Continuing our “perfect” plan…I entered a trail along the top of a series of levees.

The trail descended & ascended every mile or so to accommodate a service road. I cranked along the top of the levees, traffic-free, king of my world, enjoying the afternoon warmth.

Until, at one of the crossings, a safety gate forced cyclists to dismount and walk through a sharp 120-degree turn. It was a simple way to minimize intersection accidents, except the turn was too abrupt and narrow for the handcycle’s long turning radius. Of course, I didn’t discover this fact until I was halfway through the gate.

I was hopelessly stuck. Afternoon became late afternoon as I sat motionless, trapped by this “safety” gate. After about thirty minutes another cyclist appeared.

“Are you stuck?”

I resisted the impulse to claim I got trapped intentionally because I needed a break. The guy was really very kind and managed to free me from my trap. He informed me there were two similar barriers waiting down the trail.

So I abandoned the bike path, found a busy road with no shoulder, and risked life and limb for a couple of miles. Finally I caught up with Becky and related the safety gate incident.

“So that’s why it looked like you were sitting in one place on the GPS.”

Becky suggested it might be wise to stop and complete this ride in the morning. She was probably right. Afternoon was fading, but I was determined to complete my perfect plan, cross Old Chain of Rocks Bridge, and finish the day triumphantly at the Gateway Arch.

Determination is a good thing. Mostly. During the eight weeks of Rich’s Ride I rarely feared actual physical danger.

I was about to crank myself into one of those situations.

To be continued…

+ + +

Jon said I should tell you about our upcoming ride.

I’m riding in the FREEDOM TOUR CLASSIC on June 17^th. The event raises funds to support a Home of Hope that serves children rescued from the horrors of sex trafficking.

In addition, I’ve committed to crank my handcycle 2000 miles in 2023.

I started handcycling in 1999. This year I hope to push my overall total past 46,000 miles. But this isn’t really about miles.

Your donation will make a real, tangible difference in the lives of children who were destined for sexual slavery, but now live in freedom.

Want to support these kids through my ride?

DONATE HERE.