R2R Texas Challenge: Day 2–San Marcos to Austin…Texas Pride

The day got started with cloudy, cold, and windy weather as the group made its way to breakfast. By the time the ride briefing was over and it was time to start, the skies became blue and the roads dry. It was a beautiful day to ride to Austin. On Day 2, the ride always goes smoother and the pace picks up a bit as everyone settles into their rhythm. Despite a brisk head wind, the groups finally formed and the fun got into full swing….

Each day along the route, the USO Canteen sets up a lunch rest stop which is a great relief for all of the riders. Today, the town of Manchaca hosted the ride. A local insurance agent, Lety Johnson, was so happy to have met us–her son is leaving on Saturday for US Marine bootcamp. She hopes the group comes back next year so she can sponsor lunch.

After lunch was over, it was time to head to Austin where a very special greeting awaited the riders. More than 1,000 students lined several blocks waving flags and chanting and cheering the riders. For those that had been in California, it was even better as the Fire Dept. hook and ladder was set up across the road holding a US Flag.

Kids as far as the eye can see…….

After we reached the hotel, it was time to relax, eat more Otis Spunkmeyer cookies, and get ready for dinner…at perhaps the nicest American Legion Post in the country. Post 76 sits on a bluff above Lake Austin and dates back to the 1800’s. At the dinner, the Austin fire dept. presented the flag that flew over the road earlier in the day to Conrad Calderon. Calderon displayed courage as one of our hand cycles who keep amazing everyone with their determination by finishing each day.

At the dinner, the most popular person was actor Adam Baldwin–all of the ladies from the AL Aux. just had to have their pictures taken with him. It’s nice to know that the demo of “Chuck” was out in force in Austin…..

Tomorrow, the group heads to Ft. Hood and some very special guests will be joining the ride. A large group of the Army Cycling Club members, USO VP Jeff Hill, and General Cheek, the director of all WTU’s.