We left D.C. early Friday morning amidst rain, wind, and cold. Our groups reunited at a Holiday Inn in Arlington, VA, and then spent the next 40 miles on the nicest bike path we'll see all summer. It would have been bike heaven if the weather had cooperated. Special I4K thanks to the Trails End Bike Shop in Purcellville, VA for offering a sheltered lunch stop, and lending us a hand with some crucial bike maintenance. In the afternoon we got our first taste of the Appalachians, before rolling tired, wet, and hungry into St. Marks Episcopal Church.

Our first real climb day! Saturday began under cloudy skies, but soon became warm and sunny. The hills were high, but our spirits were higher as we entered farm country. Bikes and bodies are slowly getting into the spin of things. We were lucky to have lunch lakeside in a state park. There was even a beach and ice cream to help cooling off after our first long climb. We would like to recognize The Mercersburg Inn of Mercersburg, PA for kindly letting our riders use the "facilities", as well as Charles Banks for helping some hungry riders out at the end of a long day. And a very big thanks to the United Methodist Church of Everett, PA for all their warmth and hospitality.

On Sunday, we awoke to a beautiful sunrise through morning fog, and another 80 miles spent wrestling with some difficult terrain. If today's route was drawn on a topographic map, it would have looked like a heartbeat. A steady set of steep climbs each followed by an even longer descent. Arriving in Mount Pleasant, the United Methodist Church welcomed us with a much needed (and appreciated!) meal. Afterwards some of the riders walked down to a concert in a local park honoring America's Veterans. It was a great way to relax after a long day's ride. Thanks to Domino's pizza for discounting prices for our riders for lunch, and to Tommy-lee Alfrada Schaeffer for her wonderful donation and humor.