Up really early Saturday morning with temperatures hovering in the high 30s, I (in the center of the photo, white helmet) participated in the McAllen Arbor Day Bike Tour, a 25-mile tour through McAllen, south to near where we live, and return; some 100 bicycle riders participated. Though not a race, about half the participants were young, athletic 30-40 mph riders, and led the pack. My statistics for the ride are as follows:
Ride Time: 1:56:46
Stopped Time: 26:36
Distance: 24.49 miles
Average: 12.59 mph
Fastest Speed: 22.45 mph
Ascent: 138 feet
Descent: 135 feet
Calories: 1717
In addition to the bike tour, 5K and 10K runs were held, and a high speed bicycle race highlighted the day’s activities with riders from all over the world; riders from Russia, Italy, and Germany placed first, second, and third, respectively.
Today also provided an opportunity to do perform some chores such as dumping and flushing the tanks, and doing laundry. But, back to fun things, it is also the big day for the Mission Citrus Festival. Kay and Loretta drove up to town to watch the parade. Several of the floats were decorated with citrus products, and many reflected the Hispanic culture of the region with Mariachi bands, etc. One trio of men dressed as bandidos, and allowed their picture to be taken for a $1 donation to Knights of Columbus.
With only a brief rest, Al, Sharon, Kay, and I attended Annie Get Your Gun, a local high school production. The high school talent is at or beyond what existed in colleges just a few short years ago. The play was superb, with great thespians, stage sets, live music, etc. While schools in the RGV put a priority on athletics, they also put significant priority on their fine arts programs, both in terms of money and talented faculty, and it shows. Tonight’s play has had 8 sold out performances, each with about 800 attendees. We have been really impressed with all the productions and activities during our winter stays here.
As an aside, today is Robbie Burns Day, a celebration of Robert Burns’ birthday, and we forgot to celebrate—should auld acquaintance be forgot?
Dunngone's Blog 