Tuesday, June 25, 2002

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On to Fort Worth.  A day of surprises for all.

We no sooner unloaded the bikes in preparation for our early morning ride, than the heavens opened with a steady rain.  We actually had to wear our windbreakers as we started pedaling.  Bad turned to worse as we ground out miles grudgingly due to rough roads and rolling hills.  Joe had a flat and had to change bikes.  The hills kept getting steeper and steeper though we had a great downhill run of one mile with a top speed of 34 miles per hour. 

As you can see, Animal was having a much better time of it on the road than we were.

Of course, being in the cab with Meredy, did a lot to improve his disposition.

As we approached a stop sign, a car pulled alongside.  These three young men, whose uncle is a bilateral amputee, thanked us for what we were doing and donated a five dollar bill.  We were sincerely touched.

Just before we got on our bikes for the last ten miles of our ride, Animal spotted a lady's pocketbook in the grass bordering the shoulder of the road.  It was full of identification and credit cards as well as several prescriptions.  By calling her pharmacy, we were able to establish contact with the owner, and arrange for a speedy return of her property. Having completed our Good Samaritan duties, it was too late to complete the last ten miles of our ride.  So pictured with Animal is what we call the "Ten Mile Purse."

Our arrival at Healthsouth of City View in Ft Worth, can best be described as spectacular.  Definitely worth the time to view the video below.

We were warmly greeted by over one hundred patients, amputee support group members, and staff. 

We were honored to visit several patients.  Keith Williams and Henry Hubbard pictured below are great guys.

Archie Key entertained us with his stories and Texas folklore.

Doris Randall showed us her undaunted courage to live each day to its fullest.

Eleasia Graham was a delight and joy to be around.  Her positive attitude and willingness to work without complaint, impressed us.

And now, Amputees Across America, is proud to present, the very first Amputee Precision Bicycling Team whose exploits and acts of precise formation bicycling awed the crowds.  Better known at the Dunderbirds, this team performed maneuvers which brought the crowd, nurses, doctors, and ambulance attendants to their feet.  The finale consisted of that well known maneuver known as the "Dunderburst."  A display of tightly executed aerobatics, culminating in a elliptical flight path of converging proportions.  Those who watch the video below cannot help but be impressed with our skills and courage.  Enjoy!

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