle those bites.  Glad to know they still miss me!!!!!

Before putting in today's blog, I wanted to let everyone know that we have well exceeded $100,000 in donations to Sammyrides.  We are truly grateful for the continuing support we receive each day, as every dollar raised is just that much more we will be able to divide between St. Jude, CureSearch, and St. Joseph and know that somewhere in the future, all those dollars will help kids diagnosed with a form of cancer because of better treatment and research.  We are truly grateful for the enormous support we have received through individual, corporate, and people we've met all across the country.  The generosity continues to grow and is overwhelming to all of us involved with Sammyrides.   Thank you so much for your ongoing support for this project.

If you live in the Florida area and would like to know more about all the events planned for the riders' return on April 30th, you can contact Dee Giordano at:   ali@deegiordano.com or Kim Brown at:   kbrownscc@yahoo.com

To view an invitation for events:  visit the www.Sammyrides.com web site     You'll find it in the Read Blog section......

Hope many of you will be able to join what will truly be a celebration!

The riders left Oberlin, Louisiana early this morning to get to Washington, LA in time for tonight's meet and greet at the Washington Baptist Church.  Since cell phone service is not of great quality, I'll have to get more details from Michael tomorrow and include in my blog tomorrow eve.

Today's ride was pleasant and uneventful as the road was Louisiana flat and the surface, for the most part, smooth.  The riders are staying in Simmesport for two nights and the accommodations are very spartan.  There is no internet in the rooms and the air conditioner is trying to figure out how it is supposed to keep the room nice and warm!

Lunch and breakfast today, consisted of energy bars and lots of water.  Louisiana's dogs were also visible along the road today as they barked and chased the riders until finally, fatigue set in.  Along the road, the bayous were filled with crawfish nets and the trees were pushing one another out of the way for space.  This is earth where everything can grow and the grass is greener than Ireland!  The riders truly enjoyed the beautiful scenery.

Until tomorrow...Michael, Adolf, Mike B. and John, send their love and best wishes to you all!      From Lois