Today was an easy day made difficult by the headwinds and heat. We were all a bit tired and now conditoned to expect it to be difficult. We did not realize when we started what a treat we were in for. Team "Stop A Lot" took off together and rode together all day. Larry, who is from New Hampshire and leaving for home tomorrow, rode with us. He is an honorary member of the team. He is a great guy and we will miss him.

We stopped at the Idaho border for a photo shoot. We have now crossed Oregon from West to East. One state down and many to go. Wow! It was cooler and we rode well, telling jokes and joking around all the way. We talk with horses and cows as we are riding and even bark like dogs. I know this is hard for normal people to imagine, but this riding group has no inhibitions.

I tried to take a few photographs to show the changes in crops and terrain. We rode in a pace line much of the day with 6-8 riders all together. At one point I went out to take a picture of the line and managed to snap one. I wanted to try to take a second so I started out but saw a dump truck coming in the oncoming lane, so I moved back close to the line. About 75 yards prior to intersecting the dump truck, a car did a U-turn right in front of the truck. The truck hit the car broadside at full speed. The car spun off across our side of the road and into the ditch.

We immediately rode up and laid our bikes down to see how we could help. Danny, our resident comedian, is also an anesthetic nurse. He immediately went to work. He stablized the driver's head and kept her calm. He is a "Pro". All of us marveled at how this goofy guy, who is always keeping us laughing, could change so quickly into his professional role. He is our hero for the day. Please see a couple of pictures I took of him at work. We are very proud of Danny and realize what a special person we have to ride with. One picture is seconds before the accident. I have returned a call to the police and am waiting to give our observations to them. We heard that the woman was later life flighted to the hospital. I pray that she will be all right. Later we reflected on how fortunate we all were. If Danny hadn't played a prank on Mary minutes before, we likely would have been right where the car careened across the road. God is so good to us.

We lost another rider today due to knee problems. She has been in the the sag wagon for the last couple of days. Today she saw a doctor and was told not to ride for six weeks. As you can understand she is very disappointed and we are sad to lose her.

On the first day, the ride leader shared that many people dream of riding across America. They see themselves with a big smile on their face, riding with the sun shining in their hair, but the reality sets in real quick! This is hard work, day after day after day.

Tomorrow is a rest day. Barb has arrived in Boise and we are looking forward to a little time together. I have already had the bike mechanic make some adjustments on my bike. Boy is he good! I need to get a haircut, do laundry, and pick up supplies. I will send some things that I have not used home with Barb.

My best wishes to you. As I reflect on the day, my closing thoughts are on Danny. I have only known him a week. He is one of those people who should be a professional comedian. Then, in the twinkling of an eye, he turns into this skilled professional who held someone's life in his hands today. This was a good day! I have made some great friends on this trip and we have already been together 8 days.

Hope you have a good week. All of my best to each of you

Click here to see more pictures from today!