Anxiety After Imminent Danger Is Hard to Overcome

Sure enough the first revolutions were sketchy while still in the parking lot and looking for my friends. But I had a job to do in support of my friend and follow through on my plan to get passed the previous week's 'did not finish' (DNF) and rescue off the HWY 46 which was terribly unsafe with a light rain on all those precarious inclines and cars just inches away from where I was on the two foot shoulder!

As we spun up the slight incline at the beginning of the day's event my fear fell away to curiosity and ambition and what the heck, let's try fueling this ride differently!

By the last few miles we were up to 12 mph. And a new plan emerged not to simply get by and overcome, but to finish strong and conquer!

Numbers are meaningless but give true to life plans concrete substance.

I was excited and terrified of this unknown ride. I was looking at 30 plus miles at speed. Beforehand, I had prescribed the load and planned on spinning comfortably.

By the time we got through the first few turns with great communication and pleasant repartée I had an indication of what a positive experience this was going to be! 

We soothed each other's fears, propelled ourselves faster than anticipated, and had great success in our fueling strategy!

Every once in a while we were greeted with the friendliness of the volunteers and the positivity of team: The Street Ratz of San Antonio! 

Met Mark, a Type 1 Person with Diabetes on an insulin pump whose blood was cgecked every five minutes during the event! We were wearing the same exact jersey and so many parallels! #weridetothrive

After the event I met up with a rider from the previous week's horrendous experience on Le Petit L'Étape where I had to be rescued by my beautiful wife Gayle, I was informed that she bailed at the last stop on the road to Bandera and that while we were on HWY 46 with the light rain a car had spun out due to the conditions that day and careened passed the two foot shoulder where all of us riders were riding and into the barditch! There by the Grace of my God, Yahweh, go I! Thank you Lord for keeping us safe!

Thank you Tim Walker and Whitney Wilson for your kindness and perseverance and allowing me to step in at a moment's notice! 

Thank you Tour de Castroville for a well organized and well run event where participants were informed, cared for, and kept safe from the elements and Saturday traffic! The post ride feast was excellent! Thank you volunteers for everything!