So today was our first in the Appalachian Mountains and it was amazing; it was challenging, fast and most of all; beautiful. Every view from the top of a new mountain was exponentially worth every pedal that went towards getting there. I would be lying if I said that prior to today, I wasn’t a little apprehensive about riding in the Appalachians but all of those thoughts went away about 5 miles down US 50. We have two more days in this range and then we move on to the Midwest. I feel like we’ve been doing this trip for ages but it’s really only been a week. It amazes me that this group of college students (and beyond) has set out to do this trip; literally making their way across America one pedal stroke at a time.Also, due to a lack of internet and a very long day yesterday, I have a few words to leave you with that should more or less sum up the day; The Secret Service, tornado watches,VA-7, and sitting in our new best friend, Serge’s garage.Signed,Watch tanned, eating honey roasted almonds, and forever thirsty.