Start time: 9:00 A.M.
Distance today: 50.7 miles
Average speed: 11.2 mph
End time: 3:30 P.M.
Top speed: 49.9 mph
Temperature and weather conditions: Comfortable but warm as we get closer
to home. We are drinking as much water as we did in the California desert.
Total trip distance: 2,572.3 Miles (since start on April 2,
2000)
Today
is Saturday. We are now in Waynesville, NC. After departing Gatlinburg
Friday morning, May 19, we climbed to the top of the Smokey’s; the North
Carolina – Tennessee state line. Once we reached the top we had a speedy
and exciting ride to Cherokee, NC. We stopped there and met MJ Wardle,
Regional Communications Director for the American Cancer Society.
We also met Charles’s Mom, who had traveled to bring Sadie. Sadie is
his oldest daughter and will ride the last week with us. She has entered,
in Danny’s honor, a triathlon to raise funds for the cause. This week’s
ride will offer her an opportunity to refine her skills and test her
endurance.
MJ
traveled with us to two Relay for Life events. One was in Swain County
and the other was in Cherokee. Both were wonderful, and the people were
interested in Danny’s efforts. People in the audience identify with his
experiences, and many approach him after he finishes his talk. Danny
gives hope to many of those that are battling cancer.
We did not get to bed until after mid-night Friday. Saturday we began
our ride at 9:00 A.M. It was another difficult climb most of the day.
We finished riding at 12:30 P.M. after reaching Waynesville.
Sunday we plan to ride toward Brevard. We should be close to the SC
State line. Monday we will be in the great state of South Carolina.
We will spend our last Friday night in Goose Creek instead of Summerville.
We hope to depart Saturday morning no later than 9:00 A.M. We will meet
supporters and followers before noon at the empty parking lot past the
K- Mart going towards Folly Beach. This is across from the James Island
Presbyterian Church which is at the intersection of Folly and Ft. Johnson
Rd. We plan to leave this area at noon. When we arrive at Folly Beach
we will go straight to the ocean and put our front tires in. This will
mark the end of our 3, 000 mile bike trek.
Danny will take the stage
for a review of our trip. Performances by some of his former talented
students will follow. Times for these events
will be in Wednesday’s update.
The times will be tentative and will be confirmed by Friday. Please
listen to WCSC Channel 5, or follow the web sites at dannysride.org or
wcsc.com.
Danny had a prescription
called into the drug store in Waynesville. He has a bad cough. Although,
once he mounts his bike it is gone. We
all hope it’s cleared soon. Floyd had a 4-hour nap today while Danny
and Charles enjoyed the NBA Laker’s game. Sean and Sadie spent over 3
hours organizing the trailer one more time. Down town Main Street is
decked out in American flags for the holiday. It is wonderful to ride
down this patriotically decorated street.
