Family Encounters of the Texas Kind

Bill and Jerry Billingsley

After hand washing my jerseys at the church in McLean, Texas I pedaled down the brick road to Lolly's for dinner. 

The downtown used to have a movie theatre, three womens dress shops, a grocery, several banks and motel. After the highway was routed around the town businesses started to falter. 

Lolly's was a newer restaurant / grocery set inside one of the former dress shops. 

"How many miles you put on today," asked David Baird. He was a muscular man with tattoos on his forearms having dinner at Lolly's with his family and asked me to join them. 

The family encounters really make the tour special. 

Also at the table was David's wife Candace, their two kids. 

Candace's parents and then the grandparents, Bill and Jerry Billingsley joined in. 

Jerry was a hoot. She had rich, thick black hair and talked a lot about their busy cowboy lifestyle as they traveled to rodeos and watched their kids and grandkids compete. 

Married to Bill for 53 years Jerry said, "Couldn't a done it without my faith."

Breakfast with the boys in Santa Rosa

My breakfast mates at the Sun & Sand Restaurant on Route 66 in Santa Rosa. Bill helped me with directions drawing a map on a table napkin. The other fellas told stories of farming alfalfa, fixing trucks and Billy the Kid. 

"Every business that wants to make a buck was visited by Billy the Kid," said Bill. 

He was visited by one of his 35 grand kids. "This pretty girl is Miss Shelby," he said "I also have great grandkids," he clarified. 

The waitress brought my scrambled eggs with green chili. "You eating with them," she asked. 

I looked at Bill for approval. He nodded and said, "Bring another spoon."
 

Riding/traveling in tribute to Pat Bohn today

Today I'm leaving for New Mexico. I'll be traveling/riding in tribute to Pat Bohn today.

Here are some candid comments from Deb Bohn about what it's like to live with someone with Alzheimer's. Family support is a big key as there's an overwhelming fear of being very alone.



If you would like to have Judy ride in tribute of your loved one, please email a photo to thebikewriter@gmail.com or judyharley@yahoo.com, include the person's name and a brief note if you like, and send off your contribution by clicking HERE. The entire $100 donation will go toward Alzheimer's programs at Cedar Community.

2016 Amazing Ride for Alzheimer's jerseys arrive!

The 2016 Amazing Ride for Alzheimer's jerseys have arrived! Megan from Horicon Bank helped model the new look. She's the pro and obviously I'm cheating and looking to copy.

Thanks to all the wonderful sponsors for their support including Tim Schmidt and USCCA, Horicon Bank, Cast Iron, A&W Iron and Metal, Thrivent Financial, Wiedmeyer Trucking, Extra Mile Snow Plowing, Gruber Tool & Die, Dental Professionals in Germantown, Promotion Pros and Cedar Community.

Thanks so much to Husar's House of Fine Diamonds for printing and supplying the jerseys. 

Tour leaves June 21 for New Mexico!


Please remember that 100 percent of the money raised stays local and goes to exercise and music activities at Cedar Community. If you'd like to donate click here.