Oh, the joy of the South

[Anthony]

First off, to all of my Irish brethren gathering in the beautiful state of Oregon, I am so sad on the inside that I can't be up there for all of the festivities going on. I hope you guys are having fun without me (insert tear drop). I know you'll manage.

In other news, we are absolutely flying through these southern states. All through Texas, everyone was telling us not to judge the state based on west Texas. Well, after Tyler, we got into "East Texas" and it was gorgeous. Beautiful riding, but it only lasted a day or so and we were already in Arkansas. Arkansas was way prettier than I had ever thought, but in a day and a half we were already through and into Mississippi. I'm not even sure we spent 24 hours there, (but it was a very pretty ride) and we rolled on into Tennessee. This is some gorgeous country. It's been raining on us pretty heavily, but at least it's been nice and cool.

Finally, one final shout out to my main man Astarloza from Orbea's pro-team for finally winning a stage. He's been attacking the whole tour, and he finally got his first stage victory.

Staying in an awesome dorm-room type building at Union University, home of Bethany and Erin. Beautiful campus, beautiful bed. All to myself. . . .

[Mom Catalano]

Hi Sweetheart! Thanks for the shout-out to all the relatives! They were excited to see a new blog! We've been checking every day! Hope everyone is in good health and happy to be riding in cooler weather! I pray for your safety every day and you're on my mind at all times! I love you! RideWell and Ride Safe! -Mom

[Mom Catalano]

We are having a great time here! With the eating and the drinking and the riding and the walking it's been a perfect time becaus then weather has been ideal at about 80 degrees!. We're sorry you're hot here but we know you're enjoying your trip with the other bikers. We look forward to having you at our next reunion which will be in 2012. Enjoy! Great Uncle Lou Murphy

[Mom Catalano]

What a wonderful trip you are having a what a nice thing you are doing to raise funds
for the people of Africa! We have a priest at our parish from Nigeria (our second Nigerian priest). I admire what you are doing (you must be in great shape it sounds like you are flying through the southern States!) and wish you a continued safe journey. We had our talent show last night and your Uncle Bill crooned us with an Eric Clapton love song. We are having loads of fun and we keep you in our thoughts and prayers! God bless you and your fellow cyclists! Cousin Mike Murphy's wife - Connie Murphy

[Mom Catalano]

Greetings my pumping, peddling, hole-avoiding nephew! We sure miss you up here and your mom's been busy giving updates to all your cousins for you, but you need to make the next once, you'd have loads of fun, rafting down the river, hiking, a couple of them even went skydiving on Tuesday! But alas, your smiling face and good humor is missing. Looks like you finally got a break from the heat, so I'm glad for the change, even wet is still better than baking. I'll bet the Appalachiens (?) are beautiful, and a little challenging. Watch out for the potholes!

Uh-Beo

[Mom Catalano]

Hey Hoser.....Like keep the tires on the pavement saillor.... Uncle Pat (Murphy)

Have fun!

[Mom Catalano]

From Mike Murphy - What a great opportunity to see the country & have some great fun! We ARE having some great fun here in Oregon! Reserfvving a front seat on my white water raft for a trip oin the McKenzie River, 38 degrees at most, but I'll put you in the front row cuz I need a windshield! Have a great day! - Cousin Mike