11:00am

30 miles done 35 to go. Rain, Rain go away.

1:15pm
We are in Little Falls having lunch inside and drying out. 45 miles by 12pm and big rain. Shoes full with water etc. 20 more miles maybe rain will stop. However, even rain is better than the 90+ and humid. Made great time this AM both of us peddled good circles.

Summary of the day
20 miles starting at 7:20 am then the rain came. Rain gear was put on more for being seen than for keeping dry. Headlight was on and Patrick’s blinking red light was going strong as we road. Patrick had no complaints about the rain. He knew once your wet all over, no point resisting it, just peddle. The new feeling he now knows is when you are wet enough your shoes fill with water too.

Our over all speed today was much faster 15-18mph on the flats (top), average around 13mph. There were a few longer down hills, top speed 32. (In rain). Watched Patrick for miles working on his no hands riding skill. Gravel path, small hills still does not deter him -looking good.

Patrick’s highlight, the final hill into camp. Half mile double hill elevation gain of 750′ ridden all the way by ‘Patrick the hill master’. Dad on the other hand walked the first 14, then filled with guilt mounted the bike one final time and pushed through in the rain again. As Patrick watched from the top my last push. Totals, 64 miles, 35 in heavy rain, no lighting only some thunder. (Went to pool after riding at 5:15-6:00 the dinner which was brooks barbecue -patrick). Sleep will be early then the ride into familiar trail and roads. Two more nights using this tent. At least there is a breeze tonight, last night the tent was like being in plastic wrap left out in the sun.
Elizabeth Nash Foundation

- Dave and Patrick
Hopmeier Evans Gage Insurance
‘The Wrong Coverage is never a bargain”