Here's the story of why I'm riding across america

Hello, I’m Dave Nowlan. I cycled from Encinitas, Calif., to Cape Cod, Mass. from April 22 through May 28, 2012 in an effort to raise awareness of Multiple Sclerosis (MS), and to help fund research for a cure. My wife, Claire, and daughter, Julia, both have MS. I broke my back in a sledding accident almost three years ago; I’m the luckiest guy in the world to have recovered without being paralyzed and was able to ride this long cross continent adventure. Click on this link to “my story” for more information and why I continue riding. Here is a link to Information about MS

Sunday, May 6, 2012

Day 14 Support Vehicle Ouch (May 5, 2012)

After a nice night in Amarillo, on the way to breakfast, the support vehicle experienced a perfect, galvanized deck screw through the right rear tire making it flatter than a pancake.  We had an angel, Elias Briones, who happened upon us.  He had a 2 ton floor jack and made quick work of putting on the spare.  Thank you for your help, Elias.  The spare got us to a Firestone tire shop where we purchased a new tire. We also purchased supplies before heading out on the into the open Texas prairie. 

The heat was unbelievable at 103 degrees and humid.  We didn't expect this and it was difficult to stay hydrated, so I made more frequent stops to cool down, eat and drink.  As as a result of the late start and heat I hung up spurs at 5 p.m. in Groom, TX. This was about a 50 mile day.  A slower day was meant to be today, which should set us up for a better mileage day tomorrow.  Sometimes you have to take what you get (I think that is a Forest Gump line).

Groom, TX happens to have the largest cross in the western hemisphere, so we stopped at the cross and said a prayer for our friends in need.

There is one motel, and one restaurant (the Grill) in this town and we are happy to be here. The nearest laundry is 30 miles away so Claire washed my cycling shorts and jersey in the sink.  Larry and Karen Brown own the Grill and we spent about 30 enlightening minutes talking with Larry about the Grill's history. It was opened in 1957 here on RT 66.  I recommend the Grill to anyone passing through the area.





Amarillo Bike Path



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5 comments:

  1. SuzanneMay 6, 2012 at 2:17 PM

    You 2 are a hoot, so entertaining. ! Love you both. Be safe. . .

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  2. G. Bruce HedlundMay 6, 2012 at 3:10 PM

    One motel and one restaurant and no laundry? I'd bet that the sun will set between you and the road! And when the plan goes to pieces, remember that your strength lies in your flexibility.

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  3. AnonymousMay 6, 2012 at 3:31 PM

    Don't push it the 100 degree heat - The grill sounds like a fun place and it appears you and Claire are meeting some wonderful and helpful people on your journey... ~Vic

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  4. AnonymousMay 6, 2012 at 4:14 PM

    HEY you guys, keep up the good work at whatever pace you need to. Lovu, Sue

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  5. AnonymousMay 6, 2012 at 9:08 PM

    Hey Dave! The ride on Martha's Vineyard was a great event but certainly missed your presence! Liz Straw annouced your efforts at the start of each ride and gave me a wave as the only "Rollin Nowlan" this year. It was a bit cooler up here than what you experienced in TX by about 50 degrees. I finished the ride in about 1hr 45min and felt great the entire way.

    I was thinking of you and Claire all day. You are certainly a hero to everyone that rode on Saturday myself included. Keep the faith and ride on!!

    Al

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