Day 6 and the best adventure of my life is now over. 512 miles down (518 for me) and no more to go. Thank you Lord. This post is a couple of days late. Celebrations, congratulatory activities, travel back to Houston and fatigue delayed the post. I’ll start by saying there is no substitute for the adrenalin rush you feel when you have accomplished an unimaginable challenge after putting in the work and effort necessary to meet the challenge. Day 6 was officially 79 miles from Gonzales to the Crescent City. Beautiful weather, knowledge that the end was near, exhilaration and a desire to get to New Orleans beckoned us to our bikes. Weary legs and minds ironically intersected with joyful hearts and anticipation as Alan briefed us for the last time on what to expect on the roads. He told us the previous night that we all would stop in Audubon Park for lunch – 5 miles from the finish – to gather before cycling as one to the finish at the Woldenberg Riverfront Park on the Riverwalk near the French Quarters. It did not matter how fast you got to the park, leaving before everyone arrived was not an option. We would cycle along the 23-mile long levee that bordered the Mississippi River which would eventually deposit us into Audubon Park. A prayer from Wes and we rolled out. The guys in the DRAFT crew, excl. DonaldJean, along with Alan, Eric and Dana started fast. Wes showed little effect from the sucker punch he took from the pavement on Day 5. I started out slowly, but after slow rolling for a few miles I caught my second wind and had no problems thereafter. Our group and several other riders went the wrong way. Fortunately, Alan realized the error after 1/2 mile; however, several riders went 7-10 miles the wrong direction before having to double back, turning a 79-mile day into a 90+-mile day. Turns out, there was a slight problem with the Tour Du Rouge signage. Unfortunately the right direction meant headwinds. We finally caught a tailwind before pulling into our 1st rest stop manned by the NO Red Cross chapter. What was strange to me about Day 6 was the route went back through a few towns we cycled through on Day 5 before finally heading to New Orleans. More rough roads awaited us. 2 rest stops later we picked up Kay Wilkins, COO of the NO Red Cross, for the trip down the levee. Alan, Eric and Dana agreed to ride with Kay @ 12-15mph. Kay, who had to brush the cobwebs off her 80′s vintage bike, did not yet appreciate the cycling shorts she purchased for the ride. She later admitted the she understood why we wore them. While the DRAFT crew joined Kay for a few miles, Alan said we could move on if we wanted. Alan said the levee speed limit was 15mph, which we found was easy to exceed. Our speed picked up and before you know it we were moving. The trip along the levee was relaxing and beautiful. On our left were stately homes, bustling businesses and schools and activity galore and on our right the activities along the Mississippi. The signs of Katrina did not seem obvious yet they lurked. On the levee, about 10 miles in we picked up a police escort who helped push our top speed to 25mph as he cleared the path ahead of us. After 7-8 miles, the police escort pulled over on the side of the levee and the officer told us we were “officially in New Orleans” as we sped past. I dropped after holding 25mph, but the speed demons continued on reaching 28-30mph. They pulled over about a mile from the park to wait for Felix and me so we could ride into the park together. Audubon Park, nestled next to the mighty Mississippi, was strikingly gorgeous and majestic, a perfect staging ground for our triumphant ride to Woldenberg Park. Lunch was jambalaya. As we gathered for the ride into downtown, the excitement was building. DonaldJean would ride the last 5 miles one-armed. Dory asked the top fundraisers from LA and TX to carry their state flags. As the top fundraiser overall and for Texas, I was asked to carry the TX flag. Though it was an extreme honor, the flag was way to bulky and tall for me to carry while riding. I knew I would fall repeatedly if I had to carry that flag. (Checkout the New Orleans Times-Picayune for May 9 Sec. B to see the flag bearers.) So I relinquished the honor to Mel, another TX rider, who had the courage to carry the flag the 5 miles. 2 other riders carried the Red Cross and American Flags. It was a sight to behold as 54 riders decked in the Tour’s official jersey cycled slowly toward the park with a police escort in front and behind. Many who stopped to wave and cheer greeted us along the way. It felt like the end of Le’ Tour de France with the riders enjoying talking to each other, passing cheering people and absorbing the conclusion of a momentous event in the American Red Cross’ history and possibly their own lives. For me it was the end of an improbable journey, an achievement of a lifetime and the best time I ever had cycling. The final roll up the ramp on to the riverwalk brought relief and sadness the journey was over. Hugs, kisses, picture taking, champagne and congratulatory comments filled the air. The camaraderie was overflowing. The victory celebration was on. Red Cross officials expressed their gratitude for our commitment to the ride and for the Red Cross. The ModSpace’s regional director presented the Red Cross with a $225,965 check representing fundraising by the 8 riders and the company. What a tremendous gift! A final dinner celebration awaited us later that evening on the paddlewheel for a trip down the Mississippi. In the interim we were checked into the Hilton where I headed straight for the salon for a much-deserved pedicure and manicure for my overworked feet and hands. On the paddlewheel more speeches. Each rider was given a commemorative gift of the Tour. Dory, Tour Organizer, received a framed Tour jersey signed by all of the riders. I received a framed Tour jersey as the top fundraiser – $13,800+ to date. As the paddlewheel slowed to dock, I knew that the inaugural Tour Du Rouge bike tour was over and each of us would return to our homes with many stories to tell anyone who will listen. But not before a trip that night to the famed French Quarters and a flight back to Houston Sat. I’ve enjoyed sharing just a fraction of my story in this blog. Look for my last post later with some final thoughts on the Tour Du Rouge.
TOUR DU ROUGE Day 6 – The Adventure Triumphantly Ends
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