April 23

This morning we left Silsbee, TX and headed west.  West is good as the wind comes from the south.  The morning was nice with cooler temperatures and a slight breeze.  We made it to the lunch stop at about 56 miles by 11:30. 

Just as we were about to leave for the afternoon ride a truck pulled up and a guy started asking us about where we were riding and the Mother Ship.  He explained he had raced BMX as a kid and his daughter was kind of into it and his son has been asking more about racing.  He said he still has his Redline BMX bike.   The guys name is Allen Brock.  Allen explained how when he was a kid he walked into a bike store and picked out the bike he wanted.  A gentleman there said he would help him get the bike.  The gentleman took Allen to Wal-Mart and bought him a lawn mower and a gas can and helped him earn the money to buy the bike.  We gave Allen some of the BMX magazines and stickers we had and then parted ways.

Our afternoon went fast.  We were done riding by about 3:30.  The roads were a little rough but we survived.  Fewer road kills today.   Not sure if the animals are more alert or there are just fewer of them to take out.  Maybe since Texas is an old state, Darwin’s evolution process has progressed more than in the earlier states.  Who knows, maybe the animals were just smarter to start with.

We are now on the road to Waller, TX where we have been offered some Texas Hospitality and a Texas Meal.  It is about 60 miles from our hotel but I think we will all appreciate the meal and company tonight.

We just left the Spier’s house and it is after 10 PM.  For dinner they smoked a brisket of beef and we had potato salad, cucumber salad and bread.  For dessert, Julie’s husband Derrick made homemade ice cream and a cherry and blueberry cobbler in a Dutch oven.   All was very good and much appreciated.  The great food was followed up with good conversation.

Tonight was another reminder of what a great country we are blessed to live in.  Until tonight, Julie and I had never met in person – we were co-workers who had talked many times on the phone, via email or instant messenger.  Yet, she and her family opened their home to us.  We live in different States and have completely different backgrounds.  This community part of America has always amazed me.  The way we can come together to support others who are in need or share what we have with others who have less.  I’m sure this happens in other countries also, but does it happen to the extent it does here in the U.S.?  I don’t know.

Tonight I want to say thanks to Melody and Melinda Schlosser for their help with POP’s Ride.  Last weekend they had a garage sale for The Ride.  In addition, they have been very helpful with the organization and operation of our other fundraisers.  They also spent many hours searching for all of the schools we would be riding near and sending letters to them describing our little adventure.  There support, prayers and words of encouragement are unending and we are honored to count them as our friends.  Thank you Melody and Melinda for all you have done.  You have helped make POP’s Ride a success!