Greetings from Fast across America South Tour
05-07-08, 04:40 AM
#151
Karen
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You are right...a stress test and even an echocardiogram does not predict this. Darrell had a stress test on Monday and an echocardiogram on Thursday before we left for this tour.
Scroll down for obituary!
Darrell L. Keefer
Public Opinion Online
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Darrell L. Keefer, 53, of 7132 Talhelm Road, Chambersburg, died unexpectedly through the night on Monday, May 5, 2008 in Chickasha, OK. He was there visiting his son, Timothy, during a stop on his second cross-country cycling tour. Born on January 21, 1955 in Gettysburg, PA, he was a son of Earl L. Keefer of Chambersburg and the late Loretta Koontz Keefer.
A 1972 graduate of Chambersburg Area Senior High School, Darrell was employed as a Truck Driver for Food Lion Distribution Center in Greencastle. Darrell was passionate about road biking and long distance cycling, which he did much of with his wife and love of 37 years, Karen A. Powers Keefer, whom he married on June 22, 1979. Together they raised four children, Eric L. Keefer of Mercersburg, Timothy A. Keefer of Oklahoma City, Angela M. Keefer of Orrtanna, and James E. Keefer of State College, PA. He is also survived by two grandchildren, Charlie and Alan. Aside from his mother, he was also preceded in death by a grandson, Jacob Leroy Keefer.
Funeral services will be held at 10 AM on Saturday, May 10, 2008 in the chapel of the Thomas L. Geisel Funeral Home, 333 Falling Spring Road, Chambersburg. The Rev. Adam C. Leeper will preside. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 6-8 PM on Friday, and from 9-10 AM on Saturday. Interment will be private at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Summit Health Employee Wellness Program, Summit Health Development Office, 176 Coldbrook Avenue, Chambersburg, PA 17201. To ensure donations reach the intended fund, please note Summit Health Bike Club in the check memo. Condolences may be expressed at geiselfuneralhome.com.
Scroll down for obituary!
Darrell L. Keefer
Public Opinion Online
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Darrell L. Keefer, 53, of 7132 Talhelm Road, Chambersburg, died unexpectedly through the night on Monday, May 5, 2008 in Chickasha, OK. He was there visiting his son, Timothy, during a stop on his second cross-country cycling tour. Born on January 21, 1955 in Gettysburg, PA, he was a son of Earl L. Keefer of Chambersburg and the late Loretta Koontz Keefer.
A 1972 graduate of Chambersburg Area Senior High School, Darrell was employed as a Truck Driver for Food Lion Distribution Center in Greencastle. Darrell was passionate about road biking and long distance cycling, which he did much of with his wife and love of 37 years, Karen A. Powers Keefer, whom he married on June 22, 1979. Together they raised four children, Eric L. Keefer of Mercersburg, Timothy A. Keefer of Oklahoma City, Angela M. Keefer of Orrtanna, and James E. Keefer of State College, PA. He is also survived by two grandchildren, Charlie and Alan. Aside from his mother, he was also preceded in death by a grandson, Jacob Leroy Keefer.
Funeral services will be held at 10 AM on Saturday, May 10, 2008 in the chapel of the Thomas L. Geisel Funeral Home, 333 Falling Spring Road, Chambersburg. The Rev. Adam C. Leeper will preside. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 6-8 PM on Friday, and from 9-10 AM on Saturday. Interment will be private at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Summit Health Employee Wellness Program, Summit Health Development Office, 176 Coldbrook Avenue, Chambersburg, PA 17201. To ensure donations reach the intended fund, please note Summit Health Bike Club in the check memo. Condolences may be expressed at geiselfuneralhome.com.
05-07-08, 08:15 AM
#152
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Yen,
I am at a loss how to deal with this. KaKeefer in post #83 above is the wife of Darrell. She is the one with the broken pelvis from a bike accident on this tour. She must be completely distraught.
I know her for a week or so and I do not know how to handle this or how to react.
Any ideas?
My own mode of operation in case of stress is to withdraw.
I am at a loss how to deal with this. KaKeefer in post #83 above is the wife of Darrell. She is the one with the broken pelvis from a bike accident on this tour. She must be completely distraught.
I know her for a week or so and I do not know how to handle this or how to react.
Any ideas?
My own mode of operation in case of stress is to withdraw.
05-07-08, 09:39 AM
#153
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05-07-08, 12:45 PM
#154
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Recap Day fifteen. Monday May 5, 2008.
Chickasha, OK to McAlester, OK
There are a few noteworthy events I like to put into this record.
Somewhere in the middle of Nowhere, OK my cassette gearshift stopped working. We looked at all the normal causes such as contaminated cable, cable adjustment and chain damage. No dice.
I limped to the next SAG stop and Jim the Mechanic arrived within 15 minutes. It took him another 15 minutes to identify the cause of the problem. A frayed cable inside the Ultegra Shifter. Another 15 minutes to replaced that cable and I was good for the rest of the day. I appreciate the presence of a Mechanic.
Somewhere in Lexington, OK I thought that I heard someone shouting my name. I look and there was Rob, I think from the local Recumbent bike club with my name on a poster. We exchanged a few words and off we went. Rob says that he follows this trip on this Thread and he is a member of this forum. Unfortunately I lost the contact information in the confusion of that day. Please reply if Rob sees this.
Dough from TX was my riding partner 2006 across the South on the same route. He drove a few hours to meet us and I introduced him to Sandra from TX who took his place on this tour. We had a very good time over dinner until the Darrell bomb hit us. Well, we did not know it was coming. Ignorance can be bliss.
Chickasha, OK to McAlester, OK
There are a few noteworthy events I like to put into this record.
Somewhere in the middle of Nowhere, OK my cassette gearshift stopped working. We looked at all the normal causes such as contaminated cable, cable adjustment and chain damage. No dice.
I limped to the next SAG stop and Jim the Mechanic arrived within 15 minutes. It took him another 15 minutes to identify the cause of the problem. A frayed cable inside the Ultegra Shifter. Another 15 minutes to replaced that cable and I was good for the rest of the day. I appreciate the presence of a Mechanic.
Somewhere in Lexington, OK I thought that I heard someone shouting my name. I look and there was Rob, I think from the local Recumbent bike club with my name on a poster. We exchanged a few words and off we went. Rob says that he follows this trip on this Thread and he is a member of this forum. Unfortunately I lost the contact information in the confusion of that day. Please reply if Rob sees this.
Dough from TX was my riding partner 2006 across the South on the same route. He drove a few hours to meet us and I introduced him to Sandra from TX who took his place on this tour. We had a very good time over dinner until the Darrell bomb hit us. Well, we did not know it was coming. Ignorance can be bliss.
05-07-08, 01:02 PM
#155
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Day sixteen. Tuesday May 6, 2008.
McAlester, OK to Ft. Smith, AR
The tour leader offered to bus anybody who was not up to biking that day. I believe that some took him up on that. About 50% of the group were in the SAG bus at one time or another. Well, when the going gets tough the tough get going.
The day started with a nasty storm including T. Storm. My small group plowed through this mess for a while until the lightening got closer. We found shelter. After the storm passed the temperature dropped a lot and we were very wet and traveling light. It was not for the faint of heart. Trucks make a mess in a rain and visibility was an issue.
The weather cleared by noon and we made it safely into Ft. Smith. Only 110 miles. Followed by a day of rest.
At RAP we hear that Darrell's riding partner Greg landed in a hospital with a combination of dehydration and Lyme disease issues. He is done with this tour also.
Wednesday is a day of rest. We are all crashing. Mentally and physically. Not everyone feels great. I hope things will work out.
I feel physicall fine but not very energetic of course. We shall see what tomorrow will bring.
McAlester, OK to Ft. Smith, AR
The tour leader offered to bus anybody who was not up to biking that day. I believe that some took him up on that. About 50% of the group were in the SAG bus at one time or another. Well, when the going gets tough the tough get going.
The day started with a nasty storm including T. Storm. My small group plowed through this mess for a while until the lightening got closer. We found shelter. After the storm passed the temperature dropped a lot and we were very wet and traveling light. It was not for the faint of heart. Trucks make a mess in a rain and visibility was an issue.
The weather cleared by noon and we made it safely into Ft. Smith. Only 110 miles. Followed by a day of rest.
At RAP we hear that Darrell's riding partner Greg landed in a hospital with a combination of dehydration and Lyme disease issues. He is done with this tour also.
Wednesday is a day of rest. We are all crashing. Mentally and physically. Not everyone feels great. I hope things will work out.
I feel physicall fine but not very energetic of course. We shall see what tomorrow will bring.
05-07-08, 02:17 PM
#156
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I did forward this information to Mike Munk and Sandra. I assume they will act on it.
There is this picture of you and Darrell. I got it from you. Please post it in this thread if you agree. I did not want to do so without your permission. It is the one with you on crutches.
05-07-08, 02:40 PM
#157
Time for a change.
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Will
99 and I was preparing for a big ride. Training hard and to be honest I was probably the fittest I had been in years. I was leaving my ride partners behind- well not really but we always take our own pace up the hills and I was pushing the 30 year olds at 52. Did a ride on the Sunday and felt fine- Only a Metric but pushed hard all the way and did it in my fastest time. Driving to work on Wednesday and Indigestion- 3 months later I had a bypass.
BUT My ride partner was coming into to see me everyday. Then one day it was his wife- "What have Mike and you been up to"? He went to the doctor that morning feeling rough and it was ambulance time straight into hospital for a suspected heart attack. Mike had every test going to find out the problem and nothing. Just one of those anomalies that occur as you get older. Next couple of years and Mike and I rode together and in fact he was my mentor on getting fit again. Then one evening Mike just went out on a ride with another group and died of a heart attack. Just two years previously he had been checked out and declared clear. Post Mortem diagnosed a major defect on the heart and it had not shown up in all the tests he had gone through.
Trying to finish this post without getting condescending- but find it difficult. Like you- I try to put things like this at the back of my mind- and that might seem callous- but if it is your time- there is not much you can do about it.
The Grim Reaper is going to get us all eventually. For some it occurs quick- as in the case of Mike- but my one dread was going the same way as my father. He died of Cancer over a long extended period. I was lucky on two counts in that I have survived heart problems and the Cancer was cured. My mate Mike was not so lucky.
99 and I was preparing for a big ride. Training hard and to be honest I was probably the fittest I had been in years. I was leaving my ride partners behind- well not really but we always take our own pace up the hills and I was pushing the 30 year olds at 52. Did a ride on the Sunday and felt fine- Only a Metric but pushed hard all the way and did it in my fastest time. Driving to work on Wednesday and Indigestion- 3 months later I had a bypass.
BUT My ride partner was coming into to see me everyday. Then one day it was his wife- "What have Mike and you been up to"? He went to the doctor that morning feeling rough and it was ambulance time straight into hospital for a suspected heart attack. Mike had every test going to find out the problem and nothing. Just one of those anomalies that occur as you get older. Next couple of years and Mike and I rode together and in fact he was my mentor on getting fit again. Then one evening Mike just went out on a ride with another group and died of a heart attack. Just two years previously he had been checked out and declared clear. Post Mortem diagnosed a major defect on the heart and it had not shown up in all the tests he had gone through.
Trying to finish this post without getting condescending- but find it difficult. Like you- I try to put things like this at the back of my mind- and that might seem callous- but if it is your time- there is not much you can do about it.
The Grim Reaper is going to get us all eventually. For some it occurs quick- as in the case of Mike- but my one dread was going the same way as my father. He died of Cancer over a long extended period. I was lucky on two counts in that I have survived heart problems and the Cancer was cured. My mate Mike was not so lucky.
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05-07-08, 03:46 PM
#158
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Will
99 and I was preparing for a big ride. Training hard and to be honest I was probably the fittest I had been in years. I was leaving my ride partners behind- well not really but we always take our own pace up the hills and I was pushing the 30 year olds at 52. Did a ride on the Sunday and felt fine- Only a Metric but pushed hard all the way and did it in my fastest time. Driving to work on Wednesday and Indigestion- 3 months later I had a bypass.
BUT My ride partner was coming into to see me everyday. Then one day it was his wife- "What have Mike and you been up to"? He went to the doctor that morning feeling rough and it was ambulance time straight into hospital for a suspected heart attack. Mike had every test going to find out the problem and nothing. Just one of those anomalies that occur as you get older. Next couple of years and Mike and I rode together and in fact he was my mentor on getting fit again. Then one evening Mike just went out on a ride with another group and died of a heart attack. Just two years previously he had been checked out and declared clear. Post Mortem diagnosed a major defect on the heart and it had not shown up in all the tests he had gone through.
Trying to finish this post without getting condescending- but find it difficult. Like you- I try to put things like this at the back of my mind- and that might seem callous- but if it is your time- there is not much you can do about it.
The Grim Reaper is going to get us all eventually. For some it occurs quick- as in the case of Mike- but my one dread was going the same way as my father. He died of Cancer over a long extended period. I was lucky on two counts in that I have survived heart problems and the Cancer was cured. My mate Mike was not so lucky.
99 and I was preparing for a big ride. Training hard and to be honest I was probably the fittest I had been in years. I was leaving my ride partners behind- well not really but we always take our own pace up the hills and I was pushing the 30 year olds at 52. Did a ride on the Sunday and felt fine- Only a Metric but pushed hard all the way and did it in my fastest time. Driving to work on Wednesday and Indigestion- 3 months later I had a bypass.
BUT My ride partner was coming into to see me everyday. Then one day it was his wife- "What have Mike and you been up to"? He went to the doctor that morning feeling rough and it was ambulance time straight into hospital for a suspected heart attack. Mike had every test going to find out the problem and nothing. Just one of those anomalies that occur as you get older. Next couple of years and Mike and I rode together and in fact he was my mentor on getting fit again. Then one evening Mike just went out on a ride with another group and died of a heart attack. Just two years previously he had been checked out and declared clear. Post Mortem diagnosed a major defect on the heart and it had not shown up in all the tests he had gone through.
Trying to finish this post without getting condescending- but find it difficult. Like you- I try to put things like this at the back of my mind- and that might seem callous- but if it is your time- there is not much you can do about it.
The Grim Reaper is going to get us all eventually. For some it occurs quick- as in the case of Mike- but my one dread was going the same way as my father. He died of Cancer over a long extended period. I was lucky on two counts in that I have survived heart problems and the Cancer was cured. My mate Mike was not so lucky.
This is quite a story and one I did not know from you or others.
Here is how I read that:
The doctors could not find the problem. They call it false Negative.
Some people think that medical intervention is of questionable benefit in the majority of cases. The medical system knows how to mask a problem and prolong but often not heal. So guys like me try to self diagnose as much as they can.
Well, there is no cure for old age so lets be reasonable about that. Let us enjoy every day and get out of every day what we can. Biking long distance as we do provides opportunity for that. The post's above give not enough credit to the joy of biking.
I was leaning on my Aerobars yesterday, leading a small pace-line, doing a steady 20 MPH into a light wind on flat ground. The weather in the afternoon was perfect. I felt so alive. I said to the much younger female biker behind me: Now you see a 66 year old guy having fun.
05-07-08, 03:52 PM
#159
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Will, that's very, very sad news, but has no connection to your actions. I would express condolences, offer whatever help you can provide and move on, taking care that you read the signs your body gives you and ensuring that you hydrate (but don't overdo it, as that is dangerous) and properly replace carbs and glycogen. Take care and good luck with the remaining 50% of the incredible ride.
The German poet J.W. von Goethe said (freely translated): The Art of Living is trying to find Balance.
I think that is a bit more profound than the English version: Everything in moderation.
05-07-08, 08:27 PM
#160
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Will, I am curious. Do you know what your maximum heart rate is? I ask because lately I've been tracking the correlation between my average heart rate on rides and my average speed. You must be in incredible shape to ride at 100 bpm and average 17 miles per hour or more. I am pumping around 130 rpm just to do 16 mph!
I wonder what percent of maximum heart rate is "safe" to average on epic rides day after day.
BTW, my doctor told me that a stress test is useless for cyclists because we give ourselves a stress test every time we ride up a big hill! Also, your arteries have to be blocked over 80% before a stress test might show an anomaly. My doctor said a little plague floating in your artery could take that 80% to almost 100% in zero time.
I wonder what percent of maximum heart rate is "safe" to average on epic rides day after day.
BTW, my doctor told me that a stress test is useless for cyclists because we give ourselves a stress test every time we ride up a big hill! Also, your arteries have to be blocked over 80% before a stress test might show an anomaly. My doctor said a little plague floating in your artery could take that 80% to almost 100% in zero time.
05-08-08, 06:08 AM
#161
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I wonder what percent of maximum heart rate is "safe" to average on epic rides day after day.
BTW, my doctor told me that a stress test is useless for cyclists because we give ourselves a stress test every time we ride up a big hill! Also, your arteries have to be blocked over 80% before a stress test might show an anomaly. My doctor said a little plague floating in your artery could take that 80% to almost 100% in zero time.
BTW, my doctor told me that a stress test is useless for cyclists because we give ourselves a stress test every time we ride up a big hill! Also, your arteries have to be blocked over 80% before a stress test might show an anomaly. My doctor said a little plague floating in your artery could take that 80% to almost 100% in zero time.
I lost a cycling friend to plaque coming loose in his arteries-he was in terrific shape and only in his 40's. When it is your time.........
Okay, let's try and see if we can remain respectful but continue to raise the level of encouragement in this thread!!! Will is going to need it!
05-08-08, 01:14 PM
#162
Karen
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Will,
I don't have that photo yet. My son is due to arrive tonight with Darrells things. My camera is with that stuff. I am anxiously awaiting those pictures. They are the last of the pics I will ever have of Darrell.
You may meet my brother in Savannah. He is flying down and picking up my car on Saturday the 17th. That is when you get to Tybee Island. I will tell him to look you up. His name is Chuck Powers.
Have fun
Karen
I don't have that photo yet. My son is due to arrive tonight with Darrells things. My camera is with that stuff. I am anxiously awaiting those pictures. They are the last of the pics I will ever have of Darrell.
You may meet my brother in Savannah. He is flying down and picking up my car on Saturday the 17th. That is when you get to Tybee Island. I will tell him to look you up. His name is Chuck Powers.
Have fun
Karen
05-08-08, 01:44 PM
#163
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Wow! what a saga of life - the ups & downs, thrills, tragedy, unexpected & mundane - all on two wheels. I just joined the forum last week & came across this thread Tuesday. I've been on the edge of my seat until I caught up to todays post. Thank you Will for documenting your incredible trip - it has increased my desire to ride & do more. My sincere condolences to Karen & family and my admiration for her grace & attitude during this time of loss.
mrbill
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05-08-08, 01:55 PM
#164
Time for a change.
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My experience has shown I can ride all day, day after day at levels 70-80% of Maximum HR. At 90% I'm good for about 30 mins-based on Time Trials. Now, having the legs being able to push 80% day after day is another matter.........
I lost a cycling friend to plaque coming loose in his arteries-he was in terrific shape and only in his 40's. When it is your time.........
Okay, let's try and see if we can remain respectful but continue to raise the level of encouragement in this thread!!! Will is going to need it!
I lost a cycling friend to plaque coming loose in his arteries-he was in terrific shape and only in his 40's. When it is your time.........
Okay, let's try and see if we can remain respectful but continue to raise the level of encouragement in this thread!!! Will is going to need it!
Mind you- If I were to attempt what Will is doing- I would be inclined to keep it a bit lower.
__________________
How long was I in the army? Five foot seven.
Spike Milligan
How long was I in the army? Five foot seven.
Spike Milligan
05-08-08, 02:03 PM
#165
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KaKeefer
My condolences to you and your family at the loss of Darrell. My prayers are with you, your family and friends and all of those that continue on their journey on this tour.
God Bless
Fred
My condolences to you and your family at the loss of Darrell. My prayers are with you, your family and friends and all of those that continue on their journey on this tour.
God Bless
Fred
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F Thomas
"Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving."
Albert Einstein (1879-1955)
F Thomas
"Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving."
Albert Einstein (1879-1955)
05-08-08, 07:39 PM
#166
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Will, I am curious. Do you know what your maximum heart rate is? I ask because lately I've been tracking the correlation between my average heart rate on rides and my average speed. You must be in incredible shape to ride at 100 bpm and average 17 miles per hour or more. I am pumping around 130 rpm just to do 16 mph!
I wonder what percent of maximum heart rate is "safe" to average on epic rides day after day.
BTW, my doctor told me that a stress test is useless for cyclists because we give ourselves a stress test every time we ride up a big hill! Also, your arteries have to be blocked over 80% before a stress test might show an anomaly. My doctor said a little plague floating in your artery could take that 80% to almost 100% in zero time.
I wonder what percent of maximum heart rate is "safe" to average on epic rides day after day.
BTW, my doctor told me that a stress test is useless for cyclists because we give ourselves a stress test every time we ride up a big hill! Also, your arteries have to be blocked over 80% before a stress test might show an anomaly. My doctor said a little plague floating in your artery could take that 80% to almost 100% in zero time.
I train for hours on a hydraulic trainer at about 17 MPH and 95 RPM. My HR is steady around 125 or less. resting HR is 50 to 55. An undulating bike ride with no wind or light wind produces HR 100 at about 18 MPH at 95 RPM.
I stay away from doctors so I do not know if I got blocked arteries. I eat as healthy as I know how and that has to be good enough.
05-08-08, 07:49 PM
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Will - I avoided doctors for years and ended up with stage 4 colon cancer. For folks our age, it is not a wise course of action.
05-08-08, 08:25 PM
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Will,
I don't have that photo yet. My son is due to arrive tonight with Darrells things. My camera is with that stuff. I am anxiously awaiting those pictures. They are the last of the pics I will ever have of Darrell.
You may meet my brother in Savannah. He is flying down and picking up my car on Saturday the 17th. That is when you get to Tybee Island. I will tell him to look you up. His name is Chuck Powers.
Have fun
Karen
I don't have that photo yet. My son is due to arrive tonight with Darrells things. My camera is with that stuff. I am anxiously awaiting those pictures. They are the last of the pics I will ever have of Darrell.
You may meet my brother in Savannah. He is flying down and picking up my car on Saturday the 17th. That is when you get to Tybee Island. I will tell him to look you up. His name is Chuck Powers.
Have fun
Karen
I will spread the word to collect any pic of Darrell as well as you. I am not great with a camera and I have only one low resolution pic. I spoke to Sandra. Ken, her husband will have some pictures and we will get them to you along with pictures from the other members of the tour.
05-08-08, 08:31 PM
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My experience has shown I can ride all day, day after day at levels 70-80% of Maximum HR..........................
I lost a cycling friend to plaque coming loose in his arteries-he was in terrific shape and only in his 40's. When it is your time.........
Okay, let's try and see if we can remain respectful but continue to raise the level of encouragement in this thread!!! Will is going to need it!
I lost a cycling friend to plaque coming loose in his arteries-he was in terrific shape and only in his 40's. When it is your time.........
Okay, let's try and see if we can remain respectful but continue to raise the level of encouragement in this thread!!! Will is going to need it!
I just got off the phone with my wife and I will tell you what I tell her.
I feel surprisingly good. The 125 miles today went by very quickly. I must give some credit to Pizza Hut Spagetty lunch (double order) and ENERVITENE and ACCEL GEL.
By me it is all nutrition. I get enough stuff and I am fine. If not, I bonk.
05-08-08, 08:34 PM
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.................................................................................................... ............................ - it has increased my desire to ride & do more................................................................................................ ...............
mrbill
mrbill
05-08-08, 08:36 PM
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Karen, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
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05-08-08, 08:41 PM
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I am more worried to become dependent on doctors for borderline afflictions or false positives. I can give you some stories if you have interest and time. There are doctors who will make you ill, all with the best of intentions of course.
How old were you when you were diagnosed, please?
05-08-08, 09:33 PM
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Will
Really enjoying your posts! I salute all of you for pushing on in face of the recent tragedy.
Be Safe!
Really enjoying your posts! I salute all of you for pushing on in face of the recent tragedy.
Be Safe!
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"Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving."
Albert Einstein (1879-1955)
F Thomas
"Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving."
Albert Einstein (1879-1955)
05-08-08, 09:57 PM
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Day seventeen, Wednesday May 7. Rest.
Day eighteen. Thursday May 8, 2008.
Ft. Smith, AR to Conway, AR
This day presented all that what makes biking so nice. The Sun was shining. The wind was from behind and not gusty. The road had a bike lane (well, most of it).
The 125 miles flew by at about 20 MPH average. We splurged on a large portion of Pasta at Pizza Hut for lunch. The scenery was very nice and traffic modest.
Only one challenge. The tour leader routed us around heavy traffic in Ft. Smith. He managed to find a bike route which was marked but hat some grades with 18% incline. That was tough.
I am sitting in a Nice Holiday Express in Conway with good Internet connection and had a great dinner at Outbacks wit two glasses of red quality Wine.
Life is good.
Day eighteen. Thursday May 8, 2008.
Ft. Smith, AR to Conway, AR
This day presented all that what makes biking so nice. The Sun was shining. The wind was from behind and not gusty. The road had a bike lane (well, most of it).
The 125 miles flew by at about 20 MPH average. We splurged on a large portion of Pasta at Pizza Hut for lunch. The scenery was very nice and traffic modest.
Only one challenge. The tour leader routed us around heavy traffic in Ft. Smith. He managed to find a bike route which was marked but hat some grades with 18% incline. That was tough.
I am sitting in a Nice Holiday Express in Conway with good Internet connection and had a great dinner at Outbacks wit two glasses of red quality Wine.
Life is good.
Last edited by will dehne; 05-09-08 at 07:58 PM.
05-09-08, 06:37 AM
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