One more day till Austin

We rode into Austin late this morning. It’s funny how a just few minutes of a ride can take away all of the negatives of the earlier part of the day. We started in the parking lot of a gas station in the blowing cold rain. It was not fun. I think we all had it in our mind that we just wanted to get this ride over with and quickly.

We rode the outskirts of Austin and into the town of Bastrop. It was still dark but the rain was starting to ease up so maybe this ride would not be so dreary. We took a stop at a gas station about 22 miles out from our destination. At that moment, we were all completely energized by the sight of Laurens Flanagan getting ready to join us for the final miles of the ride.

I think the whole team has been lucky to have her in the support vehicles for this trip. We all wanted her to ride but having just completed a cycle of chemo the conditions have to be right for her to ride. She has been a personal warrior to our team and an incredibly positive influence as to why we all ride.

The final few miles were a little crazy. Ted had a flat. Arthur changed his wheel and got him rolling quickly. We rolled into the suburbs and the hills started to get a little steeper. With about 2 miles to go Laurens flatted. Once we got her rolling again I think we were all ready to roll out last few miles and start the celebration. It was awesome to see all of the teams waiting for us at the hotel! Greenville SC to Austin Tx. That is one long ride! But it is not about the ride.  This is a challenge. It is about the fight and teams  and why we all ride. Those last few miles completely eliminated those dreary thoughts early in the morning when it was cold and rainy (did I mention the sun came out about the time we finished!).

Tommorow, we roll into downtown Austin as one big team. All of the riders will be there and some of the support people will ride. I am very blessed to be surrounded by a tremendous team this year. Ron and Jennifer Jerina are the central force behind this ride to Austin. They allowed me to ride with this wonderful group of friends. Ted and Ann, Beth, Robin, Laurens, Ron and Jennifer truly made a super team to be a part of this year’s ride. I am not sure how so many completely different people spent 5 days in a car together and do it with nearly constant humor, support and never once did they threaten to throw me out of the car.  This year has been a completely different experience for me from the last. I can honestly say that I think people get it this year even more than the last.

I am looking forward to tommorow. I get see my wife Susan ( a warrior)! She will hopefully be at the hotel when we arrive. She is why I ride and truly an incredible survivor. This weekend has yet to begin but it will be a super weekend.

Thank you to all of my supporters for this trip. This has been a fantastic ride. More challenging, new people but all focusing on the same goal. This has been a fantastic finish into Austin, I am tired, sleepy and rambling on and on.

Joey Sullivan