June 30

So it's almost eleven and we are still in he hotel. I think we all slept like rocks until nine, air-conditioning is a beautiful thing. I ate the sorry excuse for continental breakfast and the boys went to a restaurant while I packed up.










We headed out around eleven, pretty warm. We stopped at a gas station and two real souther guys, dirty from work, asked how far I have been riding. When I said Maine, he staggered back and asked in all seriousness if I had a pistol. I said no and he looked at me like I was crazy. I didn't get a real good vibe from him at first so when he asked to sit down I said I had to go see what the guys were doing. But then we got talking and he seemed all right and was just really concerned about me. "So you need any money? Do you need any food? I mean, Florida is a long way. "

Situations like that make me feel uncomfortable. I mean, who doesn't need money? How am I supposed to respond? So I just kind of stammered as he pulled out two twenties and asked if that was enough. My jaw about hit the floor. I was not going to take any more of this mans hard earned money.

The guys were taking there time, havin a smoke so I went back in to talk to my new angles. They were on lunch break from putting in heating and cooling systems and the one who helped me out had not always been so kind. Used to have a bit of a temper that got him in some big trouble I can't talk about. But I eases up a little when he showed me the pictures of his daughters and said he found god a few years ago and was baptized and what not so he has turned himself around. We even said grace before eating the pizza he gave me a slice of, pretty cool.










On the road again it was super hott but it was only supposed to be like a forty mile day. We were heading north again so we had a sweet tailwind so we were flying.




It's awesome to have my iPod back, I don't know how I rode a month without it. I love the mix it has, all the stuff from when I was twelve, nelly, backstreet boys, destinys child. Then all my dads stuff, Billy Joel, hootie and the blowfish, nirvana. I have a lot of audio books on there too so when it plays on shuffle I get a lot of 1984 and David Sedaris.




We took a wrong road. I stopped a bit and asked if we were supposed to turn but alex said no. 2.5 miles down the road he changed his mind. It wasn't to bad though, there was a cross road.







It's kind of frustration riding out here. There are no shoulders and they are all trucking roads. Like HUGE trucks, and some with logs. I never should have watched final destination.

We passed a fire station and I needed to fill up my bottles. I wasn't gonna stop but figured we may not see civilization for another fifteen miles. I walked in and was instantly engulfed in air conditioning. The lights were off so I didn't expect to see the three guys sitting in a lounge type area watching tv. They showed me where to fill up my bottles and asked me the normal questions and told me the same stuff I hear a hundred times a day, except the do you have a pistol question, that is a south Carolina thing.

They told me to sit down and enjoy the AC. I did. Two of the guys were from Michigan and the other was from upstate New York by Westpoint where Bryan took me canoeing.

The guys came in a little while later, I made noodles and they gave me a Georgetown fire dept shirt. They told us not to stay in Andrews, which was our plan. They told me to go to the firehouse because it would be safe there next to the police station.







So yeah, Andrews is pretty sketch. I rode to the motel with the guys and i was surprised to see all the people kinda just loitering around. I told alex ima go check out he fire house and got the heck out of there.

It looked pretty empty and I was walking toward the city hall door when the ambulance drove up and two guys got out. "hey sweetie, what you looking for?" that was a good question, safety around here didn't look to promising. "well the guys up
In plesantville" pleasanthill he corrected, "sorry, Plesanthill, sent me here. You think I could throw up my tent out back?" he kind of just stared at me like I was about to attack. Then told me to move my bike next to the ambulance and reluctantly had me follow him into the fire house.

To make a long story short, patty got to come in too, I got a shower, my laundry is clean, I had pop corn and now have snacks for tomorrow, even a chocolate bar. The younger guy gave me his room and the older made the bed up all nice with new sheets. We talked about the city and it's history, politics and watched deadliest catch.

My mom just asked me if the firehouse I was staying at was operating or closed up, she knows me too well.

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June 29

I hardly slept last night, it was really warm and windy. A few times i heard cars pull in and was waiting for someone to yell at mentor being in their campsite. I would really lime to stay and sleep a few more hours, but the owner never called me back about paying and I don't want to hear I owe like thirty dollars for a place that's worth two.

I was just about to pull the poles out of my tent, and it started to downpour, now I'm hiding in it.











It stopped long raining long enough for me to pull the tent out of the mud, onto the picnic table and throw a tarp on it. Then I hid in the bathroom and made new spider friends.

I packed up and got some oatmeal at the dollar tree. It would have been a lot easier but the cashier insisted on sticking her butt out so as to where it blocked the whole aisle between me and breakfast.











The ride was flat with no shoulders, it's 87 degrees with a headwind and so humid my glasses are foggy.

I crossed the state line into South Carolina and everything is looking so south. The trees, the waffle houses, it's pretty cool.

I made it to a subway in Conway. I'm not sure how far behind the boys are but they want me to wait for them, it's a good feelin to know they are close, I haven't felt lonely for a while. Now we just need to find a safe place to stay.

Well the guys just texted me saying they booked a hotel, so it looks like I don't have to hang out in subway anymore stalking potential families.

I couldn't find the hotel, ended up passing it a few times because they changed the name. The guy at the front was a little high strung, he kept telling me that no one had made a reservation under the name I told him. After some time a lightbulb went off and he pulled a crumpled piece of paper out of the trash with chris's name on it.

I just got in trouble for trying to set up my tent in the hotel parking lot.

There is a pool here, feels great to go swimmin knowing there is nothing in the water that is going to eat me.

The boys are only in calabash and it's three in the afternoon. Calabash is where I started this morning...

I went exploring, not that there is much to explore (safely) in Conway. I rode the half mile down to Belk, which I thought was a grocery store. It took me all of a half hour to get there until after waiting for the light a few times learned to press the walk button.

I went into dollar general and spent three dollars on some hair ties and dried fruit before heading over to Kmart. I can't believe all the STUFF we use, it's disgusting, but that doesn't mean I still didn't want to use the nail polish samples to paint my toenails.

I made my way over to McDonalds to use the free salad coupon Donna gave me back in Richmond. I told the girl I didn't need a bag, but she gave me one anyway. That really bothered me, but the Oreo mcflurry made me feel better.

On the way home I picked up three PBR's for when the boys got in. What I really wanted was a six pack, but I don't think they have those here and the last time I bought a twelve pack I got myself into a pretty rough situation.

They got in at eight and were as happy as I get about the beer. Man it was good to see them, they are great company.

Alex lost his id in Richmond and they wanted to get a six pack so we went that half mile again, saw a bum who strangely enough I felt I could relate to, he looked like an AT hiker.

The boys have saved up for this trip. We got a
Six pack of Sam Adams that on getting back to the hotel did t know how to open. We ended up using my cot frame to oust the caps off and at outside our room shootin the breeze and catching up on the last few days.

I am so lucky.

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Location:Beach Dr SW,Calabash,United States

June 28

Vacation over. The idea of coming back and biking north Carolina is already starting to grow in the back of my mind. It has just been an awesome state and I loved stayin with family for a bit.

I also think I lost my multitool, patty is not very happy with me after taking her apart and not putting her together properly, I'll have to go into a shop.

Aarons friends I stayed with in Wilmington were pretty sweet. Its weird how they both got up at six to go work out and it made me feel lazy.

Now I'm making my way into downtown Wilmington then will head south again and meet up with the guys sometime later today. I have been on vacation for over a week now, so getting back to the grind is gonna be, well we will see.

I did the stupid detour thing again that probably added fifteen miles and two hours to the trip. I was already at wrightsville beach and needed to go to Carolina beach but for some reason I felt the urge to go into Wilmington. I don't know what I expected to see, the campus, downtown, anything other than ghetto and industrial roads. idiot.

It's so hott out too, I feel nauseous and am hiding in the shade off 421 trying not to throw up or pass out. The boys want to get to calabash today, but they are still in Wilmington eating Bojangles.

So I lied, vacation is not over. I got to Kure beach and said what the heck, put on my suit, jumped in the ocean, hosed off and am now sitting in the shade under the peer enjoying the ocean wind.

Fort fisher was nice, it had air conditioned bathrooms. I got a message from alex, chris is heat sick and they have to take a break. I was going to wait for them at this nice shady picnic table at the southport ferry but the lady told me after I bought my ticket that I had to get on this next ferry. It's smaller than the Ocracoke one, but there is still an air conditioned passenger lounge.

I got a little lost in southport, but it was pretty. Now I'm on 211 heading north, fighting the wind and dodging traffic. Sometimes I wonder if adventure cycling is aware that Florida is in the south.

It looks like chris has food poisoning from Bojangles. We were supposed to meet up in calabash, but he's so sick they are staying in southport. I'm not really sure what I'm gonna do now, I don't want to get to far ahead of them as to where they can't catch up. But I need to keep going to find a place to stay.

I figured the lady at the store would just let me camp out back, so I asked her and this was her reply, "ABSOLUTELY NAUT!" So I rode my bike into the wind another forty miles to this super sketchy campground outside Calabash. At the moment there is some lady out yellin stuff, it sounds like "yant wa ya nwaa" I don't know if she's super drunk or I finally hit the south.

I tried to stake my tent down but the ground is too hard. It's real windy and my tent keeps buckling in and hitting me in the face.

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Location:White Oak Dr,Wilmington,United States

June 27

I have been with Aaron and Aunt Deborah all day. We left the house at eight, Deborah was getting a little antsy cause Aaron wasn't ready yet and she just wanted to get to surf city and look for sharks teeth.

Deborah's best friend and her family rented a place on topsoil beach so we went there. They were so nice, probably some of the friendliest people I have met. We ate some fresh shrimp then Aaron and I spent the day on the beach kicking around a basketball and swimmin in the waves.



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Location:N Carolina 210,Hampstead,United States

June 26

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June 25

Finally slept in, almost till nine. Rand and Aaron are still passed out and uncle Tom and Aunt Deborah are out looking for rummage sales.







When they got home Aunt Deborah made some awesome breakfast and did my laundry. I didn't have any clothes to wear so she gave me one of her nightgowns. It was really comfy but then the neighbors started coming over. It's like a big family neighborhood over here. I like it.







Olivia, the nine year old from across the cul de sac is pretty not shy and a like granddaughter over here. She was hanging out and went with me, Aaron and Ali, Aaron's dog, for a walk around the lakepond they have out behind the house.







Aaron took me out to Bojangles for the first time and we got chicken biscuit sandwiches. I said I wanted a coffee and the lady behind me goes, oh no you don't hunny, it'll put hair on your chest. That happens to be how I like my coffee and ordered it anyway as she went off on a tangent talking about Yankees.

So if Bojangles wasn't southern enough we went over to Walmart to window shop.







Aunt Deborah made me cards with my blog information on them. That's going to make life so much easier. Then she made some blueberry cobbler and bellybuttons while Aaron made chicken wings on the grill. I'm being so spoiled, getting back on the rode in this heat is gonna be a slap in the face.

There are so many parties going on, two with the neighborhood and one with Eric and Kelsey down the road. I really wish my good luck was better at spreading itself out.

Paul came over today too who've was really nice. It's been over a decade since I have seen him, he's even married now. It feels so nice just to chill around the house with family, so comfortable, AND Aunt Deborah bought me a BIG jar of peanut butter :)

Aunt Deborah and uncle Tom went to another neighborhood party and Aaron and I putzed around till eight when we made our way to the festivities across the street.

Everyone in this neighborhood is so friendly and their get-togethers feel like family reunions. We all drank beer, ate food, and mingled. Somehow I got sat down at the cake table, North Carolina is spoiling me.

The United States was playing Mexico in soccer for some big game at nine so Aaron disappeared to another neighbors house to watch it because we don't have the channel. I stayed a bit longer and talked with Jan, the owner of the soccer channel house, before heading over there myself.


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Location:Mistyridge Rd,Holly Springs,United States

June 24

I still didn't sleep so well, my body still wanted to wake up at six but I convinced it to be lazy until nine.

After a bit we pulled ourselves together, took showers and packed up. We went to the grocery store and both the lady in front of me and behind me knew kari, the lady I was going to meet up with, small city.




When we got to the ferry at 11 and the next boat wasn't till 1, so I went exploring the island. It is such a feel good place, my new favorite town, with Philly at a close second.

It was so sticky hott out it made me a little sick feeling so I went back to wait with the guys by the ferry and walked through the water. Each step I took little crabs scurried in every direction.




So I met a brother and sister on the ferry. We made hemp bracelets and talked the whole two and a half hours. They are 16 and 18 and leaving he banks early to catch a wedding. We were joking around about if they had a truck I could throw patty in the back and go to Raleigh with them to Aunt Deborah and Uncle Tom's. Then it came up that we could try to get her into the car, it would be perfect because then I could see family for a day or to and catch back up with Alex and Chris's in Wilmington or Surf City.




Well we really didn't think it would work but Eric or Kelsey moved patty a certain way and she just slipped right into the seat leaving a whole seat open for me incredible.

We got snacks at the gas station and are just goin on a road trip, pretty sweet situation.


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Location:Pine Grove Dr,Wilmington,United States

June 23

I just left the campground in Avon and another amazing family. We woke up pretty early and Eileen made us breakfast, bacon, eggs, and toast with some of her special homemade jelly. They really do feel like family and John is defiantly a younger version of Andy.

Carl helped me fold up my tarps before we took pictures and said our goodbyes, it was so cute them blowing me kisses and
Sending me air hugs as John led me out of the campground. He showed me around harbor road then I heard someone yell my name, it was a boy i had met on the peer yesterday, they were packing up getting ready to head back to Virginia.

John has such a good head on his shoulders, i can't believe the manners and maturity he has. Wise beyond his years. He took me as far as the highway, hugged goodbye and I was on my way.

I think it took me about an hour to ride the six or so miles from Avon to buxton. It's pancake flat, but that wind is strong coming straight at me from the southwest.

Well I made it to Hatteras to get on the ferry, they put me at the front of the line but said I'm the last one to get on.

I feel bad because I'm just so tired and hungry, therefore grouchy and that's always when everyone wants to talk to me, and I'm kind of stuck on a ferry. I did meet some really nice folks though.

Off the ferry on orakoke the smoke wasn't as bad so the sun was beating down and man it was warm. I hid out in the bathrooms and made some food. Then this guy started talking to me. I was a little edgy at first and had my wall up but he really was a super nice family guy from Deleware and his son was a soccer player just a little older than Alena. I knew he knew I was whipped and wanted to give me my space but we kept talking and I am always happy to meet good people, plus he had to wait for someone on the ferry to bring him his keys. They ended up helping me out, gosh the world is good.

I was pretty much beat and ready to nap next to the toilets in the grass when I happened to glance up and see two loaded bicycles and flannel shirts. My stuff was still scattered on the ground so I just started running after them yelling to the ferry guy to tell them to stop. Then I realized this was stupid and I better just go get patty and try to catch them.

The wind was pickin up and I barreled into it, I may have hit seven miles an hour. I pedaled and pedaled, catching them a little. I seen a swerve then they stopped and I greeted them with a huge smile and a handshake.

They are two 24 year olds from philly who, while at the bar, decided to ride there bikes to Florida. So a bunch of their friends bet they couldn't, they bought bikes and headed out.

We talked go a bit in the street then decided we didn't want to die so headed back into the wind.


Tonight was so much fun, we got into orackoke, found their hotel (they are letting me bum there too) got showers and turned into porch moniker meeting out porch neighbors who happen to be AWESOME. A couple from north Carolina and a guy, Curtis, who gave us all a beer.

We walked to a place called basins for dinner. Alex and I split a large chicken pizza and a pitcher. It's so great to have good company. On the way back we got icecream and caught in this mini hurricane thing. Everyone was running, it was dark, the rain and sand was blowing like crazy, and we couldn't stop laughing.
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Location:United States

June 22

Its crazy how even on the good days, and in the best places I can wake up and feel sick with anxiety. What do I do, should i stay or should I go. Am I really gonna make it to Florida, where am I gonna sleep tonight? Was I a good guest, do they want me gone or are the sincere in wanting me to stay. It's a constant battle and I usually just end up letting things happen and hope for the best.

I woke up on he couch this morning around eight thirty as the guys were getting ready to go check in at Reel. It's a kite boarding, surf, paddle board kind of store and a few of them are pros who teach lessons. It's pretty cool, they are from all over, Canada, Michigan, California, Montana, even England. There equipment is all over the house kind of like the kids from Richmond.

The boys made breakfast and headed out. Ben, the boy from Montreal is looking for his impact vest and the really friendly guy I met first is moving home. Pretty sad, he is so nice.

I stuck around the house for a bit and chilled with the guys and Ella, they are all so nice. It's great feelin to be with good people. There is supposed to be some marlin competition in Avon so I should see them all later. Before I left one of the guys hollered after me, his dad had given him a box of polarized sunglasses and gave me a pair! Pretty exciting after losing mine in the waves yesterday.

I'm a little nervous, thought I had a place to stay in Avon but it doesn't look like it's gonna work. I tried callin some campgrounds but they were closed, I might just go camp anyway and if I get caught I get caught. So for now I'm chillen on the peer watching people fish.

I met a nice lady and her son. She used to work as a tour guide for backroads, it sounds like a job I should look into.

I met some guys surfin and filming on the beach, but when I got talking to them got a bad feeling and dipped out.

I ended up finding the campground. Not a lot going on there. I saw a lady in the office building and asked if she worked here, she didn't, but man she was nice. Her, her husband and grandson are camping here for a few months and she was just so sweet and soft-spoken. I rode around the campground to check it out, no where really I could put up a tent out of the way. I got back to the lady's site and she rode her bike up to the owners with me and we met his wife, grace, and she was so sweet too and said if I ended up staying to just leave fifteen dollars under the flower pot.

Back at the site Eileen's grandson helped me set up my tent, he is a fourteen year old version of my cousin Andy. Then Carl, the grandpa walked over and offered me something cold to drink so I headed over there after a nice cold shower.

John and I both ate the rest of our subway and a fudge-cycle. They gave me some waters and we just hung out and talked at the picnic table. Such good people.


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Location:Mac-Oca Dr,,United States

June 21

Camping on the beach in the outer banks is incredible. Woke up to the sun rising over the sand dunes and the sound of waves crashing on the beach.

The morning was cool and the breeze was coming from the north, perfect riding conditions. I debated packing up and leaving but I was hoping I would see the chris's again and get my swim suit back so I went back to bed.


































They called and said they were on here way around seven so I hiked over the dunes to the ocean. It was so beautiful and I was the only one there. I want so bad to share these experiences family is my strongest pull.

I say my second snake in the sand, a big black one and was grateful for my tent. The ocean felt AMAZING, but the current was strong so I kept it close to shore.

I hiked back to make some of my special oatmeal when the dad who saved me from yesterday came over to say good by and a guy and his wife from south Carolina gave me there info if I would be goin through there town.

The guys got in just after that. Chris was pretty sick so he hung out in the bathroom while me and the other chris chilled.


































They set up camp and headed out. I was about to leave and ran into another group of guys from northern Virginia a little younger than me. They were packing up too and offered me a drink. Ended up being a forty. Hung out there a bit and half a forty and a few friends later headed out, they waved me off and cheered, what a great way to start the day.
































Gosh it was so great riding. I couldnt stop
Smiling. There is just something a out the outerbanks, this is my mid trip vacation. There is pretty much just one rode that goes through the whole thing and everyone is on it, so sweet.

I met a ton of guys fishing and then got stuck in construction, it was AWESOME. They shut down one lane at a time and of coarse I was the last one in the row to go across and some of the construction guys followed me in a pickup cheering me on and another guys acted like a race line ended and gave me a huge five. Then riding past all the people waiting for me to cross, felt like i was in a parade.

I felt the urge to talk and stop to everyone, so I did. I saw a van with a kayak trailer. Those people were awesome too and one of the girls gave me her info because she is couch surfing in Wilmington and could probably fin me a place to stay. Then the kayak guide told me to find the kite school up in rodanthe, get lunch there and watch people learn to kite board. When I turned to leave they were all yelling and cheering me on, it was AWESOME.

I can't believe I rode down half the country without my iPod. The traffic wasn't bad so I was just jamming and singing all the way to rodanthe. When I got there it was unreal. Out of no where he rode split between these huge sand dunes and HUGE houses. It was almost like marquette with all the sand instead of snow, there were bulldozers shoveling it out of peoples driveways.

There is just so much positive energy out here. Truck and jeep full of beachgoers keep driving by and just wave and cheer, it's pretty epic.

I didn't find the place he was talking about but it was hot and I was hungry and fading fast. I pulled into a family campground to see if I could grab a change and sneak on their beach or meet someone who would let me throw a tent up on their site.

But I got busted, the owner was mowing he lawn and asked if I was camping there, I told him i wasn't sure, that I was just checking it out and price checking. He told me where I could change and how I could get to the beach. Then he found out about the trip and was blown away. He was like, a tent site here is thirty, and I'm the cheapest around but we could probably give you a deal, I was PUMPED as I hopped on patty and headed to the beach.

I was walking over the sand dune and this guy about my age in surf gear was walkin toward me. I asked him how the surf was and he said it was picking up
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Location:United States

June 20

I kinda figured it was gonna rain, that's when I was excited a hostler bed would be better than camping, cheaper too. So when ingot intomthe office the lady was waiting for be because I had called ahead explaining my situation. I figured after almost meeting my death and police situation I wouldn't least get a discount, not a chance.

Instead the lady went on to explain how I would
Be sharing the dorm with another man, but assured me we had separate rooms and I could lock the door. We shared a bathroom and I could lock that too. I just looked at her, and bow old is this, man?

Oh like forty to fifty.

Oh no, I'll take the tent site.

Then my mom called about the bridge thing and I was a little short in my frustration and the lady was like, GRACE! Now i have three kids all in there thirties, and you think just because they are over eighteen I don't worry about them. I just kind of looked at her then why would you think it's ok to put me in a room with an older man. Wow

I tried to find a place in the dark where i could pull my tarp over the tent cause I had a feeling it might storm. Then this other guy inches forties who is biking too found me again
And just kept talking. It made me a little nervous. Ingot campmset up
As best i could in the dark, took a shower and tried calling the officer back.

I couldn't really sleep and now it's going on five in the morning and there is a HUGE thunderstorm dumping on me. I heard it coming so brought my bags in off my bike and checked my tarp.

I guess i need to work on my setting up at night skills, everything is soaked. I packed up all the stuff in my tent so when it stops raining I can move it and put my tent on a picnic table. I don't really know where I'm gonna sleep yet, but I can feel all the water seeping in around me, it's like a water bed.

I should have learned my lesson about being excited for places after DC. I guess some things might never change.


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Location:W Kitty Hawk Rd,Kitty Hawk,United States

June 19

It's mornings like these, the ones when i ride off laughing and crying that give memthe faith and strength to keep going, and that everything is going to be ok. Melvin and Beth man, angles sent to save me out of the ditch. ICan't believe how much like family they feel. Melvin reminds me of my grandpa, I would love to sit and watch him and my dad bullshit, and Beth is like Cindy from work, always smiling and making sure everything is good with a big hearty laugh.





I can't believe how happy I am. Not ten minutes after I left the house I hear a friendly honk and see Beth driving up behind me in stitches as she leans out her trucks window holding nothing other than my bra.Today is so fast. The roads have finally flattened out and I slept like a rock and ate like a horse. It's still hot though.





I crossed over into North Carolina and instantly the roads were better. I don't know if I'll get my package in sunbury, it's fathers day and the postmaster might be busy.





I pulled into the little town, found the post office and the number for the postmaster, he was there with a smile on his face and a package in his hand within five minutes.





When he handed it to me my arms sunk. I should have known better, tell my mom not to send heavy things and I get a twelve pound package. But it was awesome! Alena weighs me this awesome letter on my orange and mom sent me pictures, more subway cards and tons of food. I sat down in the shade to pack it all into phatty patty and call my dad for papas day. I rode down along the dismal swamp, it's only ten in the mornin but man it's hott and there is no shade. I flew though, probably the fastest I have ridden all trip.





Made oatmeal with peanut butter, raisins and coffee beans while talking to mom and laners in moegans corner before getting on the ride again. It was pretty smooth sailing, pretty rural with no places to pee. So I'm stuck at a red light about 45 miles from where I stayed last night and I here someone yell, GRACE!!!!! I turned around to see a tan man sticking his head out of a yellow slug bug smiling and waving at me. I was so confused, how does anyone out here know who I am, must be someone I met along the way. Then he goes did you stay in Suffolk last night? Yes I did, he's like, you stayed with my dad, we just got done having fathers day brunch. Now what are the chances of that. Wow. Well that was the end of the peaceful riding. 158 is a two lane highway with no shoulder full of tourists with their minds on everything but the road. This is so frustrating. I have already hit the dirt twice to keep from being hit and it's only been a quarter mile. I pulled off into a farmers market to regroup and fill up water bottles before trying again. It didn't get any better. I pulled off the road during traffic bursts and hauled booty when it was clear. This is so frustrating. I have been riding my bike for a month now downFrom Maine and people can't take five seconds out of there lives to slow down and give me a few inches. I feel like by the time I get to the outer banks I will hate everyone there :(I usually like drinking a beer and taking a cold shower after a long hot day of riding, not talking to police officers..I get to the bridge to the outer banks, I don't know what I was expecting, a walkway, bike lane, really even would have been happy with a shoulder. I thought I saw a walkway on the other side so I went into the resteraunt and asked the bar tender. She looked at me like I was nuts. You can't bike over that! Let me see if i can find someone with a truck. I was on about mile 90 and so stressed about he last 20 miles trying not to die I teared up a little. She didn't find anyone and I had to go before it started getting dark.I knew my options, the shoulder was about a foot then there was a step up to the railing then he ocean about eight feet down. The bridge was 3.5 miles and into the wind. I rode a across with my eyes glued to the mirror hopping onto the ledge to get my body out of the line of fire when a car got to close. A black truck almost hit me and there were a few other close calls. I had less than a mile to go, all the cars were in the left lane until I felt / heard this huge pickup on my heels. I jumped off my bike so fast ready to throw myself over the bridge to keep from getting pinned between him and the rail as I watched him rev his engine louder than a semi and speed off. I was pretty shook up but I was fine. I spend my whole day thinking every car that passes me will hit me. I am always aware of what's around me and what I would do in situations like this. Thank goodness, today it saved my life. What a relief to get off the bridge. A brown car passes me, pulls down and rolls her window down. ARE YOU OK???? I thought he hit you. I didn't see you after he swerved toward you and revved his engine, I thought you went over the bridge and were gone. I tried to chase the fucker down to give him a few choice words but the d bag just took off and i couldnt catch him, but i got his licence plate number and called the cops, they are out looking for him now. Are you ok?I instantly started bawling (big surprise) and she got out and just hugged me.Oh hunny she said, you were doing everything right. You had those big yellow bags, your blinking light and you were way over as far as you could be. What bastards. I did a big loop back around the bridge, I didn't expect to find you alive. The cops might come try tontine you, they are gonna wanna talk to you. I pulled it together and just thanked her over and over.Shoot hunny, if i had some liquor I'd give you a shot.I like her.She left and not two minutes later the sheriff in this huge truck stopped me looking like he seen a ghost. Are you ohhkk? Yes I'm ok. But it's getting dark and I really need to get to the campground and somewhere safe. I figure he'd get the hint and throw my bike in the back and we could talk on the way. But no, he just kind of starred at me awkwardly. It's gettin dark, I really need to get somewhere safe, still stares. Then he took my name and number, said he was out of his jurisdiction and I needed to wait here for another officer.Can't he meet me at the hostel? I really just need to be somewhere safe before dark, which looked five minutes away. Uh no, just wait here, really sorry to be rude, but I gotta go, I have another call. And he left. I waited a few minutes then decided my safety for the night was number one priority and the campground was about to close so I took off. Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:County Road 673,Suffolk,United States

June 18

So we all got up around seven and alyssa and Eva made us breakfast. It was cute because
there must not have been much bread left because I noticed they had both the butts and gave me the middle. Alyssa gave me nutragrain bars and some hugs before heading home to Virginia beach and eva and her friend rode out with me. It's so great having company and it was Ray's first time out on his new road bike so that was exciting.

It's weird to think this is where Pocahontas lived. It clicked today with the Virginia company song from the movie and we were in Virginia, it all used to seem to far away to be real.





We caught the ferry across, I wasn't expecting it to be free, so that was a nice surprise. First time I've been on a car ferry. Eva and Ray rode with me a few more miles before we parted ways.





It's pretty out here and extremely rural. The only roads out here are those little field roads that are so small they don't have room to paint lines on it.

Its so hott out, I don't know where I'm sleeping and the there's no way this is a Rolo mcflurry, there aren't even rolos in it..

Looks like that's the last Mcdonalds I'm hiding in, gift card ran out...

I think it got hotter out, I'm not even thinking, pedaling from shade spot to shade spot. It's frustrating GPSing the next city, then following my maps for a
Few miles, re GPSing and the city gets further away. Thank you adventure cycling for trying to keep me safe, but I'm gonna die out here.

I'm down to 12 miles to sunbury NC and I need to relax before I get heat stroke. My mom sent me a package there. They said it would be there either Saturday or Monday. I knew I wouldn't get there before they closed on Saturday but when my mom talked to the guy he said I could call him when i got there and because he only lives two houses down from the office, would walk down and get it for me. Mom said he was really nice on the phone. Man, i hope she's right because I'm banking on him letting me camp in his yard because there is no where else to stay out here in the middle of nowhere.

I could have kept going but there was some shade in the ditch and it looked like a good place to sit, call my mom and regroup for a bit. It wasn't long until this older couple in a blue truck drove by and asked me if I was ok, if I needed any water or anything. I liked them instantly. I told them I didn't but asked where they lived just in case.

Long story short, we are all sitting in the living room with full bellies watching tv. Melvin and Beth feel like long lost family, Melvin is a smart ass just like my grandpa.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:Colonial Trail E,Surry,United States

June 17

Leaving Richmond this morning was in no way easy. Jake got woke me up with a cup of coffee and Ernest stopped by before his job training. This is the longest I have stayed in one place in over a month and the guys feel like my big brothers. Leaving is like peeling off old bandages.

I did cry in my way out, big surprise. But I was Thinking about Donna's brother who is in the hospital and my mom who just re injured her back, so today is dedicated to them.

I can't believe how fast the ride went by, I had 25 miles in before I even made oatmeal. Steven gave me coffee beans, i don't know what to do with them so I put them in my oatmeal with some peanut butter.

I think the whole way to Williamsburg from Richmond was down hill, my legs didn't know what to do, I don't think they ever even warmed up. I also met two guys touring from england, I don't know why I didn't talk to them longer, I'm so used to guys being annoyed with anything that keeps them from the road so I kinda just took off after getting there names, and man the one was SO cute.

I don't know when I decided to go into Williamsburg, I met this girl online from william and Mary a few months ago but for some reason I thought that school was in Maryland. I asked her today and she told mento ride out before I got to the ferry.

I was a little nervous

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Location:New Osborne Turnpike,Richmond,United States

June 16

Richmond is a pretty cool place. It's a huge college town but the campus blends into the city. The old Victorian row houses each have a sign out front showing their department. It's a gorgeous campus, just a bit dead cause it's summer.

Im still pretty tired today, we did a little drinking last night and mr. Pbr didn't bring his h2o friend along so I am enjoying my second bum day.




I explored bell island a little. There is a foot bridge across the James river for pedestrian access. Or if your daring and the river is low, you can bolder hop your way across.







I'm starting to regret sending my running shoes home. There was a beautiful path goin around the island and tons of people out swimming, kayaking and playing summer camp games or climbing. It was like never never land. Kinda bummed me out seeing all the couples and friends hanging out together, man what I would give for some solid company on this trip.

I do feel like a bum just hanging out at the house, the guys are awesome, but always in and out for work and i don want to make them feel uncomfortable by loitering around. However I knew I needed another regroup day and it is an amazing feeling to have a safe place to sleep at night with good people.

It would also be nice to have someone to travel with so I would feel more comfortable stealth camping or be able to split the cost of a campground. Stressing about safety is really the only thing wearing me down.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:Park Ave,Richmond,United States

June 15

I slept on this weird leather couch and got stuck to it a few time but the night was BEAUTIFUL. Nice peaceful safe sleep. I woke up and two of the guys were going to breakfast and waited for mento get my stuff together before heading out. It seems like I would have learned my lesson, but I got huge














chocolate chip pancakes that made me about throw up and so much coffee. At the moment I'm not worried about money. I really need to take care of myself and not stress if I'm gonna make it to Florida.













I really like the guys here, super chill and supportive. The day has been so nice and peaceful. Chillen on the porch, people coming and going all day. Got to do my laundry, was in the last pair of underwear. Then one of the guys took me to roger so patty and I are all stocked up again :)




So I just rode a tandem with Steven to the karaoke bar at vcu, it was pretty epic minus all the holes the seat put in
My leggings. I drank a few pbr's, met a few sweet people, then got back on the tandem. We were riding along through campus, it's a full moon and this girl was like, awe, that's so romantic.




So we made it home then failed pretty epically when Steven ran us into the fence slash trash can. So I jumped off, he ran over my foot then into a tree, epic. Now we are eating chocoate, drinking beer, I love Richmond.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:S Laurel St,Richmond,United States

June 14

I have been considering coming home a lot lately. It just gets kind of lonely when it's just me and patty. It's all ya alls amazing support that gives me the juice to go, and for that, I cannot thank you enough.

I talked to my little brother today. I asked him about the trip and told him I might come home early. He was like what? Why? I think you should go to Florida. I dont think he knows how much hearing him say that means to me.

As of now I'm at a KOA in guinea VA. After the last few days I just needed a safe place to get some good sleep. I hate spending the money, but I've learned my life might be worth more than 34 dollars saved.

Last night I met a girl a few sites down from me who is headin south from Pittsburg. Like me she started out with a friend but is now on her own. So last night we sat around the fire, had a few beers, poptarts and chocolate before passing out.

I'm heading to Richmond today to stay with some friends I met through the fifth degree. Im hoping some good quality people time will renew my spirit, because this morning, even after a good nights sleep, I can't see myself going further than Jacksonville NC. Basically South Carolina and Georiga seem horribly boring and I just want to get to Florida.

It's pretty rural out here in Virginia. I just passed a guy in a wifebeater walking his push mower down the road and I think I caught a kid peeing off his front porch. He tried to duck under the bushes, I just waved and smiled.

I dont know how this happens but my luck is turning around. I got into Richmond and all I wanted was a Rolo mcflurry. Robins friend told me there was one on broad street. I get to the end of this super busy road and it just drops into this huge hill to go under 95. I was told not to go through the south side, but I didn't come this far for nothing.

I found robins house. He was at work but his roomates let me and handed me a pbr. The Philly house has nothing on this house when it comes to bikes. There are at least thirty and their walls are covered in holds for climbing, AMAZING.

I grabbed a shower and Donna, Robins best friend came to pick me up to go get robin from work.'this girl is amazing. She started mountain biking three years ago and has turned pro at 22. She also just graduated a teaching job and is starting outdoor rec programs for the kids.

We went to the bar with another one of their friends, and this guy was HILARIOUS. It was a vegan bar that redefined my tofu experience, I am now somewhat of a fan, tofu, mimosas and good company. Perfect. Also robin picked me up a new spork so no more peanut butter knuckles.

Back at the house the living room was packed with their bike club meeting and pbr's. Jake handed me another on and i squeezed into the circle, listening to robin and Phil's epically hilarious stories of being stoned groomsmen.

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Location:Berkeley,United States

June 13

I don't really want to talk about today and last night. It wasn't good and I'm pretty shook up and ready to go home.

Location:Old Bridge Rd,Lake Ridge,United States

June 12

I'm not really sure what to do right now. I didnt really sleep last night cause i was so worried about my friend. He didn't answer his phone and didn't get home until around six this morning. I know I need to get on the road, I have a big day ahead of me but I am also shaky with exhaustion. Its ten in the morning and I can't go back to sleep.

I can't do this today. I'm such a wreck. I can't breath I'm crying so hard and i feel like I'm gonna puke. I knew what I was getting myself into when I left this morning and I almost did stay, I probably should have. I don't know where I'm sleeping tonight and I'm about to be back in the rural foothills. I'm so lonely I can hardly stand it but i can't talk to anyone in this state.

However I did get saved this morning. I was goin down the trail when this touring enthuist caught up to me. He took my picture, asked about my trip and wanted to see my maps. I was on the wrong trail,'just barley though. If I would have kept going it would have dumped me off in the middle of nowhere. I don't know how these people find me, or for how the most part it seems to always work out just before disaster, but it does. I do have faith. I will keep moving forward.

I got caught in a thunderstorm in lorton va. There was a comfort in right across the street so I called my dad to talk it over, after a day like today I am willing to throw down fifty bucks for my sanity.

129 dollars! Then she looked at me and was like wait, I got my hopes up. It was clear that I had been crying. I mean 159 dollars. I lost it instantly, I couldn't say a word to her, just wheeled patty out the door and back to burgerking as it started pouring.

I heard someone go hey Hun you ok? I couldn't talk, just managed a so so hand gesture. He's like what do you need, food? I can bring you food. Shelter? He took my number.

About twenty minutes later I was looking to see if there were any woods around here to camp in and he calls me back saying he can meet me at like eight.

Then he calls again and says his roomates sent gonna fuck with that, letting me stay so I can stay at his friends house but he has to stay there too because he doesn't know me. I tell him I understand and just need a place to punt my tent and he says that's not the point, a white girl shouldn't be out here and he just wants me to have a safe place to lay my head. He's gonna call me back. I'm so tired.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

June 11

It's so nice just chillen here in dc with Derrick. It's good to see a familiar face. Kalin lives here too and we all went to school together. It's also reassuring to see that they both graduated with art degrees and landed good jobs.
















Derrick has work stuff to do and plans for later so I have been bumming around the city. The heat and humidity is a bit styfuling so checking out the monuments is a little uncomfortable, I think they would be neat to see at night.

The holocaust museum made me cry. Also kinda surprised by their security, I forgot to take out my knife and pepper spray and I'm pretty sure I would have still gotten in with it if I didn't catch the mistake and run it back out to patty.

I am kinda lonely today, but that'll happen.

I am also starting to worry about this heat. The pedal to feed group has been riding a night I guess. That would be nice, but probably not a good idea being alone.

I went to chinatown an met a kid from northern, small world. When I got back to the house Derrick and Kalin were gettin ready to go to their thing, kind of a bummer, but that's what happen when you live last minute.










I'm sitting in front of the Capitol. It really is an amazing building. One of the guards is cleaning his rifle, He is either really board or thinks he's a bad ass.


















I don't know what to do, kinda having a down day and not sure how to snap out of it.

I ended up waiting in chinatown for a bit then went to the bars with Dylan. We went out to Florida and U and I ended up getting my butt kicked at the beer garden before heading home, one of the most nervous rides through the city at one in the morning, my hand was on the pepper spray.

I never ended up hearing back from Derrick or Kalin, that must be a good sign on there part.

Not sure when I'm gonna head out tomorrow. Hope it's not to warm and I can find a safe place to stay near Fredeicksburg.
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Location:M St NE,Washington D.C.,United States

June 10

So i feel really guilty about hitching a ride to Baltimore, however with his traffic I feel my life depends on it.

Well I guess I didn't cheat to bad. I still had about a thirty mile ride from where Jerome dropped me off.

I took a trail the whole way in, I have never met so many awkward people. What was worse was that a bolt broke on my front rack so I had to go real slow instead of escaping.

I found an awesome bikeshop off the trail and they fixed patty for free. I love people.

I think I died and went to heaven, the last part of the trail into dc was ten miles down hill.

The monuments down here are so much bigger than I imagined.

I'm currently sitting outside a gas station being mauled by puppies. They are giving me a bath.

Gosh it is great to see Derrick! He looks great and I love his house, his Roomate Eliot and his girlfriend are real nice too. We talked about the trip before I grabbed a shower.

Kalin, another kid we went to school with just walked in. I had no idea he lived here too! So exciting. We took the bikes to he grocery store to get beer and brots, and just like in Marquette they totally kicked my butt on their fixies.

The cookout was great. We watched some of the bruins game and wedding crashers before passing out.

Well i guess i didn't sleep so well. The birds outside there house were super loud and their basement neighbors really enjoy their r and b.

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June 9

I'm either over my fear of camping alone or am just to tired to care. I slept pretty well till i saw a message from my friend in dc about a barbecue, I was so excited I was tempted to hop on my bike and make a break for
It. Some how I managed to wait until five thirty.













I was on the road around six thirty when I saw frank with his
Wife and dog and the invited me in for coffee. I'm not one to pass up free things and good company. They made me breakfast and gave me bananas too :)

So I'm totally lost in the woods right now, so much for getting up at five to beat the heat. It's about 102 and not a cloud in the sky.

It's so hott and I took a wrong turn an now I'm so lost and confused. I'm hiding inside of a dentistry stairway near sweet air trying to bring my temp back down. I'm so tired I know im gonna start crying.

The lady that works at the office told me to come upstairs and I could get water and use the bathroom and stay for as long as I need. I think I'll drink another bottle of water, make some food then make a break for the state park just outside of Baltimore.













It really is amazing how good people can be. I was leaving the dentist when a big black truck pulled up next to me with a little girl in the passenger seat. They asked where I was going and were so supportive. Skyler, the little girl is just six and can already bike seven miles! A little further down the road I see them again and I give them my blog and they wish me luck. Then, seven miles down the road I'm about to make a turn praying I can find a place to swim when i see them again. Tim had a huge bottle of ice cold water and Skyler was carrying a grocery bag full of oranges, apples, trail mix and cliff bars. Had they read my mind! No, but they had read my blog, the one for today, I didn't mean for it to be such a sob story. But wow, what amazing people, thank you guys so much and good luck on your future bike rides :)

So im defiantly kinda drunk in Baltimore and Phattie patty was upset with me. I guess it does help to ride a bike when the back wheel is attached...




The bar was awesome, at the first one we had home brewed beer and the second I met Jina, one of the coolest ladies in the world.

I don't even know what we drank, a few beers, a few shots. Who cares it was a great time with the guys.'



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Location:Baldwin Mill Rd,Fallston,United States