Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Across America Trek Enjoyed a Day Off in Chicago 7/30/12
Across America Trek Makes it to Chicago 7/28/12
"Today we are having our
first rest day since Missoula. We are on the train now on our way to downtown
Chicago. The kids will finally get to explore the city. Every night we go
around and tell each other what we look forward to for later in the trip. Every
night for weeks it has been Chicago chicago Chicago! Yesterday we found a series
of bike paths which went on for seventy miles, all the way to Wheaton; a town 25
miles from Chicago. Kiana's aunt and grandma live there. They very generously
opened their home to us, gave us a delicious dinner and breakfast, let us sleep
on their comfy beds and air mattresses
and gave us suggestions and directions of things to do around the city. This
morning we watched the swimming and cycling in the olympics at their house.
Last night we watched the London opening ceremonies. Tonight, the night of the
28th, we will stay there again and tomorrow we will go on towards South Bend,
Buffalo, New York, and everywhere in between."--Jacob, Trip Leader
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Across America Trek Crosses the Mississippi River! 7/26/12
“We're in Wisconsin! After
cruising through Minnesota and Iowa we crossed the Mississippi River yesterday
afternoon and went out for dinner in Mount Hope to celebrate our 9th state.
Woohoo! We got our 15 minutes of fame in Iowa; someone in the grocery
store in St. Ansgar called the newspaper and as we were sitting eating our lunch
a reporter came over to take pictures and ask us questions. We spent time
exploring the cute little city of Decorah while some bikes were in the shop and
we had lunch at their co-op. The scenery for the past few days has mostly been
fields of genetically modified corn and soybeans with cows and pig farms here
and there, but eastern Iowa had more trees and hills than we had expected. The
people we've met have all been incredibly kind and generous and we're far enough
east now that people are stunned when we say we started our ride from the Oregon
Coast. Today we're riding to Madison and we're excited to swim in Kiana's
family's pool and sleep on their floor. All is well here; we send our hellos and
good wishes to everyone back home!” -Julia, Trip Leader
Follow
the trip
How To Be A Polite Car
Everyone talks about proper biking etiquette, but what really needs to be talked
about is proper driving etiquette.
Drivers pretty please pay attention and take notes. Truck drivers- listen up
this is mainly for you!
When you see a biker on the side of the road turn a little to the left, do not
point the car at the biker! There are two types of honks, however only one is
appropriate. The two beep or more short honks are encouraged. It means that you
are supporting us! The lay on the horn long beep is not necessary. I understand
those crazy bikers that swerve into the lane sometimes and you have to honk, but
it is just scary when you lay on the horn and it could cause an accident with
the biker and the ground! The rumble strips are a bikers enemy as well as a
cars. So just think if you are on the rumble strip you might as well be running
the biker over-stay off it! Semi-trucks pay close attention! When I get tired I
like to fling my arms around, mainly because I am close to going crazy. When you
drive by and see bikers that look like they are trying to fly don't get too
close- it could cause a broken wing.
Also!! When there is a hill please don't go in the left lane to get around us.
It practically gives me a heart attack because you are putting your life as well
as another's in danger. Simply slow down! I promise wherever you headed is not
that important and it can wait for me to make it up the hill. If I am taking too
long then honk to make sure I didn't fall asleep- hills take me a long time!
Well thank you for taking notes! I can't wait to share the road!
P. S. you could donate your gas money at www.pedalingforpencils.stayclassy.org
and hop on a bike! While on your bike use the Charity Mile App! It donates 10
cents to Pencils of Promise for every mile you ride!
about is proper driving etiquette.
Drivers pretty please pay attention and take notes. Truck drivers- listen up
this is mainly for you!
When you see a biker on the side of the road turn a little to the left, do not
point the car at the biker! There are two types of honks, however only one is
appropriate. The two beep or more short honks are encouraged. It means that you
are supporting us! The lay on the horn long beep is not necessary. I understand
those crazy bikers that swerve into the lane sometimes and you have to honk, but
it is just scary when you lay on the horn and it could cause an accident with
the biker and the ground! The rumble strips are a bikers enemy as well as a
cars. So just think if you are on the rumble strip you might as well be running
the biker over-stay off it! Semi-trucks pay close attention! When I get tired I
like to fling my arms around, mainly because I am close to going crazy. When you
drive by and see bikers that look like they are trying to fly don't get too
close- it could cause a broken wing.
Also!! When there is a hill please don't go in the left lane to get around us.
It practically gives me a heart attack because you are putting your life as well
as another's in danger. Simply slow down! I promise wherever you headed is not
that important and it can wait for me to make it up the hill. If I am taking too
long then honk to make sure I didn't fall asleep- hills take me a long time!
Well thank you for taking notes! I can't wait to share the road!
P. S. you could donate your gas money at www.pedalingforpencils.stayclassy.org
and hop on a bike! While on your bike use the Charity Mile App! It donates 10
cents to Pencils of Promise for every mile you ride!
Monday, July 23, 2012
Across America Trek is in Minnesota! 7/22/12
“Today is our first whole day in Minnesota. We rolled into the state late last night along a nice country road. The first fireflies we have seen on the trip ushered us in. We went 89 miles today. It seemed effortless, as if we floated across the ground. This surely has to do with the fact that today was the first day in two weeks under ninety degrees. All through the heat wave people praised our courage. One lady saw us riding down the road and immediately offered us ice water and freeze pops. Let me tell you, when you have been riding in the heat a purple freeze pop tastes like divine ambrosia. Yesterday we saw the new batman movie in Sioux Falls South Dakota. Everyone loved it. Afterwards we hung out in a Barnes and noble to beat the heat. Over the last few days we have been hanging out with another group of bike tourists. We rode with them for a while. There were 6 of them and 9 of us. We were quite a sight to see riding fifteen strong down the back roads of South Dakota. We met another guy named john who had been riding since New Years day 2011. He was 8000 miles into a 12000 mile bike ride. We had fun sharing food and stories. Tonight we are camping in a city park in Sherburn Minnesota. There are some big cities coming up. We plan to stay in a hostel in Chicago and take a rest day to explore the city.” – Jacob, Trip Leader We Love to Ride
7/19/12
It is amazing how the community of cyclist are so friendly compared to other
activities. I have come to recognize that majority of bikers support other
bikers. While we are cruising down a street another biker will pass and honk to
show support. Or like yesterday, a group of cyclist joined us for our 75 mile
day.
We heard about a group of cyclists that were just 10 miles ahead of us. We were
shocked when we caught up to them at a gas station in Reliance, South Dakota.
They were awesome!! Originally their group started with Leah, Ajamaria, and
Winston. They found Derick and Daniel who were riding together. They all decided
to continue across the country together. Then they found us! We aren't sure how
long we will stay together, but it was fun to ride in a giant pack of 14 people,
we took up the entire road.
It was cool to hear all their stories. Where they came from, how they met, how
long they had been riding for, or how it was their first time actually riding a
bike (like me). Talking to random people is my favorite part of the trip so far.
It is awesome to hear about people's lives and to take the time to get to know
them.
Side note: My favorite person of the week to talk to was John Rogers from JRs
Bar. We camped in the backyard of his bar in Belvedere, South Dakota. He told me
a little about his life then took a nap in a dog bed on the stage by the bar. It
was funny.
Well that is about it for now. Talk to you all soon! Please continue to donate
at www.pedalingforpencils.stayclassy.org
Also feel free to send this on to anyone you know! I love strangers so I would
love to get to know them!
It is amazing how the community of cyclist are so friendly compared to other
activities. I have come to recognize that majority of bikers support other
bikers. While we are cruising down a street another biker will pass and honk to
show support. Or like yesterday, a group of cyclist joined us for our 75 mile
day.
We heard about a group of cyclists that were just 10 miles ahead of us. We were
shocked when we caught up to them at a gas station in Reliance, South Dakota.
They were awesome!! Originally their group started with Leah, Ajamaria, and
Winston. They found Derick and Daniel who were riding together. They all decided
to continue across the country together. Then they found us! We aren't sure how
long we will stay together, but it was fun to ride in a giant pack of 14 people,
we took up the entire road.
It was cool to hear all their stories. Where they came from, how they met, how
long they had been riding for, or how it was their first time actually riding a
bike (like me). Talking to random people is my favorite part of the trip so far.
It is awesome to hear about people's lives and to take the time to get to know
them.
Side note: My favorite person of the week to talk to was John Rogers from JRs
Bar. We camped in the backyard of his bar in Belvedere, South Dakota. He told me
a little about his life then took a nap in a dog bed on the stage by the bar. It
was funny.
Well that is about it for now. Talk to you all soon! Please continue to donate
at www.pedalingforpencils.stayclassy.org
Also feel free to send this on to anyone you know! I love strangers so I would
love to get to know them!
The List of Random things...
July 14, 2012
As I lay in my tent at 7am after getting home from the Ice Cream Shop/Saloon at
1am I have been able to think of a few things I like and a few things I dislike.
Here we go
1. I don't like biking up mountains in the dark. I am always terrified a deer or
bear is going to hit me. Which would hurt a lot.
2. I haven't showered in 4 days, which oddly enough I enjoy very much. The way
peoples noses kind of twitch when I walk in the room is amusing.
3. I really enjoy ice cream!! I eat it almost every day. Last night we got ice
cream around midnight at the Deadwood Dicks Saloon. ( I apparently smelled so
bad that the owner kindly gave me $3 to go to the local recreation center to
shower)
4. I don't like conflict. We had a few group tiffs and they were just no fun.
However conflicts are solved and we are cruising again.
5. I like sleeping in random places. My tent is currently located on the local
bike shop owners lawn next to a gas station (which is a score because one I can
get my bike fixed and two I can use the gas station restroom!) My other favorite
places to set up camp were the parks that either said "no bikes" or "no
camping." The other random people's houses we stay at. As well as the Lowe's
parking lot. (by far the best because they opened at 6am so I got to use their
restroom and they were really confused when I walked in looking like a zombie!)
Mostly that sums up what I like and dislike. Added below is a quick list without
descriptions. Keep donating everyone! We are doing great. We just reached
$4,000!!!
Like: Subway, soap, sunglasses, bike shops, civilization, saloons, my bike
shorts, my tent, my tent buddy Kiana, the boys that copied me by getting
aviators Bryson and Alex, the people I meet, trying to use maps rather than gps,
biking thru Taco Bell asking where the bike shop is, and running to the nearest
gas station to avoid going to the bathroom in nature.
Dislikes: oatmeal, flat tires, getting two flats in one day, having to buy new
tires because they shredded, when I have gone 70 miles but still have 20 left,
my knee aches, my heavy bike, and bugs!
As I lay in my tent at 7am after getting home from the Ice Cream Shop/Saloon at
1am I have been able to think of a few things I like and a few things I dislike.
Here we go
1. I don't like biking up mountains in the dark. I am always terrified a deer or
bear is going to hit me. Which would hurt a lot.
2. I haven't showered in 4 days, which oddly enough I enjoy very much. The way
peoples noses kind of twitch when I walk in the room is amusing.
3. I really enjoy ice cream!! I eat it almost every day. Last night we got ice
cream around midnight at the Deadwood Dicks Saloon. ( I apparently smelled so
bad that the owner kindly gave me $3 to go to the local recreation center to
shower)
4. I don't like conflict. We had a few group tiffs and they were just no fun.
However conflicts are solved and we are cruising again.
5. I like sleeping in random places. My tent is currently located on the local
bike shop owners lawn next to a gas station (which is a score because one I can
get my bike fixed and two I can use the gas station restroom!) My other favorite
places to set up camp were the parks that either said "no bikes" or "no
camping." The other random people's houses we stay at. As well as the Lowe's
parking lot. (by far the best because they opened at 6am so I got to use their
restroom and they were really confused when I walked in looking like a zombie!)
Mostly that sums up what I like and dislike. Added below is a quick list without
descriptions. Keep donating everyone! We are doing great. We just reached
$4,000!!!
Like: Subway, soap, sunglasses, bike shops, civilization, saloons, my bike
shorts, my tent, my tent buddy Kiana, the boys that copied me by getting
aviators Bryson and Alex, the people I meet, trying to use maps rather than gps,
biking thru Taco Bell asking where the bike shop is, and running to the nearest
gas station to avoid going to the bathroom in nature.
Dislikes: oatmeal, flat tires, getting two flats in one day, having to buy new
tires because they shredded, when I have gone 70 miles but still have 20 left,
my knee aches, my heavy bike, and bugs!
Across America Trek Rides with Friends 7/19/12
“It is amazing how the community of cyclist are so friendly compared to other activities. I have come to recognize that majority of bikers support other bikers. While we are cruising down a street another biker will pass and honk to show support. Or like yesterday, a group of cyclist joined us for our 75 mile day.We heard about a group of cyclists that were just 10 miles ahead of us. We were shocked when we caught up to them at a gas station in Reliance, South Dakota. They were awesome!! Originally their group started with Leah, Ajamaria, and Winston. They found Derick and Daniel who were riding together. They all decided to continue across the country together. Then they found us! We aren't sure how long we will stay together, but it was fun to ride in a giant pack of 14 people, we took up the entire road. It was cool to hear all their stories. Where they came from, how they met, how long they had been riding for, or how it was their first time actually riding a bike (like me). Talking to random people is my favorite part of the trip so far. It is awesome to hear about people's lives and to take the time to get to know them.” -- Kennedy, Teen Trekker
Across America Trek Fights Some Headwinds! 7/15/12
“We are in Hill City, SD! We are right next to Mount Rushmore; we’re going to go see it tomorrow morning. Today we didn’t get very far, only about 45 miles because it was all up hill and into the wind. It was a tough day but we were all looking forward to seeing Mount Rushmore, so it was worth it.” -- Jacob, Trip Leader
The group is doing great as they pass into their fifth state of the adventure. Those muscles are certainly being tested but for this group of amazingly strong riders it shouldn’t be much of a problem. The views from the saddles on these daily rides are breathtaking!
Across America Says Good Bye to Montana! 7/13/12
“We are in Alzada, MT. It is our vey last night in Montana; we are about 2 miles from the Wyoming border. In the morning we are going to look at maps and decide whether we want to go to Mount Rushmore or go up to Minneapolis. Tomorrow we expect to go through Wyoming all the way to South Dakota because we are only going through the top corner of Wyoming. Today we did 90 miles, everyone was going and feeling good, and we had minimal bike problems. We’ve been eating good food, the cook groups have been working well.” – Julia, Trip LeaderAcross America Enjoys Montana 7/9/12
The group is in Bozeman, MT. They’ve decided that they will ride out to Livingston, MT, only 30 miles east of Bozeman, today. The extra time will be used to take their bikes into a shop for some much needed bike repair love. They also found out a REI (Recreational Equipment Inc.) store located nearby and they wanted to take some time to check it out. We really can’t blame them as REI is a very cool store. All of the riders are having a great time exploring Montana and are loving the adventure. 
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Slug and Bam Bam Take on America!
Hello everyone! My new nature name (long story, don't ask) is Slug. Mainly
because while biking to Portland we went through a forest. The ground was
covered in these giant slugs. I thought they were pretty cool because of how
slow they moved. It reminded me of myself. This whole time while biking I have
just wanted to slow down and really appreciate what I am seeing. Also I am
usually in the back trying to catch up with everyone else.
Bam Bam is my bikes name. I was telling my leader Julia about how I wanted to
name my kid onomatopoeia: which means a descriptive word that describes an
action. Hence my bike's name of Bam Bam because when I fall the noise would be
"bam."
On to a more serious topic. We are currently sleeping at the Catholic Church in
Crow Agency, which is an Indian Reservation. When we pulled into town on our
bikes all the cars stopped and people were waving from all directions. It was as
if we were famous. Everyone was eager to help us and point us to a camp site. I
chose the church and I am glad I did. I met Sister Loretta at the front door and
she introduced me to Father Charlie. After moving into the Church gym we got a
tour of the Church. It was beautiful. I have never seen such detailed pictures.
All the Stations of the Cross were of Indians adorned in fabrics of symbolic
colors with translations of English and the native Crow language. Sister Loretta
told us some of the history and fun facts. We got to shower in her house and we
are doing laundry at the laundry mat in town. Kiana, Bryson and I are on laundry
duty while the others are making dinner. What we thought was going to be an
early night in bed has turned into a late night. Luckily we took an hour nap in
a parking lot next to the grocery store in Hardin MT.
All is well. I miss everyone and I will be sure to write more while traveling
through the adventurous state of South Dakota!
Keep donating!!
http://pedalingforpencils.stayclassy.org/
Xo Ken
because while biking to Portland we went through a forest. The ground was
covered in these giant slugs. I thought they were pretty cool because of how
slow they moved. It reminded me of myself. This whole time while biking I have
just wanted to slow down and really appreciate what I am seeing. Also I am
usually in the back trying to catch up with everyone else.
Bam Bam is my bikes name. I was telling my leader Julia about how I wanted to
name my kid onomatopoeia: which means a descriptive word that describes an
action. Hence my bike's name of Bam Bam because when I fall the noise would be
"bam."
On to a more serious topic. We are currently sleeping at the Catholic Church in
Crow Agency, which is an Indian Reservation. When we pulled into town on our
bikes all the cars stopped and people were waving from all directions. It was as
if we were famous. Everyone was eager to help us and point us to a camp site. I
chose the church and I am glad I did. I met Sister Loretta at the front door and
she introduced me to Father Charlie. After moving into the Church gym we got a
tour of the Church. It was beautiful. I have never seen such detailed pictures.
All the Stations of the Cross were of Indians adorned in fabrics of symbolic
colors with translations of English and the native Crow language. Sister Loretta
told us some of the history and fun facts. We got to shower in her house and we
are doing laundry at the laundry mat in town. Kiana, Bryson and I are on laundry
duty while the others are making dinner. What we thought was going to be an
early night in bed has turned into a late night. Luckily we took an hour nap in
a parking lot next to the grocery store in Hardin MT.
All is well. I miss everyone and I will be sure to write more while traveling
through the adventurous state of South Dakota!
Keep donating!!
http://pedalingforpencils.stayclassy.org/
Xo Ken
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Across America Gets Wild!
“It was hot today but luckily we
are right next to the Yellowstone River. We cooled off after having a delicious
lunch of tortilla wraps and fruit. Lately we have been following a small mostly
carless road which parallels I 90. We decided to try riding a pace line. That is
when we move in a tightly packed group. Each person drafts off the person in
front of himself. The person in the very front breaks the wind. When he tires
he pulls back and lets the next rider break the wind. We moved very fast this
way, probably averaging 18 miles an hour. Yesterday was amazing because we saw
wolves and bears on the same day. The wolves we saw at a bed and breakfast.
Howlers inn it was called. We saw a grizzly bear just a few miles away. Don't
worry everyone in the blogosphere. The wolves and bears were both in nature
preserves behind fences. Other than that we have been making good time going
east. We will hit billings tonight. We went through a town called Manhattan
Montana. I am glad we have thousands of miles still until New York.” -- Jacob,
Trip Leader Follow the trip
Kennedy has officially pedaled over a 1,000 miles in the last 18 days to raise money for pencils of Promise. She has gone through several small towns, the Rocky Mountains and has stayed with family friends in Missoula and met up with friends from Denver, CO in Butte, MT. Her spirits are high and she is continuing to work hard. If you know anyone that would be interested in her journey please share this with your friends. She has reached 36% of her fundraising goal and could use all the help she can get to reach her $10,000 goal to help educate hundreds of children.
To donate: http://pedalingforpencils.stayclassy.org/fundraise/pop?fcid=146315
Monday, July 9, 2012
Thursday, July 5, 2012
How to master the casual fall...
The team and I have really bonded. Everyone is amazing and they all work really
hard. There are only a few times when we take awhile to pack up our bikes with
the food, mainly because it really does weigh your bike down so no one wants to
carry it. But now that we have a great routine working we are having a blast.
We have a few inside jokes. The one about me is that I fall every day off my
bike. Since day one ( we are on day 13) I have fallen.
Descriptions of falls and recoveries:
Day 1: I was biking through Astoria, Oregon and there is this giant bridge
connecting Oregon and Washington. I was observing the bridge and trying to
figure out how cars got onto the bridge. I turned my head back a little and
found the ramp, but at the same time I hit a wood post in the middle of the
path. I flipped over my handle bars and skidded along the side walk. My bike was
stuck on the wooden post and the front tire was spinning. I just sat there for a
second then burst into laughter. It was like a scene straight out of a movie. I
picked up my bike, straightened the handled bars, and proceeded on. My bruises
have just now begun to fade. It was by far my best fall.
Day 10: I rear ended a kid in front of me because I was drafting a little too
close. I ended up falling into a little ditch but hopped back on because I was
worried someone might see.
This morning: I was a little tired and kind of cranky so I flung myself into the
parking lot a little too aggressively. Out of karma, I'm sure, I went to take my
feet out of the clips and got stuck and fell over. I was still cranky so I just
let my bike lay there and went inside to grab my coffee.
What I call the "savior" fall:
We just named it today, but I have done it at least 4 times. When the group is
tired and trying to convince our leaders to take a break I do the "savior." what
happens is someone asks to stop, then when the leader says no I gently lean to
the right and fall over. Then the leaders know that we are really tired so we
stop.
My advice to everyone is not to fall, but if you are going to just let it
happen. Keep your hands on the handle bars to avoid broken arms. Unclip your top
foot and if you have time the bottom foot. Also remember to always wear a
helmet. Then just let it happen and bounce back up with a smile :)
Goodnight everyone! Hopefully tomorrow I have a day without falling.
P.S. one day I fell into a handicap sign at the Walmart- some people told me it
was a sign??
PICTURES!!!
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/9wkbyq1n5pjc3tl/jKmhCyXkhJ
Click to donate!
http://pedalingforpencils.stayclassy.org/fundraise/pop?fcid=146315
hard. There are only a few times when we take awhile to pack up our bikes with
the food, mainly because it really does weigh your bike down so no one wants to
carry it. But now that we have a great routine working we are having a blast.
We have a few inside jokes. The one about me is that I fall every day off my
bike. Since day one ( we are on day 13) I have fallen.
Descriptions of falls and recoveries:
Day 1: I was biking through Astoria, Oregon and there is this giant bridge
connecting Oregon and Washington. I was observing the bridge and trying to
figure out how cars got onto the bridge. I turned my head back a little and
found the ramp, but at the same time I hit a wood post in the middle of the
path. I flipped over my handle bars and skidded along the side walk. My bike was
stuck on the wooden post and the front tire was spinning. I just sat there for a
second then burst into laughter. It was like a scene straight out of a movie. I
picked up my bike, straightened the handled bars, and proceeded on. My bruises
have just now begun to fade. It was by far my best fall.
Day 10: I rear ended a kid in front of me because I was drafting a little too
close. I ended up falling into a little ditch but hopped back on because I was
worried someone might see.
This morning: I was a little tired and kind of cranky so I flung myself into the
parking lot a little too aggressively. Out of karma, I'm sure, I went to take my
feet out of the clips and got stuck and fell over. I was still cranky so I just
let my bike lay there and went inside to grab my coffee.
What I call the "savior" fall:
We just named it today, but I have done it at least 4 times. When the group is
tired and trying to convince our leaders to take a break I do the "savior." what
happens is someone asks to stop, then when the leader says no I gently lean to
the right and fall over. Then the leaders know that we are really tired so we
stop.
My advice to everyone is not to fall, but if you are going to just let it
happen. Keep your hands on the handle bars to avoid broken arms. Unclip your top
foot and if you have time the bottom foot. Also remember to always wear a
helmet. Then just let it happen and bounce back up with a smile :)
Goodnight everyone! Hopefully tomorrow I have a day without falling.
P.S. one day I fell into a handicap sign at the Walmart- some people told me it
was a sign??
PICTURES!!!
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/9wkbyq1n5pjc3tl/jKmhCyXkhJ
Click to donate!
http://pedalingforpencils.stayclassy.org/fundraise/pop?fcid=146315
Monday, July 2, 2012
Hello everyone!
Blog update sent from Kennedy on Saturday night. They are currently riding through the rockies and are planning to arrive in Missoula, MT sometime Tuesday!
This is the first night I have actually had the energy to write a blog. Let me
give you a quick run down of the past week. First two days we moved slower than
turtles. We were sore, a little out of shape, and still adjusting to getting up
early and going to bed late. However we are finally on a schedule that works.
Yesterday we were able to wake up at 5:30 am after sleeping in the backyard of
the Walla Walla Fire Department. We had a nice bowl of oatmeal (which we eat
every morning) then hit the road. Our goal was to ride 40 miles before lunch,
which we accomplished! We had a quick lunch on the road (our delicious peanut
butter and jellies) then continued biking. We had to climb a mountain and
getting to the top of the summit was probably the best feeling ever. We had a 5
mile descent that was a blast then road another 20 miles downhill. We made it to
Lewiston, Idaho with a total of 106 miles!! Needless to say we all hopped in the
shower (something we rarely do) then went straight to bed. It was the best
nights sleep I have ever had. The next morning we road 60 miles to give
ourselves a little break. Tomorrow we are getting ready to start our ride up the
Rockies. It will be extremely challenging but the team dynamic we have developed
has really helped us all get past our tough days. I am a little sore but
enjoying every minute crossing America. Please continue to donate. I love to see
all the support while I am riding, it gives me an extra boost, which I will need
for when we climb the Rockies.
You can donate at pedalingforpencils.stayclassy.org
So far my journey has been amazing. Every day one of my fellow riders surprises
me with what they are capable of doing and I even surprise myself. I can't wait
to make it past the Rockies!!
Talk to you all soon :)
This is the first night I have actually had the energy to write a blog. Let me
give you a quick run down of the past week. First two days we moved slower than
turtles. We were sore, a little out of shape, and still adjusting to getting up
early and going to bed late. However we are finally on a schedule that works.
Yesterday we were able to wake up at 5:30 am after sleeping in the backyard of
the Walla Walla Fire Department. We had a nice bowl of oatmeal (which we eat
every morning) then hit the road. Our goal was to ride 40 miles before lunch,
which we accomplished! We had a quick lunch on the road (our delicious peanut
butter and jellies) then continued biking. We had to climb a mountain and
getting to the top of the summit was probably the best feeling ever. We had a 5
mile descent that was a blast then road another 20 miles downhill. We made it to
Lewiston, Idaho with a total of 106 miles!! Needless to say we all hopped in the
shower (something we rarely do) then went straight to bed. It was the best
nights sleep I have ever had. The next morning we road 60 miles to give
ourselves a little break. Tomorrow we are getting ready to start our ride up the
Rockies. It will be extremely challenging but the team dynamic we have developed
has really helped us all get past our tough days. I am a little sore but
enjoying every minute crossing America. Please continue to donate. I love to see
all the support while I am riding, it gives me an extra boost, which I will need
for when we climb the Rockies.
You can donate at pedalingforpencils.stayclassy.org
So far my journey has been amazing. Every day one of my fellow riders surprises
me with what they are capable of doing and I even surprise myself. I can't wait
to make it past the Rockies!!
Talk to you all soon :)
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