Fijis Across America 2010

God wants to change our lives—-and He will, as we open our hearts to him.

—Billy Graham

http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/ky/beech-grove-/530126480784064769

Today was definitely a refreshing quick ride as we had the wonderful opportunity of an added rider and one of our most avid fans by the name of Norma Henry. It was quite the experience to say the least. Norma was a true inspiration for our team and her Cancer story was one in which I will never forget, even having the opportunity to meet Lance Armstrong. When the doctor told her she only had about 6 months to live, she kept a tremendous hope in God and successfully pushed through all the mayhem. 

When we first met it was remarkable how Norma knew all about our personal lives including for example where Wade went to high school and what position he played in high school. It blew our minds but it was really awesome to know someone cared so much about our cause. After discussing many stories with Norma we hit the road and she showed us up on her carbon fiber frame for the next 35 miles or so. I not only enjoyed discussing about cycling but it was a treat to talk about her occupation back home as an economic teacher at Bowling Green High School and how she knew my girlfriend. At lunch near Rough River Dam we ate at the Fiddler’s restaurant along with Mitch’s family where I easily consumed a ham and cheese sandwich.  Norma further explained her lengthy athletic career and how she used to participate in triathlons and even a couple marathons back in her college youthful days. Norma, thanks so much for riding with us today and all of your inspiration and hope you gave us. I hope one day I will meet you again on the trail, or I might just come down to the high school and pay you a visit. Oh and I would also like to extend the thank you for bringing those totally awesome retro cut off shirts from Nats. I believe we all loved them and will be sporting them to the east coast. 

After saying our last goodbyes to Norma, we pulled out the last 7 miles or so across the dam and landed right off Rough River Lake at Tyler’s dad’s boss summer resort home. (That’s a mouth full) We had the opportunity to take a dip in the lake and meet two other TransAm cyclist who were spending the night at the house as well from Columbus, Ohio. The two girls were extreme athletes who actually have done many triathlons and even raced on an amateur cycling team back home. They kind of missed riding in the double digits up the hills. It was enjoyable to talk to them and to have an excellent supper right off the grill once again. Thanks Tyler’s dad’s boss for opening up the house for us to stay. 

Elizabethtown tomorrow!! I can’t wait to see family and friends and to have a home cooked meal.