6.21 Milton, FL

Greetings from Milton, FL! Today was one of those days that had really low lows and high highs. We left our campsite a little after 8 and rode 45 miles until lunch. It was the longest stretch we’ve ridden before lunch and I almost died. I had run out of powerbars and so had only eaten half of someone else’s. The last few miles before lunch were pretty rough and I was in a really bad mood especially because of the biting ants that shared our lunch site. Thankfully we only had 15 more miles after lunch and then we arrived at the Community Center in Milton. Right outside the building is a hoppin’ skateboard park. I feel like I’ve entered middle school again. Bikers aren’t a common sight in these areas so to say the least, we’ve been slightly ridiculed by the 13 year olds, haha. A couple of us went to the bike shop and I bought new handle bar tape (my black handlebars are now transformed into an awesome ‘seafoam green’). I also bought tons of Cliff bars to stock up. Then my day was made wonderful when we got ice cream – Meghan and I split an oreo blizzard. But the BEST part of the day was that it was mail drop day – and THANK YOU MOM FOR THE AMAZING COOKIES!!!!! My mom sent her famous oatmeal raisin cookies and within about 2 hours there are 5 left J Tonight we have dinner provided by a Bike and Build alum and then we’re doing team meeting stuff. Tomorrow will be our first century…100 miles in one day. eeeek.

A few tidbits:

*Last night at the campsite, we opened all the windows in our tent and it was like sleeping directly under the stars…so beautiful.

*I’m not sure if I’ve mentioned Team TARDY yet but the four of us who tend to be speed challenged call ourselves this. Matthew claims it stands for “Totally Able, Rather Drive, You?”

*Today I saw the following road signs: Farrell Rd (Katie Farrell!), Dads Rd, Virginia Ridge (mom!).

*I got my first sunburn yesterday which is frustrating because I’ve been very good about sunscreen. Now I don’t know if it will ever go away because I have to be out in the sun every day…all day…

*We had TWO reporters come to take pictures and interview us today! Yay for more spreading of awareness.

*It’s been one month since I graduated from college…