- po Polsku pod spodem -

I made it to day three. Like everyone else on the team, my butt hurts, my muscles are sore, my bag smells like mildew, and my tan lines could make it into the Guinness Book of World Records.

Slowly, the fact that I'm riding my bike to Alaska is sinking in. After an emotional ride dedication circle, the team rode out of Austin escorted by the police. For the first time, even red lights couldn't stop us. I still didn't realize what I was getting myself into.

Then our families and friends joined us as we rode 50 miles from Cedar Park to Lampasas. I'm so proud of my parents and Kenny for completing the long 50 miles. Still, I didn't feel like I was really starting this journey.

Then all our friends and family left and we were alone with a few '09 riders. Rockies and Sierras were still together, so to me, it felt like training camp.

After a tearful goodbye with the Rockies, we rode our first 100 miles just with the Sierra team. I was repeating the same pedal strokes I have made so many times in the past during all my training miles.

I could see the rider in front of me, the gravel to my right, the occasional truck passing to the left -

All the things I'm used to on a ride. Then, after about thirty miles, I looked up for the first time and really noticed and let it sink in that I wasn't riding on 360 or the dam loop. For the first time in months, I had no idea what was around the next turn. That's when it hit me that we've started riding and won't see the Rockies riders or our families for at least two months.

Then after another grueling 70 miles, we rode through Brownwood, where we received an incredibly warm welcome. Cars passing by cheered for us as we rode by and someone on the side of the road actually stopped to clap.

At our third rest stop we met Vonne, a long time supporter of Texas 4000. She told us about experiences she's had with riders in the past and wore her "Brownwood supports Texas4000" t-shirt.

On the way to Winters (our next stop), we had a rest stop at Jack's house. His family organized burgers, dessert, and welcomed us in their house providing much needed relief for the team. I was actually sagging today, so I got to enjoy this wonderful hospitality without riding.

Now, on day three, I arrived with the team in Winters, TX where another wonderful host is welcoming us. We had burgers for the second time (also delicious), and even though I didn't ride today, I am exhausted and so ready to sleep.

I'm amazed by all the people I've already met. People are so willing to help and share their stories. From the friendly cheering to the many people who have provided food, housing, or emotional support, this trip is definitely worth the saddle sores.

Onward Sierras.

-po Polsku-

Przejechalam trzeci dzien Texas4000, i ciagle trudno mi jest uwiezyc ze juz zaczelam ta podruz.

Boli mnie pupa, moje ubrania nigdy nie wysychaja, juz slonce mnie spalilo.

Ale juz w trzecim dniu widze ze cala ta wycieczka jest warta wszystkich tych doswiadczen.

Wyjechalam z Austin z cala druzyna po emocjonalnych dedykacjach naszej jazdy. Wiele ludzi, tak jak zawsze, podzielilo sie ich historja o raku z nami. Tym razem bylo dziesiec razy bardziej emocjonalnie poniewasz tym razem naprawde wyjezdzalismy z Austin.

Potem, nastepnego dnia, nasze rodziny i przyjaciele dolaczyli do nas zeby przejechac 50 mil. Chociasz dlugo jechalismy, bardzo sie cieszylam z tej jazdy poniewasz moji rodzice (kturzy przejechali 50 mil!!) mogli zobaczyc jak sie jezdzi z druzyna i jak spedzalam czas przez ostatnie kilka miesiecy.

Potem jak juz wszyscy zostawili nas na noc spedzilismy ostatnie momety z druga druzyna, Rockies. Rano pozegnalismy sie i pojechala moja druzyna w kierunku Brownwood.

Czulam sie jak na normalnym trennningu. Dopiero po 30 milach naprawde zauwazylam ze nie znam trasy i ze nigdy jej przedtem nie przejechalam. Pierwszy raz naprawde zaczelam rozumiec ze moja podruz sie zaczela.

Juz w czasie pierwszych trzech dni zauwazylam jak mili ludzie po drodze sa i ile nam pomagaja.

Zaczymalismy sie w Brownwood i dostalismy pyszny obiad. A w drodze do Winters zaczymalismy sie u naszego kolegi rodzicow w domu i pozwolili nam plywac. A teraz jestem juz w Winters, TX. Dotalismy hamburgery, picie, i domy z prysznicamy.

To nie jedyni ludzie kturzy nam pomogli. Musialam duzo z nich ominac w bloggu bo po prostu za duzo jest do opowiedzenie.

Z tego powodu po mimo bulu, cala podruz juz jest udana.

Dalej Sierra.