Diane took this picture as I was mounting my bicycle the morning of the 1st day. I was full of anticipation (I think we both were). We were embarking on a great adventure and, for me, a serious physical challenge. We had planned well. We knew which roads we would be traveling. (We both had a printed copy of the route I would be taking). Diane would be driving the support vehicle. She had packed all of the water and sports drink I would need to keep hydrated. She had food for meals along the way, plus energy and protein bars, dried fruit, bananas, oranges, apples, and cookies for snacks -- everything I would need to keep my caloric intake balanced with my usage. We also had the car supplied with spare parts and tools to address emergency repairs. Needless to say, by the time we added extra changes of clothing, the car was packed full. I wore a blue tooth ear peace so that we could communicate back and forth via cell phone without having to use my hands. I felt very confident, knowing that Diane would be meeting up with me every 20 to 30 miles or so.
The first picture I took was of a patch of wild flowers growing along a bicycle path in Highland Village. The flowers remind me of rockets with red and yellow flames shooting out the bottoms.
From past experience I knew that I would encounter scores of scenes along the way that would add beauty and variety to the whole experience.
However, more than that, I have been praying that I would be able to see and apply personal moral values from some of my experiences.
This is a picture of Denton Creek near Argyle, Texas. It is usually just a small creek, as the name would suggest. However, following the heavy rains for the past 30 days it, along with almost all tributaries, it was swollen well beyond its normal boundaries.
Later in the day we learned that due to extensive flooding in both Texas and Oklahoma the route we had planned to take, US Hwy 377, was closed to traffic at four different locations, forcing us to take detours.
One of the bicycle routes that I followed was the Denton Branch Rail Trail. It runs along the railroad right of way. This section is about 9 miles long and makes for very nice riding. There are also several Rail Trails in Dallas which I have followed previously. You can't maintain a steady cadence, however, due to the frequent road crossings that require you to slow down or come to a complete stop every mile or so.
Diane and I had planned to rendezvous at the Pilot Point town square for lunch on the first day. The route I took to Pilot Points was 43 miles. I was ready for lunch. And a fine lunch I had, which included a rest break!
Typical of many small towns in Texas, the town square is just that. Built around a court house, if it is a County Seat, or around a public square, as is the case with Pilot Point. Nonetheless, you will frequently find turn of the century architecture, as with this bank building.
We stopped by the local police station to inquire regarding highway closings between Pilot Point and Lake Texoma. There were three. Following their recommended detours took well over an hour to get us back on track.
We were both amazed at how full Lake Texoma was. The water was up to the level of the bridge. 
The US 377 bridge over Lake Texoma has two narrow lanes and no shoulder. So Diane ferried me to the Oklahoma side, where I resumed riding my bike.
Our destination for the day was Madill, Oklahoma which was only about 16 miles north of the lake.
However, due to our long lunch break and the detours around closed roads, we didn't arrive until almost 7 pm in the evening.
DAY ONE STATS:
- Miles: 101.3
- Avg Speed: 13.9 mph
- Riding time: 7 hours, 15 min.
- Wind: 6 mph (head wind)
- Calories burned: 5553
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