Hello everyone, It is Oct 11, day nine of the trip. I had a relatively easy day today, 85 miles from Bogalusa to Balton Rouge. The roads have turned completely flat now and even though there are a lot of bumps and cracks on them, I like them just fine. Today was another rainy day, not too cold but it got pretty dark at times with so much rain coming down. Also today was the first time I saw a group or cyclists out on the road! Well kind of out, I was on about mile 50 and it was raining, not too hard but a steady drizzle, nothing that would stop a cyclist (so I thought) I rode past an old country store that had a nice little shed and there, under it, where at least 3 cyclists, huddled into one little group trying to avoid being touched by the rain! I rode past it and waved and they just looked at me like I was out of my mind for being out there..may be I am.. :) I have not talked really much about what has been going on in my head while I am on the bike: I do, every morning when I get on the bike, think about my beautiful wife and children. How the sacrifices made by those who love me have allowed to be doing what I do. I am thank full for them and all the good things that come my way..then I think, is this really going to work? what is going to be the end result of this? I know we will get some donations, I know we will make some people happy. Will we be able to get enough attention that enough people donate and we can built the clinic? Yes this is a great feeling, to know that I can push my self to limits I did not know, that I can keep going despite the physical and mental pain that being on the bike for over 8n hours at a time can have on someone. There is too the sadness that comes to me when I realize that at that point when I am pedaling tirelessly I am out there, alone, my wife and children hundreds of miles away thinking about me, worry, sad, crying. I have seen my efforts and the efforts of so many others come to life in the smile of so many children time and time again. And trust me when I am out there on the long roads I also see all of those beautiful smiles. Why? is the most common question I got when it comes to this trip. Why?...because it is the right thing to do..I also love to see the children smile :) Well those are some of my actual thoughts on the bike, (when I'm not thinking about food!!) I have to admit, now after 9 days my body seems to be getting tired, I am considering taking at least half of the day off tomorrow.. Well I guess I will have to since I am being interviewed by a local news channel station here around 9:am! Ahhhhh the pains of being Internationally famous!! hahaha I hope every one had a great and safe weekend, stay tuned, Ascary To Liliana and Ava: Hola mijas, I hope you girls had a great weekend with your cousins. I had a good weekend, I spent a lot of time on the bicycle and I am tired but happy because I am almost half of the way done and that means I will get to see you girls very soon. I hope you girls are being very good to each other and to your friends at school. I miss you girls very much and I can't wait to see you. Love papi, PS. Tell mami I love her here are a bunch of clips from the weekend. enjoy!