The Dow team start

We just can't wait to get the show on the road.

Road shot

Here is a shot from the road as we just get outside of Houston.

Drink up

As you can see everyone is busy getting hydrated.

1645 Drafting

Yep, this is me (1645) drafting Steve.

Pace line accelerates

Our pace line had to say "on your left" pretty much from Houston to La Grange.

Team Dow having lunch

Lunch on day 1 came at mile 50. It was great to have a wide place to sit for a while.

Typical rest stop

This is the edge of a rest stop, can you believe the number of people!

Fuel stop

Steve Derek and I had eyes bigger than our stomachs.

Luis Greg and Derek hit the wall

Actually we didn't hit it as much as we sat on it.

What this ride is all about

It is extremely touching and motivating to see all of the folks with MS trhoughout the ride thanking us and cheering us on.

Greg after lunch

Greg begins his ride after lunch on day 1.

Greg Derek and Steve relax

We were all busy trying to hydrate ourselves for day 2.

Dow tent

Here is a peak inside the Dow tent

The Dow Tent

This served as our home away from home in La Grange.

Better than a cold water hose

Luis waits for his turn for a shower at the end of day 1.

Greg on his mobile by the mobile showers

Greg breaks the news to his kids that "no, we did not finish in first place, but were probably within the top 10%".

The fab 4

From left to right: Derek, Steve, Greg and I. We had a great paceline on day 1 finishing 100 miles in 5 hours and 20 minutes.

Dere Steve and Luis

Here we are hydrating at the Dow tent and telling great cycling tales.

Campground

Here are a few of the tents in the La Grange fairgrounds.

Massage tables

These ladies were no doubt the most popular people in the Dow tent.

Look at these nice jerseys

Yet another rest stop (yes we also rode in between rest stops).

Dow Team Photo

Here are the 240 riders from the Dow Team.

Peloton

It is amazing to see this many bikes on the road.

John and Derek reach Austin

John and Derek (from EMC) smile as they enter Austin City limits.

The end is almost in sight

Luis' self portrait 5 miles from the finish line.

The Finish Line

It really feels great to see this sign at 11:50 AM on Sunday morning.

Coleen Griffith

Coleen reaches the finish line in Austin.

Determination

This guy was determined to finish no matter what.

Accomplishment

It is nice to see people celebrate the end of their ride.

John and Derek in Austin

John and Derek try to hold their bikes at the end of 180 miles.

Waiting for luggage

The luggage truck arrived after the cyclists did in Austin

Bike return

People lining up to turn in their bikes for the return trip to Houston.