Lauren~Riding To Alaska For A Cure

Texas 4000 Day, August 13, 2010

2010-08-25T11:59:00.000-07:00

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

2010-08-17T00:17:00.000-07:00

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

2010-08-10T18:12:00.001-07:00

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

2010-08-10T18:12:00.000-07:00

This takes a few seconds to start playing.

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

2010-08-09T22:02:00.000-07:00

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

2010-08-06T18:40:00.000-07:00

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

2010-08-01T19:52:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-28T19:29:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-24T15:25:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-21T16:40:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-17T17:42:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-12T18:42:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-11T20:40:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-05T18:20:00.000-07:00

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

Lauren ~ Day 28 ~ Rest Day In Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

2010-07-02T18:20:00.000-07:00

Wow! Hard to believe we are already into July, and the Texas 4000 riders are on their 28th day of riding to Alaska!

Haven't spoken with Lauren since a couple of days ago; I know that the phone reception and Internet reception is sketchy at best, now that they are riding up in the mountains.

Sent another goodie package her way, and it will be waiting on her when she arrives in Bozeman, Montana on the 4th; what a wonderful state besides Texas of course, to be able to celebrate America's birthday!

More updates to follow! Until then, Lauren, ride fast, ride hard, and remember those for who you ride, and may the moon tuck you in with a smile on your face.

Love you much ~ Mom

Lauren ~ Day 26 ~Shoshoni to Dubois, Wyoming

2010-06-30T20:20:00.000-07:00

Just got off the phone with Lauren, and she and the crew are at the Whiskey Creek Saloon (perhaps named for the the nearby Whiskey Mountain) in Dubois, Wyoming; "probably going to have BBQ for dinner, then turn in as soon as I can; pretty tired" she told me. Said that compared to her comical experience in Medicine Bow, the town of Dubois is quite a bit larger, and they will be spending the night at the Dubois Elementary/Middle School; nice place from what I hear. ; )

Dubois is a small ranching town with a population of about 900 people or so and sits along the Wind River. Lauren said they rode through the Redrock Canyons coming in to Dubois; I believe they are to the east of the town. She said the ride was a hard one, but a good one; "riding through the canyons was absolutely beautiful", she claimed. The ride today was 96.0 miles; their third day in a row of 90+ mile rides. Tomorrow they will have a shorter ride, but she said it's pretty much uphill most of the way. They will be heading to Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming; a ride consisting of 66.0 miles. More updates to follow, and as I talk with her!

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. See you in Alaska! ; )

Love you much ~ Mom

It's All In The Eyes Of The Beholder ~ Medicine Bow, Wyoming

2010-06-28T11:52:00.000-07:00

Spoke w/ Lauren last night, and our conversation turned out to be quite comical! Seems as though she and the Rockies crew pulled in to Medicine Bow, Wyoming late yesterday afternoon. To give you a better understanding of the "style" of town I'm talking about, the whole town is only about 8 blocks long if even that, and the population I believe is around 300; if you have ever been through or have seen pictures of Medicine Bow, it is like a western town that time forgot.

So, after getting settled at the Medicine Bow Community Church and being greeted by their hostess who later on I found out per Lauren, "she seemed to be the only normal person around", the crew was informed per this local "adament odd character of a preacher" that they (the crew) would give their presentation after the church service. Now you have to understand that the Texas 4000 Rockies riders have been gracing this little town for the past 4 years during their rides, and have never been met with such an odd, and almost overbearing kind of person that this local "adament odd character of a preacher" seemed to be! According to Lauren, he and his congregation put on a service of pure fire and brimstone preaching, and that I do believe my Lauren was taken aback quite a bit! I have to laugh at this, but in no way to I mean to offend any one of the the many people who attend these services. Now, this is where it turns a little more on the "not so nice side of things"; this local "adament odd character of a preacher" told the riders to "lay down their bikes", that they were "riding for the wrong reasons and should stop what they are doing..." so on and so forth. Lauren and a few of the others started getting very uncomfortable with this, and needless to say were glad to "get the heck outta there"! She said it was "pretty wierd to say the least"!

And now comes the funny part...a few of the riders, my daughter being one of them, decided to venture over to the local saloon. I have a feeling she was talking about the saloon in the old Virginian Hotel; named after the book and the movie starring Gary Cooper as the Virginian. After they scoped the place out, saw some of the "local characters", finding a table and ordering a few drinks (of what, I didn't ask), my daughter, who was born and raised in a big city, and has never seen the "farm side of life", looked up to see of all things coming through the saloon doorway, a goat. Yes, you read right, a goat! According to the "lady behind the bar", seems as though Medicine Bow has a town goat that wanders in and out of the saloon at his leisure! Lauren said that after what they had been through earlier, the goat was the topper of the evening and several good hearty laughs were shared by all! ; )

They were off early this morning for a 92.0 mile ride to Casper, Wyoming. I haven't spoken with her, so I'm hoping that they arrived safely, and are on their way to peaceful slumbers.

Ride hard, 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!

Lauren ~ Day 23 ~ Laramie to Medicine Bow, WY.

2010-06-27T09:30:00.000-07:00

Lauren and the TK 4000 Rockies Crew are riding in to Medicine Bow Wyoming from Laramie today; a ride of 58.0 miles. I have been to Wyoming on a couple of occasions, and personally, I love the wide open ranges and rolling hills it has to offer. There is something about being out in the open vastness that make us realize how small we truly are! Here are some interesting facts about Medicine Bow...

Climate and Locality

Medicine Bow is located at the junction of Hwy. 30and487. It is the setting for Owen Wister's book, The Virginian, and the home of the Virginian Hotel. The town is located at an elevation of 6563 ft.; more than a mile above sea level. Here is what that means...

*Baked good need a little less liquid or a little more flour. Yeast really rises!

*Boiled foods take a tad longer to cook

*Produced ripens differently

*You exhale twice as much moisture as at sea level, which means you need to drink more water

*You sunburn a little more easily; the atmosphere is thinner, and more sun rays come through

*Medicine Bow is higher than the "mile high city"

*Higher and more persisten winds linger almost year 'round

*Shorter growing season for gardens

*The land in Medicine Bow is shaped by the wind, and the rolling hills have the shapes of sand dunes

*Winds blow daily from mid-September to mid-May, sometimes longer. The wind can be very hard in the winter. The people take pride that they get more wind than most places, and it does provide the power for the local wind farms

*Medicine Bow is the not the easiest place to live, but when things are easy, you miss alot of the fun

*The town covers about an area of 8 blocks long by about 6-7 blocks wide

More to come as I find out how their ride went later on this evening.

~K~

Lauren ~ Day 22 ~ Cheyenne to Laramie WY.

2010-06-26T20:21:00.000-07:00

Talked to Lauren this evening; it was so good to hear her voice! ; ) She and the Rockies crew rode from Cheyenne to Laramie, WY. today; a ride of 67.0 miles, all in all a good ride with a few showers and some downward hills. She said they rode Happy Jack Road/Wyoming 210 in to Laramie; I believe I-80 connects the two cities quicker, but Happy Jack Road from what I hear has more scenery.

She is staying with a couple and their 2 year old; members of a congregation from one of the local churches. The church fed them dinner, and then they were able to stay with various host families; she has a very nice built-out "basement" (there's her favorite word again - lol) to herself complete with laundry room and her own bathroom. She informed me that there are a few things she has had to get used to; sleeping in basements, not having to use the air conditioner, and sleeping with the windows open at night! Must be nice to be in cooler weather!

Someone told her this evening that they should try and get as early a start in the morning because "it was going to warm up and get hot rather quickly". Her response was "how hot?", with a reply of "oh...well up in to the upper 80's or lower 90's"......she had to laugh. ; )

Well...sounds like she had a good ride and a wonderful day! Miss her much, and can't wait to see her!

Remember Lauren...ride hard, ride fast, and remember those for who you ride! We'll see you in Alaska!

Love ya ~ Mom

Lauren ~ Day 21 ~ Fort Collins, CO to Cheyenne, WY

2010-06-25T22:02:00.000-07:00

I know, I know...it's been a few days since I last posted! That's what going to the seashore for a week will do for you! LOL

Was able to "talk" with Lauren via instant messenger on Facebook this evening. Said she is doing well, and absolutely loved, loved, loved Colorado, and cannot wait to see what Wyoming has in store!

Will post again tomorrow......until then, remember Lauren...ride hard, ride fast, and remember those for who you ride! We'll see you in Alaska!

Love ~ Mom

Lauren ~ Day 13 ~ Guymon, OK. to Springfield, CO.

2010-06-17T19:22:00.000-07:00

Spoke w/ Lauren a few minutes ago, and if you can, give her a call or send her a text

(512-698-8155); she had a hard ride (a partial one) into Springfield, CO. today. I know she's tired, but broke down a little as she told me the ride was hilly, which wasn't too bad, but that they had a very strong wind against them the whole way today; her knee still has some tender points-the team physician told her it could be tendinitis issues and for her to make sure she stretches at night and in the morning before she rides, also to keep it iced down and take her anti-inflammatory. She'll be fine, I know she will, but I think it will help if she hears from others as they give her support! ; )

They are staying at Springfield High School, and will leave in the morning for Las Animas, CO. about an 84.0 mile ride. Said they received donated foods from one of the local pizza places, and I believe she said Italian also.

Up and off early to Las Animas, CO. Lauren - remember...ride hard, ride fast, and remember those for who you ride! See you in Alaska!

Love ~ Mom

Lauren ~ Day 12 ~ Beaver to Guymon, OK.

2010-06-16T19:06:00.000-07:00

Lauren called this evening to let me know they had arrived in their last town of Oklahoma; said she was pretty glad about it. Seems as though Guymon is known for their pig farms and slaughterhouses......and from what I've read on the internet, this one particular slaughterhouse has been written up numerous times with violations, and PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) calls them one of their biggest nemesis. Anyway, cruelty to animals, and listening to things Lauren saw as riding into town (making her want to become a vegetarian) aside, they made it safe and sound. She has seen two jack rabbits; one living and the other in a non-upright position (LOL), llamas, "which are really, really tall with big butts" (LOL). I also believe she and the others have seen more roadkill on this trek so far! Eeewwwwww! "We'll be getting up at 4:00 and heading out at 6:00", she says. Hopefully she will get some better rest as she and a few of the other girls were able to stay in the parsonage; the riders are staying at the Living Word Church, and supposedly they have "rolled out the red carpet for us."

She has requested that the only thing that be sent with me sister, when she meets her in Boulder, is money for a fleece jacket. Seems her North Face wasn't anywhere to be found before she left on the trip; she will have a much better selection up there, and it will save me some time running the roads trying to find one here.

Well Lauren, you are heading to a beautiful state tomorrow, and I think you will enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells much more than you have in this your last locale!
Remember Lauren, ride hard, ride fast and remember those for who you ride ~ we'll see you in Alaska!
Love - Mom

Lauren ~ Day 11 ~ Woodward to Beaver, OK.

2010-06-15T19:47:00.000-07:00

Just got off the phone w/ "Wren" and they are in Beaver, OK., also known as "No-Man's Land" in the early history of the town, and are known for their annual Cow Chip Throwing Contest Championships held every 3rd weekend in April! LOL She sounds good, but tired. ; )

The ride was 83.0 miles, and she said they had really nice weather for riding; that was good to hear since they left Oklahoma City just a few days ago ahead of all of that flooding.

Got her goodie package Fed-Ex'd and out the door; it will arrive tomorrow and will be waiting on her when they roll in to Springfield on Thursday. Of course, Momma found other goodies to send to her besides her requested item; Gummi Bears, trail mix, a horn for her handlebars with a hot pink sixties style flower on it, and more crazy design bike socks. Will send more items with my sister when she travels up to Boulder, CO. to see her June 22nd. ; )

Lauren ~ Ride hard, ride fast, and remember those for who you ride. We'll see you in Alaska!

Love ~ Mom

Lauren ~ Day 10 ~ Watonga to Woodward, OK.

2010-06-14T18:46:00.000-07:00

Spoke with Lauren this afternoon; she was playing "nursemaid" to one of the other girls who had taken a spill similar to what Lauren had done here before she left. It was Lauren's day to drive one of the support vehicles, so when this girl fell, Lauren drove her back to Watonga and the nearest hospital; all things turned out okay, and I believe she only had to have a few stitches and some rest time from her bike. Hope you're feeling better soon Kate!

Other than that, Lauren sounds good and excited; I think they are all running and riding on sheer adrenaline, as I've read they are up and going by 5:00 or 5:30 in the morning, and I bet their heads don't hit their pillows before 10:00!

Today's ride took them from Watonga to Woodward, Oklahoma, a ride of 72.0 miles. The weather was on their side today; cooler temperatures and mostly cloudy skies, a nice relief from some of the heat they have been riding in. They are spending the night at Woodward First United Methodist Church and were fed a variety of dinner salads, and peach cobbler a-la-mode! According to one young gentleman's blog, "We have been sleeping in churches for the majority of the time here in OK. To sum up alot of the interactions we have had with our hosts, I can tell you that God has blessed our team with amazing people who sacrifice a lot of time and work to feed us, and make us feel at home." Hoping they all have peaceful slumbers tonight. ; )

This same gentleman also posted on his blog...Some things to know if you are biking though OK:

1. The wind can be your best friend or your enemy from hell. Remember, OK. usually has a South wind...use it wisely.

2. Nice old ladies here can cook as good as the ones in Texas. They will also stuff you beyond belief too!

3. "Dude! There are armadillos here too?!?! AKA - Insane amounts of roadkill!"

4. OU's campus smells funny.

5. There is an insane amount of 18-wheelers here. Well, at least on 377 and 3.

6. The Native-American culture here is really interesting and I wish I had time to take it in more.

7. Sonic is very, very generous at donating!

8. The shoulders of the roads are all grated very deeply in the middle. You have to pick a side and stay with it. You will learn not to cross over because it creates a new definition to "vibrations".

9. Texas is always better, but know that you can find a Texas-sized heart in a lot of folks here.

Well said young man!

Lauren ~ Ride hard, ride fast, and remember those for who you ride! We'll see you in Alaska!

Love ~ Mom

Lauren ~ Day 9 ~ Oklahoma City to Watonga, OK.

2010-06-13T18:11:00.000-07:00

Today's stats: Lauren and the Rockies crew rode from Oklahoma City to Watonga, OK. ~ 70.0 miles.

Just spoke with her, and she sounds great! ; ) They are staying at Watonga Christian Church; I had to laugh when she told me they are spending the night "in the basement"! Being the Texas diva she is, and being like her Momma, the mere mention of dark showers and/or musty basements, will send us running in the other direction! LOL Not to mention that we here in these neck of the woods just aren't used to basements! A big difference from where they were staying in Oklahoma City night before last and yesterday; Oklahoma Christian University in "really, really nice apartments with our own kitchens......" as she said! Oh, to see her face when she get to use the "facilities" at those national parks! LOL
Anyway, they had a hamburger dinner courtesy of the church's congregation, and being a preachers daughter, I can tell you first hand, those are probably some of the best meals she'll get on her trip; those church people can cook, and the warmth and hospitality they usually show goes above and beyond!
I don't have the picture yet, but said she found herself having a photo-op in one of the cornfields during one of their rest stops; pose is of her standing in the cornfield holding her bike above her; sounds pretty cool, and will post as soon as I can.

Good to hear your voice Lauren; we miss you and we love you! Ride hard, ride fast, and remember those for who you ride! We'll see you in Alaska!
Love ~ Mom

Lauren ~ Day 8 ~ Rest Day In Oklahoma City

2010-06-12T20:27:00.000-07:00

Spoke w/ Lauren this afternoon; she actually called to talk to her sister; Liz and I were out to lunch and shopping, and Momma managed to get some "talk time" in as well!

After their 120 mile ride to Oklahoma City, they had the day off there; I believe they had a couple of presentations, and were taking the time to also wash, repack, and run other errands that they may need to do on their "day off".

She sounded good, and said she had ridden the whole way ~ yeah!!! Appears her knee may be starting to heal finally! Reminded me of her "goodie list" and added a few extras; assured her that it would arrive at their next mail drop in Springfield, CO., and would be waiting on her. ; )

The pictures I've added are recent, but not sure what town they were in; she is the one holding the "X" in the Texas photo (bandaged knee and all), and in the other photo, she is front row all the way to the right with the yellow headband/bandana; you should be able to click on the image to enlarge it. It was good to see her face, and hear her voice!

Lauren ~ ride hard, ride fast, and remember those for who you ride! We'll see you in Alaska!

Love ~ Mom

Day 6 ~ Lindsay, TX. to Ardmore, OK.

2010-06-10T17:54:00.001-07:00

Received a call from Lauren this morning finally giving me her "list" of goodies to be sent; hot pink bike tape for wrapping her handlebars, Clif Shot-Bloks which replace her carbs and electrolytes during rides; strawberry flavor requested, and a leather-bound journal. I'm sure Momma will send some homemade brownies for her and the crew, and anything else I can find for the diva! LOL Next mail drop will be in Springfield, Colorado, but she says she's good on every thing she has for now.

Also got a text message from her this afternoon, saying she had one foot in Texas and one foot in Oklahoma; asked that she send a picture, but didn't get one. Maybe she was on her bike, and she had one pedal in Texas, and the other in Oklahoma; taking a picture on her bike would not have been a good idea I guess! LOL

I've been checking the TK 4000 website throughout the day for any other posted pictures from the Rockies team, but nothing since yesterdays pictures.

Lauren ~ Ride hard, ride fast, and remember those for who you ride ~ see you in Alaska!

Lauren Rides ~ Day 5

2010-06-09T08:38:00.000-07:00

Day 5 ~ Dallas to Lindsay, Tx. ~ 90.0 miles. Lauren sent a text this morning, and said she tried riding this morning. There was no joint pain (YEAH!!!) but she had to SAG again since scabs on knee still hasn't completely formed; letting it "air dry today. ; )

Yesterday's agenda included a middle school presentation and a birthday lunch for one of the riders. They also went to UT Southwestern Medical Center to see what was happening on their end in the cancer research department; one of the doctors shared with them that a feeling within the scientific community that a breakthrough on cancer is coming. A happy hour fundraiser downtown with a fajita dinner brought their busy day to a close! Today is the ride from Dallas to Lindsay, before crossing over into Oklahoma tomorrow.

Per one of the riders blog, "Everyone is getting so close already, and rarely does 10 minutes together go by without laughter. We've invented some games to make things more fun, such as rest-stop charades."

The pictures posted are from their stop-over in Stephenville. She is pictured in black shorts and tank top. You can click on each picture to enlarge.

Lauren ~ ride hard, ride fast, and remember those for who you ride ~ see you in Alaska!

Blogging For Lauren ~ Updates As She Rides To Alaska

2010-06-08T19:07:00.000-07:00

I thought I would start a blog about Lauren and her ride with Texas 4000; I'm not sure how frequent she will be able to post on her blog at the Texas 4000 website, so thought I would pass along information to you as it becomes available.

First, let me start off by saying how very much she appreciates all of you who either donated to the cause, gave her supporting words of encouragement, and offered up prayers for her and the other riders! Secondly, I want to say a special thank you to my sister Elaine, with whom we would have not gotten through Saturday's busy events without your tremendous help...we love you! And last, but not least, to all of you who showed so much support, spoke encouraging words, and were there for me, and listen to me proudly tell of Lauren's trip to Alaska, I cannot thank you enough...I am truly blessed to have each of you in my life!

So! I know it has been a few days since the Texas 4000 2010 riders headed out for Alaska, but with all of the festivities of the past 4 days; Lauren leaving, Liz graduating from high school, and friends and family gathering together, to say the least I was busy, busy, but it was definitely fun!

Lauren got off to a bumpy start on Friday; this was the day the riders left from the tower at UT, lunch at the bike shop, and the evening ending with a sunset send-off from The Oasis here in Austin. As many of you know, she took a bad fall on 360/Capitol of Texas Highway on her ride out to Cedar Park. I spoke with her last night, and she sounded like she was feeling much better; they had a day off in Dallas today, and is hoping she will be able to join the group tomorrow for their ride from Dallas to Lindsay, Tx. before crossing over into Oklahoma.

Lauren ~ ride far, ride fast, and remember those for who you ride ~ I'll see you in Alaska!