Day 6

Today was finally the day I was able to get on the bike! My fever had gone away, and although I was still a little congested I was cleared to ride. We started our morning at 5 a.m. and had a wonderful breakfast sponsored by the same family whom brought us dinner the night before. Afterwards we circled up, said our daily prayer, took our daily team picture and hit the rode. In my pace line today I rode with Austin Shepard from Florida State and Derek Dedeker from TCU. The mileage from Sacramento to Jackson was around 50 miles. The day went really well, mostly flat riding until the end where we climbed about 3000 feet.

Upon arrival in Jackson, everyone met in a parking lot to stage our convoy to our friendship visit at the Arc of Amador. The local police department escorted us, which was a very awesome experience. When we rode up to the friendship visit they center made us feel like celebrities. Everyone was standing outside cheering for us, and once we got off our bikes all of the clients came up to us and introduced themselves and were very interested about who each of us were. The team enjoyed a cook out with the group, along with lots of great conversation. Today I also realized how much I talk about Lexie to other people. I think everyday on the trip I have at least brought her up once. In the end I think I am just proud of who she is, and I am proud to be her brother.

Tomorrow marks the hardest day of the summer, Kirkwood. On tomorrows ride we will be climbing over 11,000 feet and could potentially be on the saddle for 12 hours. This ride will strain all of not only physically but also mentally. I will be relying on my team heavily to support and motivate me, and I know together we will be able to conquer the two mountain ranges that face all of us. 

In this picture I am with John, a client of the Arc of Amador. During our cookout he was giving a few of my teammates and I advice on how to treat a women. I'd probably be smart to listen to him, he has had a girlfriend for 5 years now!