Ride 2 Recovery FL Challenge Day 5

Group picture taken yesterday

Day 5, Friday, October 28, 2011  Cocoa Beach to Orlando (technically Kissimmee)

Today we started from the hotel, then shortly thereafter we were cheered on by local school children.

We stopped for a break and saw an alligator

The ride route was through ranches, we saw cows.  And a dead armadillo.  Shortly after the dead armadillo, there was a crash.  You don’t ever want to see this on a bike ride:

We sent 2 people to the hospital.  One just needed a couple of stiches, the other might have a concussion.  I haven’t heard about their condition yet.

Lunch was good, then the rest of the ride through Kissimmee was uneventful and to the hotel.

Ride 2 Recovery FL Challenge Day 4

Day 4, Thursday, October 27, 2011 Daytona Beach to Cocoa Beach

I woke up early, had breakfast and then took a nice walk on the beach and watched the sun rise.

The ride began in Daytona Beach and went down A1A and then we cut over to US 1 and took that down to Cape Canaveral. We saw a Florida Panther cross the road, but I didn’t get a picture. We then went into the restricted area of Kennedy Space Center (note the female guard with the automatic rifle) and we saw the original launch pad and other sites. (see pictures and videos) It was really exciting.  Oh, and I had the first injury of the day.  Don't worry I'm ok.  Nothing serious.  I got my finger caught in a clasp and had to undo the clasp to get it out.  So, yeah, I got a pinched finger.

Videos from Kennedy Space Center:

http://youtu.be/6S7_0AKIvtU

http://youtu.be/2zzB2GBcG-4

http://youtu.be/sWUn8NvWXnw

We then went to the hotel where the riders were greeted by the fire department and a bagpipe player.

Florida Senator Thad Altman (R) Greeted everyone

We had a police escort all the way to dinner in Titusville. 

When we got to Titusville, the streets were lined with people cheering and waving flags. The fire department was there with their trucks and the ladder truck had the ladder extended over the road with a giant flag attached. When we got to dinner there were a ton of people there to welcome the group. It was amazing. A very warm welcome. (There's something in my eyes).

http://youtu.be/wujE3s7jutE

It was Darlene from Monster's birthday and she brought everyone Monster caps made especially for R2R.  Look closely at the monster cap.

We got Astronaut "freeze dried" ice cream

Ride 2 Recovery FL Challenge 2011 Day 3

Day 3, Wednesday, October 26, 2011 St. Augustine to Daytona Beach

Here are pictures from last night’s hotel:

 

We had breakfast, ride meeting and started the ride.  It was overcast for most of the morning.  Then It got sunnier and warmer.  We went through St. Augustine and over the Bridge of Lions and down A1A through Flagler Beach, where we had lunch.  Then we finished in Daytona Beach.  Our hotel is right on the beach.  There were a few crashes today and 3 people went to the hospital and a few needing bandaging.  A few people got dehydrated.  Everyone is okay.  Tomorrow we head to Brevard County and Cape Canaveral.  We will be going through Cape Kennedy and on roads where we will be the only ones on them.  It should be an interesting day.

 Lunch:

The view from my room: