Belgium Training

Maybe a month ago I posted a description of Belgium, Italian, and French Riders. Today I was a Belgium Rider. With only about 8 of us showing to the Giro we took off. While on Haynes I suggested that we turn around at Hwy 11 because of the dark clouds. Brett said “We’re committed now – we’re going to get wet. We might as well do it all.” Soon after this I attacked (really just picked up the pace. I was off the front by myself and was having good numbers so I kept going. When I turned onto the service road I looked back and saw that they were about a minute back and were chasing so I figured I would try to outlast the small group ride. I rode the entire route and on the way back, about halfway down Hwy. 11 (Chef Hwy), the rain moved in with a blink of the eye. I saw a garbage can on the side of the rode and figured that I would hide out behind there and call for back up to pick me up at the Chevron at the end of Chef. SO I made some calls but no answers!!! I ended up hanging out on the side of this garbage can for about 10 minutes while the rain pounded down at 45 degree angles. I noticed the water coming up on my right and knew that soon I would be sitting in a puddle instead of on rocks and attempted to move the full garbage can up the gravel driveway to higher ground. This is when the gentleman living in the house behind me, notice me and his wife rushed out to let me in the gate. Ironically, through the rain he thought I was a girl. These people were so nice and gave me a towel to dry off with and gave me a ride back to my place in New Orleans (after no contact could be made to arrange a ride). I own a big debt to Mary and Charlie Dake. Thanks so much!!!

One last note: the Dake’s lost everything in Katrina and since have built their home back slowly, but most impressively by themselves. And as some may say – “This aint no sissay house!” We are talking I-beam construction and a complete steel structure. Their house isn’t done yet but when it is, it will be fit for a king. With the hearts of gold that the Dake’s they deserve such a palace.