Team 4 update

Team 4 update from the road.

Team 4 is making their way to the next transition point.  We think it will be near Morganza, LA.  We are on I-10 now, Big Joe is driving. 

Last night’s trip from Pensacola to Mobile was a good one.  Thanks to my well developed navigation skills (thanks daddy); I found a route that would take us directly to Mobile.  If we pulled this off, it would make up the mileage that has lost along the way here and there and put the trip back on track.  We took Highway 98 from Pensacola all the way to Mobile.  The van (me and Arthur the mechanic who I kidnapped from the bus) led the way.  Keith and Michael were on the bus and we stayed in constant contact using two way radios.  I led the team for safety reasons.  It was dark.  The roads were pretty good for cycling, most of the way was I nice shoulder.  The team was working well together and Joe commented several times on the great rhythm the team had.  The team logged 92 miles overall.  Team 4 had made up the mileage and made the targeted transition point.

The transition point in Mobile was to be at the Union Mission Church over “the bridge”.  Now, coming into Mobile, there are a lot of bridges.  So as we closed in, we had traveled over at least two bridges and I was concerned that maybe there was confusion about “the Bridge”.  I was in contact with Team 5, and confirmed that the landmark was “the bridge”.  It was dark, and as I mentioned, there were a lot of bridges.  So we kept on course following the GPS device.  It just didn’t look right, there were industrial plants, a two lane road and it looked like we were headed to no mans land.  Where was this bridge?  I left the team as they kept pedaling with the bus following.  I drove ahead and finally! I see this “bridge” that was to be the landmark.  And indeed it was a bridge.  There it was; a suspension bridge, appearing to be a very small version of the Cooper River Bridge in Charleston.  Now I got it!!  The meaning of the word “bridge” was clear now.  I radioed back to the bus that we were on track and as soon as we crossed over the bridge, we were at our transition point.  I told Michael to warn the team that this would be a nice little climb for them.  Not exactly what you want at the end of a 90 mile trip, but they were “on” and I knew they had it in them. 

The transition was successful and only 15 minutes behind schedule.  Team 5 was ready to go and you could tell that they had mentally prepared for the night shift ahead.  They were upbeat, full of energy and more than excited to start their 12 AM to 6 AM shift.  We cheered them on as the left the parking lot.  It was inspiring to see the 4 women on team 5 head out into the night, fearless and determined. 

Team 4 had reservations in Fairhope, which we had passed 20 miles back.  Kevin, bless his heart, decided that it would be really cool if we stayed at the Grand Hotel in Fairhope, AL.  Based on the location of team 3 earlier in the day, we did believe that Fairhope would be the transition point.  So earlier that day, Kevin called ahead and talked to the general manager, explained our cause and needs, and acquired 3 rooms at a rate of $99.00 each.  I have to admit, last night, Motel 6 would have suited me just fine (and probably the others as well).  As we drove for what seemed like forever back to the hotel, I was convinced that making these reservations was a bad idea.  But in the end, it was a nice stay and I was able to take a run along side the bay before we departed.  Chasse was happy to take advantage of the Spa amenities at the Grand Hotel.  Ask any member on team 4 about Chasse’s massage.  I think that the team is talking to her now. J

It is 6 p.m. and we’ve made contact with the bus to determine their location so we can plan our 12 a.m. transition.  The van ride has been quiet, I think we are tired.  I’m going to get the team motivated and mentally prepared for the 12 am shift.

I’ll try to make more updates.  I’ve found that the 24 hour off periods don’t give you as much time as you think!  I’ve learned a lot about each of the team members, their stories and their reasons for being here.  I will write about that soon.

I do want to say, this is quite the adventure.  It is fun, challenging and rewarding. It is not your typical vacation, but I am glad I am here.

We are …. LIVING STRONG

Lisa