BRAN: Day 4, Round 4

[Wahoo!
New record for most rounds in one day!
Yeah!
Okay, I'm done now.

I talked with Bob for about 187 seconds this evening. It seems that tonights pictures came from a different camera phone and he wanted to verify that came through. They did!

[Phil, Mark and Bob showing off their studlyness.]

[So, does anyone know when Bob started wearing a hat? I thought it was a fluke in the (3rd picture in Day 0), but now, once again, we have a hat wearing, smile toting Bob. If it was not one of the other pictures, I would almost wonder if he shaved his head instead of his legs.

Before I share the next picture, I wanted to share a couple of fan letters. See, I sent an e-mail to a couple of Bob's friends and family (as well as the blog post to every one of you reading), encouraging them to encourage Bob, which I have displayed (mostly) here:

"Alright family and friends, you need to get out there and encourage that boy OR send him some sarcastic comment OR anything that will rile and/or encourage him. His appreciation will bubble over if you do, guaranteed. From your friendly, neighborhood blogger, NickC."

We got quite a response (both in comments and e-mails) and I would like to share two appreciative e-mails from Bob's Dad and Keli's Mom (UPDATE: Keli's parents are pictured below) that informed me that they were on their way to Ord. Seems like a good place to post them, now that Bob has seen them (was not sure if it was going to be a surprise or not.)]

From Dad - Thank you for posting information to Bob's blog. It's neat being able to hear how things are going for him and the group. If I was in better shape and a few years younger, I'd love to be out there with him.  Have a great rest of the day!

From Mom - Thanks for keeping us in touch.  We really appreciate it.  We're planning to drive up to Ord tonight to see Bob so we can relay messages that way too.  It's about 75-80 mile drive each way, so not too bad since we'll be in a car - not on a bike.  Thanks again.

[I have to say, it has been great to share Bob and his friend's misadventures. I cannot wait until Bobby can return the favor for my wife and I next year.

So, Bob, I got the $100 question for you! Were you encouraged by the comments and fan mail? See, the e-mail I sent almost went on to say that I would pay everyone if you were not appreciative of the comments. I changed my mind when I thought of some of the comments Rod could have sent you that, well, you would not have appreciated.]

[I almost ended without an actual TRIP comment!]

Bob called (as I said above) at about 8:10. He was speaking with an "inside the bedroom voice." You know, one of those voices where you try not to wake up the person next to you. See, he had other people around him who were trying to sleep! I found that humorous, until I remembered that some of these bikers were hard-core / dedicated and would be on their bikes around 3:00 AM (weather permitting).

See you tomorrow.]