Day 10 Update

Our only tandem riders on the elite tour are Jim Slauson and Lara Sullivan.  Jim is a 46 year old ER Surgeon from San Antonio, TX  and Lara is a 42 year old woman from Ely, MN and is currently caring for her ailing father.  They are both members of the PAC Tour 10,000 mile club and recently started riding together.  Both are strong and determined cyclist and are riding very well.  Most of the hilly days are a challenge for them, but they manage their energy efficiently and are never the last ones up the hill.

Today was like most other days. In fact, at the start of the tour the message board said to think of the Elite Tour as "Ground Hog Day!"  Picture Bill Murray waking up, doing the same thing over and over again (only on a bike).  Though we aren't trying to put ourselves out of our misery, we do continue to experience the same aches and pains that are associated with endurance cycling.  A sore bum, numb hands, swollen feet, sun burned body parts. tired quads and hamstrings, etc.  Pick a body part, ride long enough and eventually it will hurt.  It's all about managing the pain and discomfort, just like life in general.  Though it may not be directly related it certainly can apply to anything that you encounter in your everyday lives.  This stuff makes you stronger.  It makes you wiser.  It makes you cope better with the stress you encounter in everyday situations.  If you don't believe me, try it for one year.  You'll be amazed at how it will change your life.  Just ask for advise before you start.  You have to crawl before you can ride.

Day 10 pics had difficulty uploading, so I'll have to give those another try when I get to Osage Beach, MO.  Sorry Heidi W., but Kansas was not the most scenic state on our route thus far.

Thanks again for all of the comments, etc.  Keep the positive energy coming.