Lamar, CO

Today's challenges brought the Journey of Hope to a new level. With a relatively easy ride including only a few small rolling hills and another -500 ft. elevation change we breezed through our 57 mile ride in just over 3 hours, even with a decent head wind for the last 25 miles. The ride from La Junta to Lemar was also our last day in colorful Colorado, which saddens me because I'm sure it will be some time before I'll be able to return.

Another awesome day on the bike!

The crew members decided to raise the bar today by challenging several pacelines to finish a few two liters that we had leftover from friendship visits. Two pacelines finished a two liter of soda between four people and then decided to get back on the bike and ride. Down the road another crew member had stopped in a quick mart and picked up two gallons of milk which the same two pacelines finished between 4 riders before getting back on the bike and ride the remaining 20+ miles into town.

Robbie manning up at the gallon challenge!

The ride today marked the official count of day 36, halfway through this amazing trip and summer. Last night at our Lions dinner each team member had an opportunity to describe our favorite event or friendship visit of the summer. We all had different experiences that truly touched an moved us, but we all realized how incredible this summer had been and that we still have so much left.

With some downtime today I headed into town looking for coffee and Wi-fi, and only found coffee. I did however find the public library which had LAN available for use and decided to try to catch up on some posts. I'll update this post at some point but wanted to post while I had the opportunity, as Internet access is questionable for the next few days.

Thanks everyone who's been reading and keeping up with my Journey so far, its been an incredible half of a summer and I look forward to spreading the HOPE and changing the way society views people with disabilities and fraternities.