Houston-based African American attorney makes Texas-sized oath to Gulf Coasters

Houston-based African American attorney Carlette Moore is taking on the biggest physical challenge of her life: Cycling 512 miles in six days in the inaugural ModSpace Tour du Rouge. Even more challenging, however, might be that she's the only woman on her 10-member team.

The bike ride runs May 3 to 8, when 300 bikers will join Carlette to cycle along the Gulf Coast, from Houston to New Orleans. Their goal is raise $1 million for American Red Cross chapters in the area, parts of which are still devastated by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

Since 2001, Carlette has raised over $10,000 for charity by participating in similar bike races. She has most recently ridden in the MS150 from Houston to Austin, benefiting the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. But those 150 miles will look like a walk in the park when she finishes the Tour du Rouge.

That is, if all goes according to plan. Carlette loves a challenge, but will her 50-year-old legs be able to keep up with her headstrong attitude and male counterparts? Her biggest concern is whether she'll have the energy to get out of bed each day and get on her bike.

She's training hard and can't wait for that final lap, when she'll achieve the goal she's making to herself and the people of the Gulf Coast. Carlette has seen the Red Cross's outstanding accomplishments, and she wants nothing more than to help the organization better help people in need.

Katie Nicolai