This year's UnitedHealthcare Texas Challenge featured a new start in the Gulf Coast town of Houston. It's the hometown of Clay Hunt and we were excited to have Clay's parents send off the R2R warriors as they headed out of town towards Aggieland, 85 miles away.
The towns along the new route have really embraced Ride 2 Recovery and are extremely happy to see the ride come through their area for the first time. Even though there is not as much support from the American Legion Auxiliary as usual, the towns, other organizations, and the Legion Riders have more than made up, as this was one of the best first days we have seen in Texas.
The towns of Tomball and Navasota had practically the whole town line the route as the riders headed north under cool and cloudy skies. Texas is a very patriotic state and it was evident the entire day.
This year's new route is not the only thing new about the ride today. Jose Miranda, a single leg above the knee amputee, had been riding a hand cycle in R2R challenges in the past. Today marked his first Challenge day on his new upright road bike that was donated to him by Gen. George Casey. Jose has been working very hard to get ready for this ride and the challenge of riding with his new prosthetic leg. He was so excited to have his girlfriend Cindy by his side as he completed the 85 mile route today. His smile said it all.
Tomorrow, the riders head northwest to another new city. The Town of Georgetown, TX will welcome the riders after the first century day for 2014.
