March 17, 2008   Houston, TX

It's over - the wind, the sun, the hills, the lonely days. It's over, but I will miss the road.

We started the day after hearing the Weather Channel's report of a " high wind advisory for winds out of the South/Southeast". Guess which way we were headed. After almost two weeks of headwinds, what was another 40 miles or so. The day started out with gray skies, and the sun seldom an appearance throughout the day. The wind made itself known, however, and exposed portions of my skin are still raw from the experience.

On the way into Houston, we rode on the frontage road to I-45. It was a very different type of riding from the country highways and back roads I've become accustomed to. But I have to say that despite the awful reputation drivers have in Texas, most of the drivers were courteous and considerate. There was the occasional idiot who doesn't understand the rules of the road, but mostly it was just busy. Lots of cars, lots of noise and lots of wind.

About 12 miles from downtown we were met by Jerome Dunne of Stagelight. He had come out on his Italian bike to guide us through the city to the destination hotel. We got to Buffalo Bayou and the bike path into the center of town around 2:30. It's all new to me as that was nothing more than a swampy area when we lived here in the early 80's. Without Jerome's help we'd probably still be riding around looking for the convention center. The bikes we've ridden will be on display in Union Connector's booth at USITT. If you're going to be at the show, stop by and say hello.

Before I close, I want to give thanks to many of the people who made this trip possible. First and foremost, I want to thank and recognize my wife Becky. Even when first told about the crazy thing I wanted to do, she called me an idiot and then jumped in feet first. She helped with the logistics, planning and training for the ride, despite being cheated out of actually riding because of a torn meniscus. I'm blessed to be able to share my life with such a wonderful person.

I also want to thank the unknown pickup driver who rode behind me with his blinkers on through the one-lane construction zone on the Arkansas River bridge in Catoosa. He backed up traffic quite a ways, but it got me across the bridge safely. And a special tanks to all those 18-wheelers out there. These professionals were the most courteous and dependable drivers out on the open road. I never felt threatened or intimidated by these big rigs. In fact, the only drivers I really had to watch were the moms is SUV's. Thanks

also to the gracious innkeepers at the B&B's where I stayed. The accommodations were always pleasant, the food good and the company interesting.

And last, but definitely not least, A big "Thank You" to all of those folks who donated funds to Behind the Scenes. Without your financial support of Behind the Scenes this would have just been a long bike trip. You made it a mission. Thank you.