The End

I can't believe the ride is finished. About two days ago we reached Bethany Beach. The last couple days at the beach and DC were fun. Rebecca & Ed came out and rode for a while on the W&OD with us. Then Jill, Fernando and my family met us at the beach. It was an amazing experience where I got to meet some great people. I'm in the process of readjusting to non-ride life. Its much more fun to get up each morning and ride your bike than pay bills and do laundry. Thanks everyone for your support.

West Virginia

I can't believe we're already in West Virginia - back in the mountains.

The rest of the time in Columbus/Ohio was fun. Its kind of funny, once we hit Columbus, I felt like we were done, but there was still ~600 miles left. Even though the hills are back, are days are much more relaxed then they were when we first started. People tend to take more time and enjoy the ride - that might also be because it doesn't hurt like it did in the beginning.

New function on my camera, the multishot - having the best ice cream I've had all trip.

The poverty lecture team right before Van left to graduate/get married.

Yes, there really is a town with this name.

Into Columbus

We made it into Columbus today. Another point that always seemed so far off, but is already here.

Today's ride was an easy 75 miles with a great tailwind. Dave & Anuj's family brought lunch - I overate a bunch of Indian food which was great (except for how it felt when I was riding).

We saw these guys on the path today - greatest recumbents I've seen.

Longest Day

Enjoying some watermelon b/c it was such a nice day.

We didn't make it to 150 miles yesterday, but we did make it to the border of Ohio at 114 miles. We had to be somewhere at 6pm, so they started taking people off the route at 3:30. I was near the front, so we were able to make it to the border where they were taking everyone off just before the sweep got there. 114 miles is our longest day yet, so I'm happy that I was able to finish it.

Pig roast at Joe's sister's house.

Yesterday was really nice. A full day where it didn't rain at all. Doesn't happen too often. I love days where the weather is nice. Those are the days where its fun to get on the bike, and I enjoy the trip.
Kel and I showing off our nice Euro mullets while having a break of espresso and candy cigs.

Bloomington

It rained again today.

I was on support, so I didn't get wet at first, but then I ended up helping with flats, loading gear, etc. Its a lot more fun to be wet when you're not wearing jeans. My team had three presentations today. Two were this morning to the elementary school where we slept last night (local TV came and filmed Katie talking).

Van and I then presented at Indiana Univ this evening. After, the other veggies and I found the closest thing to a Whole Foods and stocked up on veg products. We're staying in apts at the university. Tomorrow we have 150 miles. My guess is that everyone is going to be swept.

Indiana

I can't believe how fast the ride is going now - we're in Indiana. I think my favorite thing about getting into Indiana - their sign says "Lincoln's Boyhood Home," an obvious jab at Illinois that loves its connection to him.

The school that we're staying at today is great - they've made posters and signs and the kids all made us place mats.

I love these signs - many of the towns have these when you enter - ads, telling you how wholesome the towns are.

Today's ride was pretty nice. 90 miles & rain, but it was pretty flat.

The Arch & Illinois

We had yet another day of rain. It was so nice when yesterday's weather was beautiful. It gets hard getting on the bike every day when its raining. We waited for a while (us in the gym above) for the lightening to pass in St. Louis. When it didn't, we had to drive to our lunch spot where day riders were waiting for us. It cleared up in the afternoon and we were able to ride the last 50 miles of the day. One more state - we're in Illinois for only 2 days.
One of the day riders today had a new way to scare away dogs (which there were a lot of in rural, Southern Illinois). He carries a mini-revolver and shoots blanks to scare the dogs away. Its different, but it works.