Texas 4000 Day, August 13, 2010

Lauren (front row-purple jacket) and the Texas 4000 riders during the welcoming ceremony after they crossed the finish line in Anchorage.

The Moment Arrived And What A Beautiful Moment It Was

Somewhere in your life, I hope you are able to experience a beautiful moment in time........a moment in time, which surpasses description.

That moment came for me on Friday, August, 13th. There were actually three beautiful moments; first and foremost was when after 70 days, I saw Lauren running towards me as I got out of the car. Her arms wide open, tears streaming down her face, and I being embraced in one of the sweetest hugs of my life. Her words softly spoken "You're finally here......I'm so glad you are here!".

Secondly was when Lauren and the Rockies and Sierra riders of the Texas 4000 allowed me in to their last ride dedications circle; this took place the morning of their last ride together; in a town about 40 miles from the finish line in Anchorage. When the riders left Texas back on June 5th, they would start off their days going forward with a ride dedication ceremony, so to speak. As each team of riders would link arms, they would one by one speak of those they would be riding for that day; they would carry that name with them throughout their day's ride.

As each rider took their turn, I kept hearing how "we" as cancer survivors are their warriors and heroes. But, let me tell you..........those 52 young people, who sacrificed their summers to ride 4,687 miles over 7o days from Texas to Alaska, through blazing temperatures, strong headwinds, forest fires, accidents and flat tires to help raise cancer awareness, THEY are "our" warriors and heroes!

And finally, the moment when all of those 52 young, dedicated riders crossed the finish line in Anchorage, Alaska. A moment filled with cheers and laughter knowing that they had finished what they started out to do; but, also a moment filled with bittersweet tears, knowing that they soon would be leaving the "family" with which each team had become over those 70 days.

As our last day here in Alaska draws near, and the girls and I prepare to fly back home to Texas, I will hold these moments forever in my heart. I feel truly blessed to have had the opportunity to be with all of those strong 51 young people, the other one being Lauren. All of them......strong in spirit and strong in mind.

Love to all
~K~

2005 Texas 4000 Riders ~ Riding In To Anchroage And Crossing The Finish Line

Tom Petty's "Learning To Fly"...this is a video of the 2005 Texas 4000 riders crossing the finish line in Anchorage. Turn up your volume and enjoy. ; )

2008 Texas 4000 Tribute

This takes a few seconds to start playing.

Lauren ~ Day 65 Thru Day 70 ~ Northway to Anchorage, Alaska

Lauren and the rest of the Texas 4000 riders left Beaver Creek, Yukon Territory on August 8th and crossed over in to Northway, Alaska. From there, this is what the ride looks like going forward to August 13th, when they will cross the finish line in Anchorag.

Aug. 9th ~ Northway, Alaska to Tok, Alaska

Aug. 10th ~ Tok, Alaska to Chistochina, Alaska

Aug. 11th ~ Chistochina, Alaska to Glennallen, Alaska

Aug. 12th ~ Glennallen, Alaska to Sutton, Alaska

Aug. 13th ~ Sutton, Alaska to Anchorage, Alaska

I actually spoke with her this evening via telephone, and it was good to hear her sweet voice! ; ) She said that everyone is doing well, and getting anxious to finish up the ride; camping out for the past five days and eating no telling what seems to be getting the best of all of them! lol I do believe they are all ready to see "civilization" once again! And the mosquitoes; which are the size of sedans up there in the northwest wilderness, are enough to carry them off at night. She said "if you aren't slathered in mosquito repellent and have on full covering, it is certain you're going to get bitten!".

Both teams usually do a "race across the border in to Alaska; both teams, guys vs. girls. They guys made it through and over in to Alaska with no problems. However, on the girls teams, Lauren said that a group of girls riding up front had a crash/pile up when one of the girls hit road debris. She evidently hit her breaks, fell and hit her head hard enough that now she has a concussion. Unfortunately for the girl, the medical facility in Tok was more like a "clinic" with only a Physician's Assistant; and not equipped for x-rays/ct scans. Lauren said that when the girl woke up this morning with severe nausea and confusion, they knew she needed to get further medical attention; she and a couple of others took her to the hospital in Fairbanks (4 hours north of Tok), where she was diagnosed with a severe concussion, but luckily no broken bones, etc. She will not be able to finish the ride for safety sake, but at least she will be able to cross in to Anchorage in one of the support vehicles. Please pray that the remainder of the trip will go smoothly for all the riders and support teams.

Here is a little information on the towns:

Northway, Alaska ~ Northway has a population of 95, and is 42 miles from the Canadian border. The development and settlement of Northway was due to the construction of the airport during WWII.

Tok, Alaska ~ Tok was started as a camp during the construction of the Alcan and Glenn Highways in the 1940's. Winter temperatures average -30 to -70 degrees F.

Chistochina, Alaska ~ Chistochina, Alaska is a midway point between the Canadian border and Anchorage. The town began as a fish camp and a stopover place for traders and trappers. Chistochina is home to the Cheesh Na Tribe.

Glennallen, Alaska ~ Located along the Glenn Highway, 189 northeast of Anchorage, the town sits at the forks of the roads to Valdez and Canadian border.

Sutton, Alaska ~ Sutton was founded around 1918 as a station on the Matanuska branch of the Alaska Railroad.

Anchorage, Alaska ~ Anchorage is the largest of the cities in Alaska; in 1912, Alaska became a United States Territory. Anchorage's latitude causes summer days to be very long and winter daylight hours to be very short.

As the old song goes......"All my bags are packed, I'm ready to go". However, I have decided that this Southern girl cannot possibly pack all of her items in a small carry-on bag; this Southern girl must have her accessories, and besides, I never know what outfit I may want to wear! LOL ; )

I finally gave up and decided to just pack everything in the larger of the two suitcases and check it. A few more errands to run tomorrow (ooops...just realized it's morning : 0) and then I'm done.

Liz and I will fly out Wednesday around 1:30 p.m., then to Houston and from there Anchorage; we are to arrive around 7:30 Alaska time. When I informed Liz of this, she realized it will be midnight our time; makes for a long day! LOL We will return home on the 18th.

It's hard to believe that the time has come; June 5th, and the remainder of this summer have flown by, but we are so excited to see Lauren and meet up with the other riders and their families. I will post another blog or two about the activities and festivities while we're there.

Lauren.... ..I hope you have had an awesome and awe inspiring time of your life. Everyone here is so proud of you and all that you and the other riders of Texas 4000 have accomplished. We will see you soon, and may the moon tuck you in with a smile on your face! ; )

Love you much ~ Mom

Lauren ~ Day 59 Thru Day 64 ~ Teslin, BC to Beaver Creek, Yukon Territory

Last I left you, and the Rockies crew were headed towards Teslin, BC. They crossed in to Whitehorse, Yukon Territory on August 2nd, and had the day off in Whitehorse on the 3rd. This is also where they finally met up with the Coastal (Sierra) Route riders; they have not seen each other since leaving Lampassas, Texas on June 6th. I still have not heard from Lauren; from the looks of the interactive route map that is on the Texas 4000 website, they are still somewhat "out in the wilderness"; I'm wondering if those peanut butter sandwiches and canned chili for lunch and dinner are starting to get old; perhaps they have been able to catch some fresh salmon from the lakes nearby. ; )

Here is how the rides have gone thus far......

Aug. 2nd ~Day 59 ~ Teslin, BC to Whitehorse, YT ~ 100.0 miles

Aug. 3rd ~ Day 60 ~ Rest in Whitehorse

Aug. 4th ~ Day 61 ~ Whitehorse to Haines Junction, YT ~ 93.0 miles

Aug. 5th ~ Day 62 ~ Haines Junction to Burwash Landing, YT ~ 75.0 miles

Aug 6th ~ Day 63 ~ Burwash Landing to Lake Creek, YT ~ 50.0 miles

Aug. 7th ~ Day 62 ~ Lake Creek to Beaver Creek, YT ~ 50.0 miles

And, here's a little information on those towns......

Teslin, Yukon Territory ~ A small town with a population of about 450. Settled in 1903 when a trading post was established to serve the Tlingit Indians.

Whitehorse, Yukon Territory ~ Known as Land of the Midnight Sun during the summer. Whitehorse was established as a trans-shipment point during the Klondike Gold Rush of 1898. Originally given the name by gold miners who thought the rapids at Miles Canyon looked like the manes of charging white horses.

Haines Junction, Yukon Territory ~ The establishment of Haines Junction dates back to 1942 and the construction of the Alaska Highway during WWII. With a culturally diverse population of over 800 people, Haines Junction lies on the Shakwak Valley of southwestern Yukon.

Burwash Landing, Yukon Territory ~ Burwash is a small community on the southern shore of Kluane Lake; it is home to the Kluane First Nation.

Lake Creek, Yukon Territory ~ Not much information on Lake Creek; Yukon government campground along the Kluane Lake.

Beaver Creek, Yukon Territory ~ Beaver Creek is just a few miles from the Alaska border on the Alaska Highway; it is the most westerly settlement in Canada. It is also home to the White River First Nation. Beaver Creek has a population of 140 year-round and 200 in the summer months (makes you wonder where those other 60 people come from during the summer).

7 days until we see Lauren and the rest of the riders of Texas 4000 cross the finish line in Anchorage; what a joyous and beautiful moment that will be! They have ridden fast, and hard, and they have remembered those for whom this ride was all about. Well done thy good and faithful servants...well done.

Lauren...may the moon tuck you in with a smile upon your face. We love you and we'll see you soon!

Love you much ~ Mom

Lauren ~ Days 55 Thru 58 ~ Dease Lake Teslin, BC

Sorry...just realized I posted one of the pictures twice.

I am not sure if Lauren and the Rockies crew were able to finish riding north on Highway 37 towards the Yukon Territory border or not; the surrounding area not far from where they have been, has been battling forest fires, due to a very dry season thus far. I spoke with her night before last, and she informed me that they were supposed to hear updates from firefighters and forest rangers as to what would be the best route for them to take; I haven't heard from her since, but believe they were to take the support vans and travel back south, then over to another highway (I'm not certain which one), then travel north again towards the Yukon Territory border. They of course would ride in the support vehicles due to the fact that there would be no way they could bike that far without compromising their time; they are to meet up with the Sierra crew in Whitehorse, YT on the 3rd.

Anyway......Lauren sounds good, and is getting excited about seeing Momma and Liz next week; it's hard to believe that next week we'll be boarding the plane to Alaska! Where did the summer go? I've attached some pictures of her that have been posted by others on the crew to Facebook; I'm not sure where/when they were taken, but enjoy. ; )

Remember Lauren......ride fast, ride hard, remember those for whom you ride and may the moon tuck you in with smile on your face. We'll see you in Alaska! ; )

Love you much ~ Mom

Lauren ~ Days 51 Thru 54 ~ Dease Lake, British Columbia

Well......by looking at the Rockies schedule for days 51 through 54, it looks like Lauren and the crew started in (Vernon) Dease Lake on July 25th; leaving from Meziadin Junction and a ride of 60.0 miles; riding 1/3 of the way. I take this to mean there is some sort of loop around the lake, but have not been in contact with her to find out. July 26th; they road to (Iskut) Dease Lake 2/3 of the way and a ride of 91.0 miles; July 27th; (Iskut) Dease Lake 2/3 way back to Dease Lake and a ride of 70.0 miles; and today was a rest day there as well. Yep! Sounds like a loop around the lake to me! LOL

Lauren and I were able to "chat" last night via Facebook, and she expressed that she was feeling much, much better since getting her antibiotics; yeah! ; ) She and the other riders have seen many a bear; "Momma......we were riding along, and I look up to see a bear about 5 feet from me in the ditch; a baby bear!". I sweetly replied "Where there is a baby bear, you can be sure Momma bear isn't too far behind!". She reports that the weather has been nice; not too cold in the mornings, and Spring like weather during the day.

Some of our other recent "chats" on Facebook have gone as follows......

On Monday ~ Lauren: "Bell II to Tatogga Lake-88 miles and a 10% grade uphill just got owned."

Kristina: "Atta girl!"

Yesterday ~ Lauren: " Rockies ride on rocks......lots of em."

Kristina: "Hard ride today boo?"

Lauren: "Yeah Momma, 20km of unpaved road......ouch!"

Kristina: "But ya did it. Love ya!"

Tomorrow's ride will be from Dease Lake to Jade City; named for its found to the East of the community, Jade City is located on Stewart-Cassiar Highway 37 in northwest British Columbia.

The huge jade boulders that visitors can see being cut here are from the Princess Jade Mine, one of the largest jade claims in the world. This will be a ride of 70.0 miles.

Both crews are getting closer to Whitehorse, YT, where the crews will finally meet up with each other once again since leaving Cedar Park on June 5th. 16 more days until we finally see her and the other Texas 4000 riders cross that finish line in Anchorage; come on August! ; )

Remember Lauren......ride and may the moon tuck you in with a smile on your face. ; )

Love you much ~ Mom

Lauren ~ Days 48 thru 50 ~ Burns Lake to Smithers...Smithers to Kitwanga...Kitwanga to Meziadin Junction, BC

Well...after many a prayer and wishful thinking, Lauren did receive her goodie/med package Thursday; said she received it that morning before the crew headed to Smithers, BC. She sounded much better on the phone yesterday as I was able to actually talk to her and hear sweet voice. ; )

The last three towns they have ridden through (which brings the blog current) are as follows...

Smithers (July 22), Kitwanga (July 23), and today they were riding to Meziadin Junction; rides of 89.0, 69.0 and 95.0 respectively. 8 more days and Lauren and the crew will cross over in to Whitehorse, Yukon Territory......unbelievable!

Here are some tidbits on the different towns......

Smithers, BC ~ With a population close to 6,000, the town of Smithers is located in the Bulkley Valley of northwestern British Columbi on the Trans Canadian Yellowhead Highway (Route 16); halfway between the cities of Prince Rupert and Prince George, right in the heart of British Columbia. The community is surrounded by mountains which provide the backdrop for the downtown's Alpine setting. Here are excerpts from two articles about the Texas 4000 Rockies crew riding and staying over in the town of Smithers:

From INTERIOR-NEWS.com

A Reverence for Riding

By: Andrew Hudson-Smithers Interior News

Published: July 21, 2010

United Church to host charity bicycle tour

When 55 University of Texas students roll through Smithers on July 22 on an Austin-to-Anchorage charity bicycle tour, they will find a kindred spirit in Reverend Alyssa Anderson.

Not only has she arranged a potluck dinner for the hungry Texans and given them a place to sleep on the Smithers United Church floor, Reverend Anderson is a former bike tourer who knows how your thighs feel after cycling a 90-mile day.

This summer will not be the first time that riders on the Texas 4000 tour have stopped in Smithers. Billed as the world's longest bike tour for charity, the ride raises money for cancer research.

"It's something that everyone can get behind", said Anderson. Some members of her congregation are struggling with cancer now, she said.

Scheduled for July 22 and open to all members of the public, the Texas 4000 riders will be holding a presentation to promote cancer awareness.

From INTERIOR-NEWS.com

Texas 4000 prepare to roll through Smithers

By: Karen Bolen - Smithers Interior News

Published: July 21, 2010

On Thursday, July 22, participants of the Texas 4000, the longest annual charity bike ride in the world, will be passing through Smithers.

The 70 day, 4,687 mile bike ride starts in Austin, Texas and ends in Anchorage, Alaska. The riders chose from two different routes, the Sierra route or the Rockies route. In the Sierra route they will pass through three provinces and territories as well as seven states and in the Rockies route they will pass through two provinces and territories and nine states. Since the ride started in 2004, they have raised more than 1.5 million in the fight against cancer.

This is the seventh annual Texas 4000 and in the past six years, 250 teams members have ridden a total of more than 1.2 million miles, including training and ride itself.

This year's team was made up of riders aged 18-29, representing 22 majors at the University of Texas, and three countries.

When the bike ride is finished, the team will have spent 30 nights camping, 16 nights sleeping in gymnasiums, 14 nights with host families, 9 nights in churches and only one night in a hotel room, which was donated.

Kitwanga, BC ~ This little village, now a historical site, is located near where the Yellowhead Highway meets the Stewart-Cassiar Highway, west of Hazelton.

Meziadin Junction, BC ~ Meziadin Junction is 97 miles north of Kitwanga; it made its name on Highway 37 with and Esson Service Station supplying gas, diesel, towing and tire repairs for the travelers driving Highway 37. Meziadin Junction was also the point where the Arrow Transport asbestos truck coming from Cassisar made the turn to go to the Port of Stewart.

Today at Meziadin Junction, there are some RV hookups, a small grocery store and a restaurant.

Tomorrow's ride will be from Meziadin Junction to (Vernon) Dease Lake, BC a ride of 60.0 miles.

An interesting note: Highway 37 North traverses through some of the most remote and beautiful scenery in British Columbia. It is only one of two land routes to the State of Alaska and has small populated areas along the way. The total distance from the junction of Highway 16 (a.k.a. the Yellowhead Highway, which is what the riders have been on) to the Yukon border is 450 miles.

Bear, caribou, fox and moose can frequently be found along the highway.

More updates to follow!

Remember Lauren...ride fast, ride hard, remember those for whom you ride and may the moon tuck you in with a smile one your face. See you soon in Alaska!

Love you much ~ Mom

Lauren ~ Day 47 ~ Vanderhoof to Burns Lake, British Columbia

It's a few days since my last post; but as I have said before, the International calls are pricey, and Lauren says that the phone reception and Internet have been sketchy at best in some of the towns they have been staying in.

I spoke with her on Sunday evening, and unfortunately, she has come down with what sounds like a pretty bad sinus infection. Sickness and injuries are bound to happen at some point, but it certainly makes it hard on Momma knowing that her oldest is so far away, and I can't make it better. : (

So, Monday was spent well into early afternoon talking with her, the Canadian hospital in the town in which the crew was staying, and our local doctor trying to find out the quickest and cheapest way to get some antibiotics to her. Of course we have wonderful insurance, but if you are out of the country, well, it's not so wonderful. Just for her to walk in to the local hospital's E.R. and see one of the doctors would have cost her cost to $600 out of pocket; something that would have been understandable if she had a broken leg, or worse, but not for something like she has/had. Thanks to our family physician, she called in a Z-Pack (a strong 5-day antibiotic) for her to our local Walgreens. The meds and other sundries that she had requested in her next goodie package were boxed and ready to be sent from the Fed-Ex store; now mind you, she needed to get this package by Wednesday/today and I knew I would be cutting it close getting it sent to her. The kind Fed-Ex lady, with whom I have become fast friends with (LOL) told me that the package wouldn't get to Lauren until Thursday; good 'ole Canadian customs! Now, they would be arriving in Burns Lake, BC today and spending the night, then heading on to Smithers, BC tomorrow; usually they are up and riding pretty early, so the scenario of getting her meds and other said sundries to her was beginning to look a little bleak. So! I decided to head back to the house to wait on a phone call or text message from the princess to advise me on what she would want me to do. Now mind you, it's already 4:30 and the last pick-up would be at 7:30...let the pacing back and forth commence! LOL Luckily around 5:30 I got a call from her saying to go ahead and send the package and that she would be able to take one of the vans back to Burns Lake on Thursday if the package hadn't arrived by the time they left.

She called yesterday still not feeling well; said she is fine until her fever starts to creep back up, but that she has been alternating the Tylenol and Motrin as nurse Momma told her to do, along with keeping very hydrated. She said that she was able to get her hands on some Sudafed for the congestion and Mucinex to try and break up some of that crud. I told her to hang tough and am hoping and praying that her package will arrive and she will be able to get it without any problems!

Yesterday's ride was from Prince George to Vanderhoof; a ride of 61.0 miles. Today's ride; Vanderhoof to Burns Lake, BC, a ride of 83.0 miles.

More updates to follow!

Remember Lauren......ride fast, ride hard, remember those for whom you ride and may the moon tuck you in with a smile on your face. ; ) We'll see you soon in Alaska!

Love you much ~ Mom

Lauren ~ Day 43 ~ McBride, BC to Purden, BC Canada

First, let me start off by saying that the above pictures of the towns Lauren and the crew have ridden through thus far, are in reverse order of the way they are listed below in my post. Was not able to upload them in order, but hope you enjoy them anyway. ; )

The last I spoke with Lauren was via text message on July 13th; we had her phone switched over for International calls, so texting is somewhat cheaper than talking; but OH how I miss hearing her sweet voice! She let me know they were in Banff/Lake Louise, and that "it is absolutely gorgeous here...I wish you were here, and I love you!!!". Yes, Lauren, it is beautiful where you are; a little slice of heaven I'm sure! ; ) I have sent a couple of messages to her since, but have not heard back from her; I'm sure they are in areas where cell phone reception, and Internet are not the best.

Anyway...to update everyone on where they are now: July 15th, they left Banff and headed to Jasper, a ride of 100.0 miles; July 16th, Jasper, Alberta crossing in to McBride, British Columbia, a ride of 103.0 miles. Today's ride was from McBride to Purden/Purden Lake, BC, a ride of 95.0 miles. I know I've said it before, but it is hard to believe they have already ridden that far; I'm certain it may not feel that way to her and the other riders though! LOL Tomorrow, they will ride in to Prince George, BC and have the day of the 19th off there.

Here's a little info on each of the towns that that have ridden through in the last few days........

Jasper, Alberta ~ a quiet small town in the heart of the Alberta Rockies. Mountain peaks crown the horizon in every direction; the majority of them are pristine and will remain so under the aegis of Canada's national park system. Mountain sheep, bears and elk, oh my, have a secure home here and can often be seen simply driving down the road! The town is also known for the famous Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge.

McBride, British Columbia ~ nestled between the rugged Canadian Rockies and the snow capped Cariboo Mountains, McBride lies in the beautiful Mt. Robson Valley, where the mighty Fraser River flows. McBride is on the Yellowhead Highway #16, with a population of 613.

Purden Lake, British, Columbia ~ is located 40 miles east of Prince George on the Yellowhead Highway #16. Purden Lake is well known by anglers for its rainbow trout fishing.

Prince George, British Columbia ~ situated where the Nechako River joins the Fraser River, near the center of British Columbia. The origins of Prince George can be traced to the North West Company fur trading post of Fort George, which was established in 1807 by Simon Fraser and named in honor of King George III.

Well...that's the latest from here on the home front...will keep everyone posted as soon as I hear from her in the great northwest! ; )

Remember Lauren...ride far, ride fast, remember those for whom you ride, and may the moon tuck you in with a smile on your face. See you in Alaska!

Love you much ~ Mom

Lauren ~ Day 38 ~ Calgary to Banff (Tunnel Mtn.), Alberta Canada

Lauren and the TK 4000 Rockies rode today from Calgary to Banff (Tunnel Mtn.), Alberta Canada;

a ride of 83.0 miles. Schedule has them to be in and around Banff for about three days.

Will post more as I hear from her. ; )

Remember Lauren...ride hard, ride fast, remember those for whom you ride, and may the moon tuck you in with a smile on your face. We'll see you in Alaska!

Love you much ~ Mom

Lauren ~ Day 37 ~ Claresholm to Calgary, Alberta Canada

First of all, the pics are as follows: group ride dedications (Lauren is 7th from the right), Going to the Sun Road, and a picture of Claresholm, Alberta. I spoke w/ Lauren day before yesterday during their last day in Montana. Yesterday they crossed over in to Claresholm, Alberta Canada, a ride of 100.0 miles.

She is truly a girl after her own mother's heart, as she too fell in love with the beauty of Montana! ; ) I believe if she and the crew had been able to ride the Going to the Sun Road, it would have made her journey through even more magical; however, for those of you who have ridden on that road, understand that it is a nail biting drive of twists and turns, steep drop offs, and vistas that make you feel as though you are truly riding towards the sun. But safety rules, and since some sections of the road are narrow and winding with little or no shoulder, the crew decided to ride just East of the road. She sounds good and was excited about the cross-over in to Canada; hard to believe that they have already ridden that far!

Today's destination ride was to Calgary, Alberta, a ride of 97.0 miles. It will probably be a couple of more days before I talk to her, as we are getting her phone switched over to a temp international plan; will limit the calls as they are pricey, but at least she can get in touch with us; makes Momma feel better anyway! ; )

I've been asked to send another goodie package with the usual staples...money, more stamps, "fun surprises" as I come across them, glove liners, and her tennis shoes. Poor thing, no bigger than a bean pole, and she's not too keen on the really cold weather. LOL She wasn't too pleased the night she and the other riders spent the night at Grand Teton National Park; they all awoke to find that their tents had frozen somewhat. But that's okay; I keep telling her that "experiences such as these builds character!".

Remember Lauren......ride hard, ride fast, remember those for who you ride, and may the moon tuck you in with a smile on your face! We'll see you in Alaska!

Love you much ~ Mom

Lauren ~ Day 31 ~ Bozeman to Helena, Montana

Talked to Lauren last night and she and the Rockies crew were in Bozeman, Montana; they had ridden from Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming, a ride of 57.0 miles. Todays ride was a whopping 101.0 miles to Helena, but I know she is liking the beautiful northwestern state of Montana more and more as she gets further in to it! She sounded good; "such a beautiful place" she kept saying...yes, Lauren, it truly is a beautiful place!

She told me that while staying in the Grand Tetons National Park; near Jackson Hole, that she and her friend Ashton, and a few others opted not to go in to town on their day off. She said they had a wonderful lunch at the picturesque and historical Jackson Lake Lodge, with views of the Teton Range; imagine she says, "an entire length of wall built of glass with views of Jackson Lake and Mount Moran"! After lunch, they headed back to their campsite for a "dip" in the icy lake and a well deserved nap in one of the hammocks that they set up. She said that because there was road construction going on, they were not able to ride their bikes through, but that the construction crews were able to take them in their vehicles for a "spectacular view"!

The ride in to Bozeman was a good one; last night she and the others were staying with host families; her host family owns a house in Triple Tree Ranch I believe she said, and "Mom! These houses are like the ones you would see in Southern Living magazine. They are beautiful!". Her host family, an older couple was "a delight to be around" she said. ; ) I was also informed that there would be a fireworks show later (I think she said 10:30), but that she wasn't sure if she'd make it or not; I tried counting the yawns while on the phone with her, but lost count. ; )

Off to Great Falls tomorrow, and more updates will follow as I hear from her. Remember Lauren...ride far, ride fast, remember those for who you ride, and may the moon tuck you in with a smile on your face. See you in Alaska!

Love you much ~ Mom