Danny’s Ride

1,000 People
$30 Donation
$30,000 Closer To A Cure
Danny’s Ride has set a goal of raising $30,000 for cancer research by June 6th,2009.  This is a big goal but we have a big challenge – finding a cure for cancer.

Sponsors names will be presented on a certificate with the check for the total amount of money raised.

Please be one of 1,000 people who have had enough with the hurt and destruction cancer has caused.  Thank you.

FACT: Cancer is now the leading cause of death in the United States.

Day Statistics:

Weather: Record Highs in Upper 90′s – Lower 100′s – No Clouds – Plenty of Sun!

Bike Time: 5 Hours, 23 Minutes, 10 Seconds
Miles: 75.63 Total
Average Speed: 14.0 mph
Max Speed: 28.4

Total Trip Miles to Date: 827.68
Total Trip Flat Tires: Drew 5, Danny 4
We left the hotel around 8:30 to drive back to the 7 Eleven that Danny and I stopped at on Wednesday night.  After changing the flat tire that I managed to get when I brought my bike out and leaned it up against the side of the motor home, we took off around 10:15.

Thanks to Fred Carpenter and Wyona Turner of the El Paso Bike Club, Danny and I had the best route to get out of El Paso.  We were able to take a loop that went took us from the west side of El Paso outside the city and dropped us off at the east side with the least amount of traffic.

Once we were outside El Paso, the scenery was beautiful.  With mountains in the distance and desert along the sides of the interstate, we had all our eyes could possibly take in.  The weather was a gentle reminder that we were definitely in a desert.  It was 14 degrees warmer than the average.  With highs in the upper 90’s and the lower 100’s, it was like being in an oven.

After biking nearly 20 miles, we ate lunch at a Chick-fil-A.  It was a much-welcomed treat as we had not seen or had a Chick-fil-A since before we began biking.  It reminded us of Charleston and helped to keep us motivated!  With almost 50 miles to go, we didn’t stay long and hit the road again.

Ken did a terrific job staying right with us and making sure we had all the water and supplies we need.  Without him, I don’t know what Danny and I would do.  We wouldn’t make it more than 20 miles that’s for sure.

Danny and I finished at 75 miles for the day.  Not bad for going through the desert when it feels like, well a desert.  The only problem was we were in the middle of the desert with the closest hotel 55 miles away.

On the hour drive, both Danny and Drew fell asleep.  Over 5 hours of biking in the blazing sun had taken its toll.  Luckily, Ken stayed awake and guided the motor home to Van Horn, Texas.  Super 8 was willing to help us out and gave us a terrific rate.  Thank you!  We saved a lot of money that will be going to cancer research.  We really appreciate it.

As we were checking in at Super 8 in Van Horn, Texas, we realized we changed into the Central time zone.  We were thrilled to see another time zone go down but sad to see a much needed hour disappear.  We need the rest with this weather!

Tomorrow, we are planning on 80 miles.  Weather conditions for the desert – hot, really, really hot.  We will bring plenty of water and see if we can get 80 miles closer to Charleston tomorrow.

If you would like to see today’s pictures, please click here.