A message from Cross Inn, Laugharne

Stoney’s in New Orleans….again

After a few days arduous cycling (yes, me cycling every day) in various climates and road conditions, we landed in New Orleans. We awoke in Clovis to snowy conditions (again) so delayed the off until later. Enough time for Dyffers and Chatsy to get everyone into the hot seat for interviews in front of the cameras. They even made me say a few words in Welsh for the second time on the trip.

As the snow wasn’t clearing, we set off for better climes, although this did take a few hours!!! When we finally started cycling in the afternoon, I joined Bear and Pork Pie for a stint on another hot seat and this one was even more uncomfortable. However, the cycling was brilliant. Henry continued to drive the campervan. I think he finds it safer when I’m in the co-pilot seat or on my bike.

Another great cycle on Saturday, apart from Phil repeatedly getting punctures (the second one was just in front of me and I thought that someone was shooting at us!!!!!!!). Austin was a bit of a disappointment for me, because we were all too tired to check out some of the local bands. At the end of the day, we’re here to cycle across America, so we can leave that until I return with Eileen. We did, however, eat at Applebies. H had been raving about this chain since we landed in LA and, in fairness, it was fine fare.

Next up was Houston. The cycling there was, to say the least, scary. Bumpy roads. Speeding cars. Interchanges. Noise. And hills. I thought Texas was supposed to be flat. This was also accompanied by a soreness to the crown jewels. Pork Pie had the audacity to take a photo of me rubbing some cream into my bits to relieve the pain. Not a pretty sight.

We arrived at Ian and Jacky’s house, where we were met by a cameraman from ABC News. We were asked to cycle towards him for the news. I’d had enough cycling by then, so H climbed on board the Look bike for a Brad Pitt shot instead!!!!
Straight into the pool (again with all my cycling kit on) then Ribs and Corn laid on by our kind hosts. To be fair, Andy must be a good mate of Ian and/or Jackie must be a saint. Who else would put 11 people up in their house, in various states of dishevelment!

After a great evening in The Red Lion, where the landlord (an Englishman from Bradford named Craig) laid on the food and the Guinness (my first of the trip) as his guests. OK we did have to sing for our supper. This time we sounded better. It could have been the Guinness making me imagine this, but the locals seemed to like it.

After a later than planned start, we set off to New Orleans. The journey itself became a nightmare. We had to drive through rush hour Houston (I should say Henry and Onslow had to drive) followed by a stint on the Interstate to Port Arthur, where the boys started cycling. After two legs of leap-frogging and a journey through the desolation of various recent hurricanes, we embarked on a ferry crossing. I decided it was time to get on the bike. Bad move. Brick wall head winds!!!! They were so bad, it affected the navigational and common senses of the back up team in the car, who promptly took the wrong turning and we didn’t see them again for about 60 miles. No. I didn’t inflict any form of injury on them. I controlled myself, as I have done for the whole trip (although we had to keep cycling, because there were 7 of us left in the campervan and only 5 were allowed to drive in it).

We finally arrived in New Orleans at 8pm. H had driven all the way and was absolutely shattered on arrival. We found that the campervan was too high to park in the hotel, so I had to go and find somewhere to park it. The hotel staff sent us to a car park, that didn’t accommodate such vehicles, so it was a case of driving around until we found somewhere suitable. We finally arrived in the hotel and I was astounded to find it was the same one as I stayed in 18 years ago!!! We did manage a drink at Pat O’Briens and took in two bars with live bands, but it was definitely time for bed. Look out H and Onslow. I’ve got my serious snoring head on tonight!!!!!!

Rich's #10

Yesterday we travelled from Houston to New Orleans. The major roads necessitated a drive out of and into the respective cities, but between we cycled along the coast.

We were in to a howling wind which made progress hard and slow but compared to previous days the roads were quiet and the wind, although strong was not of the blow you off your bike ilk. So I enjoyed it.

The roads were very flat with canals running along the side.

While we waited for a ferry across a river (should we have opted for a pedalo?) we chatted to some guys in a truck. Apparently there are thousands of alligators in the canals and they like lying on the road to get the heat from the Tarmac on their belly. They assured us that they'd leave us alone, but I think I would have opted to jump in the car.

Fortunate then that the gators stayed in the canals as the car got lost!

It was quite late when we arrived in New Orleans, at our hotel in the heart of the French Quarter, where it all happens. Amazingly busy for a Monday night and I was more than ready to crash when I got back to the hotel around 2 am.

I'm also glad my alcohol consumption was moderate as when Gareth returned at gone 4 am he was a bit tipsy. It's 8 in the morning and he's not stirred. I'm not sure I'm going to get much help out on the road today, but having said that the thought of drafting six inches behind Gareth's backside after a night on the beer doesn't exactly fill me with delight. I think I'll try setting the pace!

Sitting in reception this morning with a coach party. I ask the obligatory "where are you from?" "Oh, you won't know it, it's a small town near London." Turns out she's from Bromley, Kent and thought I was American. 18 years in Wales and not a hint of an accent (despite my mother's assertions to the contrary) but 2 weeks in US of A and apparently I've developed a Southern drawl!

Tomorrow - Alabama

Walked down Bourbon Street and had a Hurricane in Pat O'Briens. Caught some soul bands in various pubs. Got a Greek gyro from a little take away. Merv wanted his change instead of paying the tax. Great night but we must get bacl on the bike in the morning and head for Mobile, Alabama.

Inky Pinky Ponky

Inky Pinky Ponky
My Mother's got a Donkey

Inky Pinky Poo
My Mother's got the Flu

Sung to 12 bar blues in E

Phil's Blog

Saturday 28th - Monday 30th - Texas to Louisiana
(Sweetwater, Austin, Houston and New Orleans)

28th March A wheel disaster day. - Austin

The day starts with wheel problems for Gareth (Poppy) when he finds that all his spokes have loosened from all the bumpy roads and he has to try to tighten them with a pair of pliers before starting his first leg of the day. The weather has improved and the winds gods are with us and we make great miles and cover over 240 miles in the day.

En-route further wheel issues arise as first my `sexy` white plastic spoke`d back wheel gives up the ghost as I’m pushing hard up a hill. I change to my spare set and we set off again to finish the leg. Within 30mins of this change pulling off from a busy set of traffic lights a loud bang is heard, Stoney almost soils himself and I find that I’ve had a front tyre blow out and the tyre jams in the front brakes.

A change to another wheel and I manage to finish the leg.

We decide as we are nearing Austin and following some sterling organisational moves by the Kitten (Henry) to send one of the support cars forward to Austin and on to Mellow Johnny’s (Lance Armstrong’s Bike Shop) to get the necessary repairs done. However during the journey into Austin the 7 seater hire car develops serious problems with its brakes and has to go in for repairs which we have to cover ($700). Thankfully the team manage to get a taxi in to downtown Austin and Mellow Johnny’s carry out repairs to both mine and Gareth’s wheels for free and offer a free service if we can make it in to the shop the next day with our bikes. Unbelievably friendly and supportive and really saved the day for us.

29th March - Houston

The next day we visit the shop to stock up on goodies before cycling to Houston and a night at the Red Lion with Ian Cross and Jackie. The cycling was pretty hard as the roads were busy and uncomfortable but we made it in good time and were delighted to find that Ian and Jackie had a pool and had laid on giant ribs and sweet corn as appetizers before we headed off to the pub for a free meal courtesy of Craig (from Bradford).

We were also filmed by ABC news as we arrived at Ian’s and we were able to watch it on television in the pub later. We had a great night and sang Welsh hymns and songs as well as the obligatory rugby songs that Stoney and Andy churn out n varying musical keys.

30th March – New Orleans, Louisiana

Today, we left Houston and Texas behind and travelled in to Louisiana. We passed many areas devastated by Hurricane Rita and I was humbled by what I saw.

A few days ago we were cycling at 10,500 feet, today we found ourselves cycling along a ruler straight road with bayou on one side and the Gulf of Mexico on the other and Andy’s GPS unit showing 4 feet below sea level.

Today while Ian and I were doing a leg with the RV ahead of us ready to drop off the other two cyclists, we managed to `lose` the support car for 4 hours. The `BRAINS TRUST` incl Tomos `Onslow Izzard` Wilding, chief navigational brain Andrew `The Porth` James and the film crew that are in it surrounded by maps, SAT NAV and other assorted technology managed to go the wrong way and were out of mobile signal for hours. We cycled on in very strong and tiring winds until eventually finding them approx 50 miles off course. Did they think to stop when they hadn’t seen hide nor hair of us for hours NO they drove around hoping to bump into us. Stoney was ready for them when we met up but managed to hold himself together and not spill any blood. We’ve now christened them `TEAM MENSA`

Happy pedalling and good winds,

Phil (Mellow Flavoured Pork Pie) Jenkins

Gar's #11

Houston, Tx - New Orleans, Louisiana- day 11

After the fantatsic hospitality of Ian, Jackie and Bevan, and the free supper and bar at the 'llew coch', Louisiana was our next state. We made a swift exit from Downtown Houston, and headed for Port Arthur, the Texan equivalent to Port Talbot. The air was rancid. Anyway, after crossing a ma-hoosive bridge, we found ourselves on some man made land, aptly named 'pleasure island', and were heading east, towards New Orleans. What laid in store were some mental cross and headwinds, which made the miles difficult to rack up. Again, following yesterday, the arms and shoulders were in bits, bit the legs seemed fine once they got going.

Good time was made as we cycled alongside Johnsons Bayou and Holly Beach, two areas that were devastated by hurricanes Katrina and Rita, today the strong winds meant that we only just missed the ferry that crossed Lake Calcasieu. No panics, Andy and Phil will continue until we get there.

A couple of chats with some people on the ferry crossing, and we were literally 20mins behind the van, we had the support car for company. As the ferry docked, quick discussion between crews, and off sped the Toyota to hunt down the other two. This was at about 1pm,

4 hours later, and after battling the strong winds for what seemed like an eternity, the support car was still nowhere to be seen. With us travelling through the Louisiana Bayou, surrounded by gators, the excitement in finding one sunbathing in the centre of the road passed the time by, but unfortunately, we only saw them bathing in the roadside canals.

5.30pm and we finally meet just south of Lafayette..starvin marvin. By now, there'd been a bit of blue language in the van, but this was over by the time skipper Cooper and Phil van Morrison treated us to the first 9 verses of the official tour song.

Were currently on our way to the hotel, the French quarter of New Orleans. A quiet night and food at the hotel...no chance says pirate stone as we must all try the local cocktail, aptly named the hurricane!! We'll see what happens.

Texas this morning, Louisiana now, Mississippi and Alabama tomorrow, there can't be that many states left?? Roll on Friday, even though I think everyones had a great time, there are some very tired bodies and minds in need of chillout, and a break from Ian's snoring. As for the logistic nightmare today, Merv was right, we'll get it right by day 14.

Rich's #9

When I awoke today it felt like it had all the ingredients for a great day. The sun was shining and the big plan allowed for reduced mileage as we were to stay with a friend of Andy's.

We were all in high spirits as the C2C team had worked like a well oiled machine the previous day.

The lower miles facilitated a late start and the opportunity to visit Mellow Johnny's bike shop; owned by a certain Austin resident by the name of Lance. A few $ lighter and we were ready to go.

Gareth and I were first up and feeling good I asked to increase the initial stint to 30 miles. We started out on a busy road, bit with a wide, smooth hard shoulder. I was wondering if this was the influence of Mr Armstrong, when suddenly the hard shoulder ended.

As a result we found ourselves cycling along a dual carriageway trying desperately to hug the side of the road as cars and lorries zoomed past. Gone was the tooting of horns in encouragement to be replaced by more hostile "get off my road" horn abuse.

Twice Porth encouraged us to pull in, but we ploughed on until finally I'd had enough and we stopped. This was the most scary 10 or so miles we'd ridden and I was glad to call it a day. We got in the car and caught up to the point that Andy and Phil had started their stint from.

It wasn't long before the hard shoulder returned but when Gareth and I resumed the hard shoulder was dreadful and made the course of Paris - Roubaix look like polished marble. The road remained very busy and felt like riding along the M4.

By now my mood had changed and gone was my early morning enthusiasm to be replaced by disenchantment. I've been homesick on the trip but today as we trudged along I would much rather have been at home, playing football in the garden , being attacked by light sabre wielding boys or fighting it out with Jeni for 3rd place on the wii (Sam and Thomas are amazingly good).

As we stopped Gareth said you have to laugh or you'll cry. I did neither but I was a damn site nearer to the latter. I haven't had a more miserable cycling experience since a car door opened on me as I zipped along the streets of Cardiff and I broke my ribs as I hit the ground.

On our 3rd stint the gravel on the hard shoulder had gone and the roads were bare concrete. This had the affect of magnifying the sound of the passing traffic. Gareth wanted to "chain it" but my heart was no longer in it.

Each time we saw the support car I wanted to stop and call it a day, but as Gareth cycled past I followed.

The day has, however, been saved thanks once again to the warmth and hospitality shown to us by our hosts, this time Ian and Jacky.

In addition to arranging food and lodgings we arrived to a cameraman from ABC and later watched Andy doing his thing on the 10 o'clock news.

Gar's #10

Austin - Houston, Texas; day 10

Personally, the least enjoyable day on the bike for me, for various reasons. The conditions of the roads weren't the best today. Constant bumps and unsmooth roads playing havoc on saddle rash and aching joints. There also seemed to be a very strong wind early on, making it very difficult to get into any rhythm. There are some bloody idiots on these roads too, although some drivers probably say the same about us. On numerous occasions on our first leg, it felt as if some Texans were trying to play 'cidior cymro' on bikes. Not a pleasant experience being pushed ever and ever closer off the road. The roads were the equivalent of the A48 without a hard shoulder, so it was some relief when a hard shoulder appeared later on.
Chance for a break, until it was time to cross over exit slip roads, and the 'cidior cymro' continued!!

The weather has brightened up no doubt, it's about 70-75 degrees, which means we can all at least work on our cyclists tan!! Rich felt it today also, there was no 'gettin on the bang today'. It goes to show that although it was a relatively short day, how much we've put ourselves through in the last 10days. Quite possibly the best part of the day was myself and pirate stone letting off some steam with a mini tirade of 'abuse ping pong'. Probably did us both good to let off sone steam. Stoney probably had the last laugh, especially when he receives a Phone call from my mother saying that some woman called Denise had found my mobile in the back of an Austin cab!!

It's off to an old mate of Andy's tonight, Ian Cross, who's kindly putting us up for the evening, and tomorrow we leave Texas and head for New Orleans and good ol' Louisiana. 5 days to go. Today gave the first real signs of fatigue, there wasn't quite as much 'oomf' left in the legs, shoulders and wrists are really startin to ache, and as for the saddle rash...you don't want to know about that. What have we got to moan about though? When you hear some of the stories from the people we've met along the way, and think of who were collecting for; a bit of saddle soreness and pain Is a small price. 5 days to go; a lot can happen in 1 day, let alone 5.

Big hand for Chatsy tonight who dropped the usual 'cheeseburger please' and went for the fish asks chips. Another week, and he'd have progressed onto chicken dippers.

Radio Glamorgan

http://www.pdconair.com/Peter_D_Cox/Media/Entries/2009/3/27_Crossing_USA_to_raise_funds_for_the_Noahs_Ark_Appeal.html

Richard Belcher's Interview with Peter Cox

Musicians - Who Needs Them?

Solid Air









Spooning with Merv

Pirates and Dragons - creating a Myth!

Message from Glangwili

"HAIL OUR BRAVEHEARTS".

Don't know which is the worse, heat or extreme cold, whichever, you boys will conquer it.

As I said before, we are all very proud of you all, doing a GREAT Job. Keep up the good work take care, I just want to tell the world, how well you are doing.

Love to you all and be safe

From Mags and Brian and all the other "riff raff "around the County xxxx

Can't name them all

Gar's ~9

Sweetwater - Leander (via downtown Austin), TX- day 9

The forecast of strong winds and possible snow were nowhere to be seen, so as a weary and tired group congregated at the lobby for the off, a small problem arose. The pounding the bike has taken over the last week means my spokes are as loose as...

After a minor re-furb, we were off. 15miles the call, or 5miles once the camper passes you. With decent winds and rolling terrain, the Belch and I hit 26 before the camper came into view, 31miles in a little over an hour, not bad to get the legs going.

Having emptied the breakfast from our system in that leg, the custard creams came into play. The next leg was harder, and 15miles into a wind, made us realise today wasn't all plain sailing.

The legs kept coming, busting a gut to reach the 10mile marker before. Camper came into view. We were even joined by Mr. Tash Porth for the final two legs, and he did bloody well in maintaining an average speed well into the high 20s.

Unfortunately for me I'm now in the car heading to Lance Armstrongs’ cycle shop in downtown Austin. Stoney's best efforts to re-spoke the bike hasn't worked, and in order to get the wheels sorted of tomorrow, they need it tonight.

Still, day 9... And if you'd had told me Rich and myself would have covered 117miles in a little over 4 & half hours, I'd have laughed. Rich now has the final 15mile stint with Stoney in support...will the pirate be able to keep up like porth?

So it's off to 'Mellow Johnny's', Armstrongs’ shop, no doubt I'll be $100 bucks lighter once they fix this.

It's never dull in this trip, on the way to the bike shop, the support car starts screeching... Henry the kitten saves the day, again. Having ok'd things with tv rental company, we are now in a US version of kwikfit, as the cars brakes are all shot. Luckily or us it happened here, and not up some mountain or on a plain, otherwise we'd be proper buggerd.

Ode from Oz

Best Wishes From Crete

Glad tidings come from far and wide, and some are hard to beat,
Just like the one from a guy called Mike all the way from Crete.
He really couldn't understand and much to his despair, when we got escorted into Taos he cried,
'What is Zorro doing there?'

Over halfway there we can’t believe how brilliant folk have been, the trials and tribulations, and the amazing sites we have seen,
We must push on regardless of the pain we all are in, and ride our bikes like men possessed all the way to St Augustine.

All the best

CYMRU AM BYTH

From everyone Down Under

x

Gar's #9

Clovis, NM - Sweetwater, Texas ; day 8

There was something in the air last night. As we took a jaunt from the hotel to our diner for the evening...the rib crib, all was peacefull on the texan border. An hour later and after a good feed of ribs and catfish, we walk outside into a storm; no rain, just winds that you struggle to stay upright in. We did however invent a new game for the SCW and it's 5x60 officers, tumbleweed dodge, it's like dodgeball, excePt they tend to sting a little more, and sizes vary.

This morning, it's a whiteout. The winds have brought snow, another indication of our altitude and how quickly mother nature can put a hold on things. It would be interesting to see who'd come out on top, mother nature or our pal, chuck norris.

Meeting over breakfast, and its decided We wait at the hotel to get all the radio interviews done. It'll be safe to leave at around half ten, says the judge Stoney. Thankfully, he's refering to the campervan, cos if we cycled in this, we'd get blown to Chicago. According to the weather channel, we've been caught in the worse spring storm for years, the weather channel have actually named it 'the epic storm'. Towns in missisipi have been blown apart by tornados, it's ok, we don't hit mississipi for three days!!!!

Who knows...40miles or so, and the weather might settle. At this moment in time, it's so exciting, Rich has downloaded a spirit level onto his iPod and is measuring the 'flushness' of the walls in the room...I now understand what you saw I'm him Jenny!!! A chat with Jonesi for Radio Cymru, and away to go.

Away to Wal-mart, and after getting lost in a store the size of Pontweli, we finally hit Texas. Unfortunately, not on a bike, and after interupting the local 'happy hour' at a run down burger shack , we head towards Lubbock.

Due to the weather conditions, we lost about 130-140miles or so, but when the opportunity arose, we went for the bang. In total, rich and myself hit almost 40miles in under 1hour twenty. Flying, and the mornings frustration was taken out, possibly went a little too hard as a little bit of the bonk stated to set in, more so because I think mentally, we were already at the hotel, and the feed of chicken burger and strawberry milkshake (which had a milk content of nil) almost came back up. Food of champions, it certainly was not. But now, we're in Sweetwater, TX; and In Texas, they do steaks...bloody big steaks. 240miles tomorrow, so it's only right we stock up.

Clovis to Sweetwater

New Mexico to Texas. It was only to take us 5 minutes to get into the next state but heavy snow and high winds meant the morning cycling was abandoned.

A visit to Wal Mart in Clovis, a cafe stop in Anton and interviews all round for the camera crew create a sense of under achievement. The weather subsides and as we move south we are met by tail winds that push us along at over 26 mph average. Time is made up and we arrive in Sweetwater along with the dusk of a bitterly cold Texan evening.

Austin tomorrow and everyone is up for an early start at 6 a.m. and the 240 miles that lay ahead!

Facts of Taos

On Wednesday 25, at 1300 hrs, the Coast 2 Coast charity cycle ride team met up with cyclists from Taos Cycle Club, New Mexico. We met a Randy, who was sent out as a scouting party at the Rio Grande bridge. He took a Welsh flag on to Taos main plaza where it was to be flown alongside the new Mexican flag. At 1330 hrs, at the KTAO parking lot in Taos, Rose Bauhs and Matthew Foster from the Taos cycle Club met us and welcomed the group. A police car then escorted us into downtown Taos stopping the traffic as the 25-30 cyclists were given the privilege of driving through red lights. At 1400 hrs, after a few miles we turned into the plaza where we were met by Zorro on his horse. The horse danced and twirled in front of us as we did three ‘laps of honour’ around the plaza. Circling the main gazebo/bandstand in the plaza the Taos High School Mariachi Band played and the whole welcome scenario overwhelmed us. Getting of our bikes we were invited to listen to the band whilst they went through some Spanish numbers with individuals and duets taking it in turn to take the lead vocal.
The Mayor made a welcome speech and we swapped gifts from Carmarthen’s mayor, Anthony Jenkins. Next up was Billy Archeleta, a local recording artist, who sang and played guitar on his own composition which was followed by La Bamba. Next up were Paul and Grace Jones who played their own beautifully composed music and finished with a number entitled, ‘Spanish Love’. Andy was asked to make a small speech and Marilyn, a Taos resident and a lady who was born in Wales and feels incredibly Welsh even though she hasn’t been home for many years MC’d the whole event. I was then presented by Lucy, a local Taos herbalist, with a concoction of local herbs to stave off the affect of altitude whilst cycling.
Marilyn and Randy showed the boys around the town, and took us to Dean Johnson’s Souvenir shop where presents were given and presents received.
We returned to the Alta Mount Ranch where we were hosted for the evening by the lovely Phyllis and Jan. After a long hot tub session we adjourned to the barn for an American style BBQ with all the friends who had welcomed us in the afternoon attending. Some more relaxing peace pipe music from Paul, delicious food, sponsored beer and wine gave everyone the chance to relax and reflect on their past experiences. With more giving of presents and speeches by Andy and hugs and kisses from Mervyn we tried to sing a few Welsh songs along with the National Anthem. Phil then provided some singalongs and the Barn party finally broke up after the group photos and goodbyes.
The next morning we were invited to take breakfast with Jan and Phyllis. An outstanding fare was provided with fresh strawberry smoothies and blackberry surprises followed by Blueberry pancakes, sausages and fresh coffee. We left with yet more presents and finally said our goodbyes at the Church of St Francis.
An incredible day of welcome and hospitality – what are we - but memories.

Phil's Blog Day 8 Clovis N.Mex.

Here we are Clovis, New Mexico and just 10 miles from our next state, Texas. The wind is howling at 50 - 60 mph and the snow is coming down.

After a cold start yesterday in Taos the day warmed as we headed South and East and thoughts of warmer weather and huge Texan steaks started to fill ones mind. Cycling all day everyday allows you to think about many things, the fantastic things we have seen, the massive vistas that this country has and what am I going to eat tonight....

Wind was a factor yesterday but as we turned to a more easterly direction a tail wind helped us make up lots of ground with Andy and I averaging over 24mph on the bike during our last couple of legs.

Taos was amazing with the people there extending an incredibly warm welcome that I doubt will ever be surpassed. A civic reception in the main plaza with singing and music, a police escort followed by Zorro on horseback and a great party in the evening and a chance to meet and chat to the people who helped make it all happen there.

Halfway through our challenge and we've seen so many amazing sites and places its hard to take it all in. Highlights so far have to include though:-

• The Grand Canyon (when the weather cleared)
• Cycling on Route 66
  
• Monument Valley
• Taos
• Mount Brazos climb
  

Happy pedalling
Phil (cold feet) Jenkins

Ripples

Dear Andy

I just caught up with the blog again. What a beautiful post from Grace.

I had wanted to write some of the stories that you didn't get to hear but she has told her own so well.

At the dinner, she asked more about the fundraising. I told her what I'd read about the plans for Noah's Ark including cancer wards, bright walls, a happy atmosphere for children and accommodation for parents.

She told me then about her mother and that a dear friend of hers has a child suffering from cancer in the Albuquerque hospital. They are so grateful that there is a place nearby where they can stay.

And here is Crow's story. You might remember that Dean Johnson brought a friend to the Taos breakfast.

Just before he left the party, Dean found out that we were serving breakfast and he asked if there was room for 2 more. Of course. I learned then that Crow is from Florida near where you'll end your ride. He is an ex marine and recently his wife and daughter were killed by a drunk driver. His wife was from Taos so Crow carried their ashes, on foot, refusing all rides, along the same route you're taking (or very close to). Dean found him, invited him to stay and employed him at the Plaza store. Dean felt in some way that it would be very special if Crow could come to the breakfast and share, in some way, in what you are doing.

So it seems to me that when you get way out of your comfort zone and take on the type of challenge that you have all undertaken, there is a very big ripple affect and so many lives are touched.

And here's a correction for Gareth. The New Mexicans didn't like your singing at all. WE LOVED IT!!

And whose Lance? (Just kidding). He may ride faster but as a man he'd have a hell of a job catching any one of you!

With love and hugs to all,
Marilyn

Good Wishes from Crete

Hello

Still reading The Blog - sounds as if you are having a Great Welcome in every place.

Keep at it - although it must be hard sometimes!

Quote of the week:
I tell Mike - 'even Zorro escorted them into Taos - you do know Zorro, Mike?' 'Yes', he replies - 'what is Zorro the Greek doing there?'

Missing you lots.

Helen Liz and Mike

Radio Cymru blog link

http://www.bbc.co.uk/radiocymru

SWEETWATER REPORTER ONLINE

Sweetwater to receive visitors from Wales

Written by Amanda Moreno

Thursday, 26 March 2009

Sweetwater will receive a visit from nine team members from Wales who are cycling across the USA to raise money for a children's hospital. Following the cyclist team, will be a documentary film crew.

According to Andy Edwards, a group of friends were sitting around thinking about what would be the next crazy thing to do and the idea snowballed into the coast to coast bicycle ride.

Around 8 p.m. on March 27, the team of nine will make their way into Sweetwater. That day they will be traveling from Clovis, N.M. and will stop and stay in Sweetwater. The next day, at 8 a.m. they will continue their journey to Austin. The cyclist team will spend a total of four days in Texas, according to their website.
The team flew to Los Angeles on March 17, to prepare for their cross-country tour. The team began in California, on March 20, and will end their cross country tour on April 3, in Florida. For a complete map and timeline, visit www.coast2coast-usa.org.

"We wanted to take in as many sights as possible — so it's a bit of a zigzag. We will see the Mojave Desert, Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, amongst other destinations," Edwards said.

According to Edwards, they are estimating around 200 or more miles per day.
The goal of the ride is to raise a minimum of $50,000 for the first children's hospital in Wales. Up until recently, Wales did not have a children's hospital. For 15 years, a campaign went on to get the project started and in February of 2005 the first phase of the Children's Hospital for Wales, opened its doors. The hospital consists of two medical wards and two floors dedicated to children with cancer, education room and playrooms on each floor, according to the website.

The Noah's Ark Appeal raised the money for the first phase of this hospital, but understands that the fundraising can't stop. According to their website, the Noah's Ark Appeal not only wants 'to provide a world-class hospital, but also continue to raise funds to support and maintain a world-class standard of care and facilities for the poorly children who are treated here.'

The hospital is predicted to treat over 8,000 in-patients and 20,000 out-patients each year. This is also the first hospital in Wales devoted to treating sick children.
To help justify the amount of money that needed to be raised, the team decided to take on, what is considered to be, one of the most grueling endurance tests on the planet. They are not only planning to cycle 4,000 miles, across the American continent, but they are giving themselves a deadline of 14 days.

The team consists of Gareth Evans, Richard Belcher, Andy Edwards, Phil Jenkins, making up the initial part of the team, and Ian Stone, Mevyn Cooper, Andrew James, Henry Jones and Tomos Wilding, make up the rest of the team. According to the Coast2Coast website, each member is relying on something different to get them through this tedious adventure. Richard Belcher is depending on cups of tea and lots of doughnuts. Andy Edwards is said to eat in excess of 8,000 calories per day, when he goes on different rides. Gareth Evans, on the other hand, is looking to hypnotherapy, to get him through the ride.

"We can not believe how big this country is and how helpful and supportive the American public have been in supporting us in what is becoming a trip of a lifetime," Andy Edwards said.

For more information go to www.coast2coast-usa.org. If donating a check please make it out to Noah's Ark Appeal and mail to Andy Edwards, Penllew, Pendine, Carmarthen, Wales, U.K. SA33 4PQ.

A message from Grace Jones, Taos

Dear Coast2Coast "Warriors"

Our family enjoyed sharing the beautiful arrival of your cyclist team in Taos.

I'd like to say a personal thank you. Nobody cares that you are not professional cyclist, but that you are, "Warriors, Angels, and Hero's !!!

I have many friends, that have cancer, my mother just past away March 5, 2009.

It is people like you who make a difference in this world. You are helping children and their families have better medical care, and place to stay when their children are sick in the hospital.

We have travelled your path, and we know the weather conditions are extreme, and dangerous!

But because you are Warriors, Angels, and Hero's, you will have great protection on your journey to raise money for these children. You will be honored by people with great appreciation. You will have many blessings on your path. You will be gifted by the Great Spirit and Mother earth. You will see and experience paradise. Eagles will watch over you, bears, cougars, wolfs, coyotes, snakes,elk, buffalo, tarantulas, deer, will cross your path honoring you! You will see cloud spirits, that will communicate an image never seen before. Be aware of these great blessings on your journey back home. You make the world a better place to live in. We honor you, and wish you a safe journey home to your family.

O nah ka wa,

Paul, Grace and Viollette Jones

* Thank you for the beautiful music this evening, it will be remembered forever in our hearts.