Tanning in the shade

Day 10-

Though we have done 90 miles, the 80 miles from Coutersport to Warren were hard to say the least. The sun was hitting us for the first time in awhile, and hills somehow crept themselves into the scene. With lunch not till miles 40, I was aching for something to eat. We stopped in the town of Smethport where a group of us enjoyed ice cream at the 1930s original ice cream parlor/visitor center/senior center, all in one. The little old ladies working there had us come into the back and see the senior center. Walking down the hallway, the music got louder and louder until I saw a room full of white hair and a tiny old woman playing the keyboard on the organ setting. I was tempted to take video of the scene, but I felt that might have been a little too much.

Ali, Ariela, and I continued our long journey, ate a much deserved lunch and set back out on the road. Riding through the town of Kane, PA we couldn't believe how adorable it was. We stopped at the health food store to work our donation magic. We got two frozen TV dinners and a bag of frozen mangos. About 5 miles later we consumed those mangos licking the bag clean. As the miles got smaller our energy heightened. I have found that when I am 20 miles away, I want to give up, but as soon as 15 hits, I am reenergized.

Day 11- Terrible mood = terrible cycling

The first half of the day wasn't too bad. A 60 mile ride doesn't seem to phase me anymore, but today was an exception. I tagged along with a new group of bike and builders (I find that I just float around until I can keep up with someone). We made a strawberry stop and played some golf; amazing combination. We also took a what seemed like 2 hour lunch break, not so good. After that I crashed. I couldn't pedal and I brought myself into the worse mood. I felt like giving up and riding in the van. But I just kept in mind the EFI club (Every "Frickin" Mile). Yes, it may be dumb, but I only want to ride in the van if it's injury related, not me feeling like complete blah. Even mile 15 didn't seem to do what it usually does for me.

Eventually, I got into the town of Franklin, PA, a grand total of 61 miles. This town is adorable and the the pastor from the church is very generous. Our dinner in Subway, anything we want, "on Sam's tab." Tomorrow, a 70 mile ride into Ohio. Crossing state boarders!