Day 2 (I think)

 Great group of bikers!

The town of Sulfur LA was amazing! Thank so much to 

the Mayor, Fire Department and volunteers for coming out to support the riders and American Red Cross.

I think I can, I think I can, I think I can...

Beautiful scenery along the ride.

The

Day 1 or 2 (I've lost track)

Joyce and me reaching Louisiana.

Preparing to leave Beaumont.

Bikers and another bridge. I've learned that bridges are a big deal to bikers!

This

More photos

Blogging (for me) continues to be very difficult from iPad and iPhone. So...I'l keep trying!

We reached the beach!

Me at the beach!

Bikers!

Crossing a bridge

more from Day 1

Ron seeing me off in Houston.

Some of the riders. This AWESOME group has raised $500,000 for American Red Cross in this year's Tour du Rouge. And they're still collecting more along the route!

The Stars and Stripes lead the beginning of the ride! Many thanks to the law enforcement and fire departments along the route.

And they'

Day 1 Photos

Sign in the back of our ERV.

Day 1: Morning Houston to Beaumont

Wow - what a full day! I'm exhausted - and I didn't even ride a bike! Joyce, my partner who's from New Orleans, and I followed the riders in the ERV. I thought this would be a "slow" job, but I was so wrong. Yes - we follow the last riders, but also pick up all of the directional signs along the way. These signs were put out before daylight and in the early morning hours by the sign crew. Yep - over 125 signs we stopped to pick up, in and out of the ERV. We also picked up a few riders with physical issues - cramping legs, back pain, etc. - and their bikes. They continued with us until one of the SAG vehicles could circle back and pick them up. (I can't remember what SAG stands for, but will find out.) Along the way, we met local volunteers who set up rest stops.

More later!

Day O- dinner and crew meeting

Schedule

Day 0 (Sat.): Houston TX Day 1 (Sun.): Beaumont TX Day 2 (Mon.): Sulphur LA Day 3 (Tues.): Abbeville LA Day 4 (Wed.): Morgan City LA Day 5 (Thur.): Gonzales LA Day 6 (Fri.): New Orleans LA

Today's the day!

It's finally here! Tour du Rouge! Ron is driving me to Houston to meet the crew and riders for check-in. Tonight is the kick-off dinner and first crew meeting, in person - that is. We've met via conference call for months now. Seems like I know everyone on the crew already, though we've never met. My official Tour du Rouge duffle bag is all packed and ready to go. The bags were provided, so they'll all be the same size and easy to load/unload from the luggage truck. My assignment is co-driving the ERV (Emergency Response Vehicle) with Joyce, from New Orleans. We'll follow the last rider every day, pick up directional signs, and any riders who can't finish the ride. We called the "turtle" vehicle. I've been so very impressed with the organization and planning of our leaders. They thought of everything! Will post pictures from tonight, but meanwhile, check out the website www.tourdurouge.org and also on Facebook: American Red Cross Tour du Rouge. Later gater! Bobbie Ann