Since my last post, we have been to Maryland, Pennslyvania, and West Virginia. The Appalachians were unlike anything I have ever experienced while riding, literally. One day my maximum speed was 37mph and my minimum was 3mph. Climbing up each incline was mentally challenging. Sometimes I just wanted to hop off and walk up to the top, but those negative thoughts were quickly swept away when I remembered who we had dedicated that day's ride to.some special events of these past few days:Boonsboro, MD: We got to go to a carnival! Funnel Cakes!Everett, PA: We were provided with a thanksgiving dinner-- turkey!!Mt Pleasant, PA: I rolled in first with team Giant Marshmallow (me, Kara, Ben, and Catherine). Our team name came from hay bales wrapped in white coverings. We had our first run-in with Sheetz- a fabulous gas station with gourmet food, such as fried mac and cheese bites. Kara and I chowed down on dirt dessert cups and felt subpar on our post lunch break mountain climb.Pittsburgh, PA: I finished Jaime's challenge of riding with every team member by riding with Aash, Ben, and Greg. I helped cook for the team and my vegetable cutting skills were put to shame by David's (He's pretty much a chef). It's fun to randomly find out my teammates' hidden talents. The team was provided free burritos by Chipotle!! (Many of us girls saved our burritos and carried them in our jersey pockets the next day.Wheeling, WV: I got to shower with a real towel! (As opposed to the sham-wow type towel I have.) Later, I was able to sit in on 4 awesome portraits. Three of the four were caregivers to their relatives with cancer and the fourth was currently battling cancer. Ann has stage 4, terminal breast cancer. I would have never guessed at first glance though. I thought she was also a caregiver for a relative. She was was so happy and her smile lit up the room. Her faith and outlook on life inspired me, and I'm so glad our ride was dedicated to her today. This portrait hit home the fact that cancer can affect anyone.Zanesville, OH: This town is famous for wild animals that were released into the town by their owner a few years ago. The food was amazing (as it has been at every stayover)! One day I hope to be able to grill chicken as juicy and tender as the chicken that I ate tonight. Tonight we get to sleep on cots! This is fabulous news for me because I still haven't gotten the hang of packing my gear quickly in the morning. Hopefully tomorrow without my sleeping pad to pack, I will be able to be packed and ready comfortably by 6:15am.
