I'm writing this from a church in Greensville, NC. I'm on a computer in a really large room that is probably used for church rave parties. Things like "WALK" and "HONOR" are written on the wall.
Today I was a sweep rider, for 54 miles, with Timur. Sweep means that we are the last people in the line of bikers (out of the 31 people riding). We make sure no one gets lost, left behind, or has bike troubles. Whenever our group rides our bikes, it's very unsafe to ride in all together in a line, so everyone usually breaks off into groups of 4-6 people, usually staggering several minutes apart. Timur and I left our host location a half hour after everyone else left, and then alternated between super-high-speed biking, and relaxed easy going biking. Our day of sweep involved:
-Providing Greg moral support as he dealt with his two flat tires
-Saving a turtle on the other side of the road from getting run over
-Averting disaster on the other side of the road by readjusting the position of a trashcan.
-Speaking with an old lady who thought we were lost and and then gave us the funniest look when we told her we were going to California. We gave her the whole Bike and Build spiel, and as a result, she gave me a dollar.
It was a nice day - windy at first, but then the weather warmed up nicely. We're right next to East Carolina University campus, so its a nice college town. Had (multiple) burgers at a local burger joint. There's nothing quite like local food with a good reputation.
It's only day 5, and I feel as if it has been at least a week with these new people. This kooky and abnormal lifestyle is becoming normal and I like that. Other than waking up at 6AM each morning, its pretty good. My curiousity alone makes me want to continue - what happens when 31 strangers spend 9 weeks together 24/7? Find out what happens... when people stop being polite... and start getting real... Bike and Build...
Things I need to buy:
-EAR PLUGS!!
-Energy gel
-TIME. (for more sleep)
Pictures coming soon...
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Next up: Wake Forest, NC
ReplyDelete-home of the Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. You're in the south now!
-in 2007, the town was listed by Forbes Magazine as the 20th fastest growing suburb in America. Stark contrast to the first few days of travel.
-Wake Forest was the original home of Wake Forest University for 122 years before it moved to Winston-Salem in 1956. I actually had no clue that WF wasn't in actual Wake Forest. You've taught me something new!
-used to be named "Town of Wake Forest College". In 1909 they removed the word 'College' from the name and incorporated the town.
-rainiest months are July and August. Good thing it's May
So I'm shipping off to Europe this Friday until next week, so I'm going to try to post a couple of towns per day Wed-Friday to keep you up to date.
Happy turtle saving!
This sounds absolutely fantastic! I am so jealous and want to get back on my bike this summer so that I can join you if you do it again. I'm glad my mom gave you money (she loved the personalized letter). Can't wait to read more!
ReplyDeleteSounds awesome so far!! Can't wait to read more and vicariously through you guys! I can't wait for July 5th & the Capital Ride...the anticipation is killing me.
ReplyDeleteThanks everyone it's good to know I have a captive audience. Stayed tuned... From chapel hill...
ReplyDelete