Day 12 March 30: Post Race Surprise!!

What was supposed to be the start of the Texas segment of our ride has been postponed! Winds of 50mph and gusts up to 70mph blew through tent city on the missile base last night, creating chaos. With virtually every tent destroyed and sand blowing everywhere, we found refuge in the cement block restrooms. We hope this is the first and only time either of us has to spend a night in a public lavatory!!

The winds last night shredded tents, broke poles, overturned port-a-potties, and blew personal effects out of sight! We had a ceremonial retiring of our nine year old, much loved tent, as it was deposited into a dumpster (not to worry...we have a spare with us).

Aftermath

In spite of these trials, which are very minor in the big picture, we had a great time with our Minnesota friends and a weekend none of us will every forget!

Goodbye Team Minnesota! It was a Blast (literally)

Farewell, White Sands Missile Base

This morning with winds persisting in the 30-40mph range and forecast to worsen, there was obviously no possibility of cycling, which gives us time to sort out the jumbled mess in the back of the car. Consequently, we are sitting in Starbucks in Las Cruces using their internet to provide this update. Incidentally, the barrista here turns out to be a young staffer, named Clay, with Las Cruces Young Life!


We are praying for favorable winds tomorrow so the journey across Texas can begin.


Yours on the Road,

Don and Penny