Around 2000 riders were poised to start the 2008 Gator Ride in Baytown but we had to wait 15 to 20 minutes to give the late arriving fog time to thin out some. When I arrived at 6:30 AM the fog had not started to fill the area but by the scheduled 7:30 start the fog had rolled in. The temperature was in the low 60’s and no wind appeared to be moving.
Click on the picture to a full size version.
Steve gets ready for the start.
Father and son wait for the ride to begin.
The fog crashes the party.
One of the highlights of the ride is going up and over the George Hartman bridge. I was planning on taking a few pictures but the fog was so thick I could not see much to take a picture of. Maybe my glasses were just fogged.
The Lynchberg Ferry waits for the Orion Highway car carrier ship to pass in the Houston Ship Channel as it leaves Houston. Riders rode the ferry in groups of 100 or so. On the north side of the ship channel the fog was thinning quickly.
Riders fuel up at rest stop #2. The fog is gone and the sun has arrived. Gold fish and animal crackers were the main course. Sport drink was there too. I am of the opinion that whoever supplies the sport drink sends the flavor no one likes to get rid of it. Where is the orange flavor? Instead we get this light pale green stuff that is not very good.
After leaving rest stop 2 around the 25 mile mark on the 62 mile route I came upon a crash scene. There was a siren in the distance as I turned south and ahead was a group of riders gathered in the middle of the rode with a sherrif’s deputy. A ride marshall was describing one lady’s injuries as I approached. Two women were down on the pavement in not very good shape. Passing through the scene I soon heard the ambulence coming to the spot of the collision. I hope the two women are okay.
Riders at rest stop #3.
Rest stop #4 was my last stop until the finish line. Sport drink had been used up. A blessing in disguise, I think. With the light southeast wind riding to the finish was not too difficult. Drivers along the route made way for the riders. Route markers were at all of the key locations. There was one intersection that was had a stop sign knocked down. The rider ahead of me almost met the pickup moving to cross the intersection. I think this was at Solander and E. Archer.
At the finish line I had two chili dogs and a sausage on a stick. The father and son across the table from me were hurrying to finish so the son could go to ball practice. The son must have an abundance of energy but I did not find out how far he rode.
As usual the Gator Ride is well run. The Baytown YMCA and the sponsors put a lot work into the ride. My wife always loves the T-shirt. The artwork is superb with the Gator.
