Beaufort

When you consider 41 miles an easy day, you know you're adapting pretty well.

Between store runs, bank runs, and cell phone problems, we got off to a late start. As we rode over the bridge from Savannah, GA to South Carolina (our first new state!), I got my first flat tire. After Austin's three flats of two days ago, I guess it was just a matter of time. Worst of all, after I replaced the tube, I noticed a small spring missing from the rear wheel. Fortunately, we were able to pull one off of the spare bike. Even if we never use the thing, I'm glad we brought it along. At least we can scrap it for parts.

Only a few minutes after we got going again, we saw an alligator (deceased). It wasn't that big - maybe four feet long, and lying on the side of the road. I don't think I've ever seen an alligator outside of a zoo before. Maybe I'll have a chance to see some more (bikes can outrun alligators, right?).

Anyway, we rode on to Beaufort, and we got to see some really great views along the way. Almost before we knew it, we were meeting our new hosts. They seem like great people, and they've given us a chance to relax for a while.

~ Tom

Savannah: 3 flats / Mac and Cheese

We rode into Savannah yesterday at about 7:00 pm. The day started with a few minor bike repairs, but despite this set back, we were really pumped because the events of the day prior had landed us on the front page of the Augusta Chronicle. People on the road actually recognized us! People waved as they passed, and some gave us friendly honks.

As we were getting ready to leave one store, the attendent ran outside to give us $20 and wish us well on our journey. At an intersection, one lady pulled her car to the side, pointed at Tom and I, and said "God bless you." All of the encouragement from complete strangers was really excting.

By mid afternoon, we had reached deep south Georgia. The roads were flat for miles and pine trees lined eiter side of the road. We also saw our first Armadillo - deceased :(

About 20 miles outside of Savannah, a local biker named Eric met up with us. As he was leading us into the city, disaster struck . . . I ran over a piece of glass which sliced open my rear tire. After calling back the chase car for a spare tire and tube, I set up shop for the repair. Finally after about 30 minutes, with my tire reinstalled, we got back on the road. Two minutes later . . . I ran over a pot hole and blew out the tube that I had just replaced. ha ha.

Luckily, another cyclist rode by just in time to throw us a spare tube. We pulled out the pump and got to work again. The heat was getting to us, so this tire took a little longer to replace. Finally we finished up, and headed out again.

At mile marker 88 we pulled into the city limits, and at mile 93, we were in downtown Savnnah. We loaded up our gear, and headed to Catie Wilkin's grandfather's home. Catie is the little girl that we are riding in honor of in Savannah, and Charlie really laid out the red carpet for us - home made fried chicken, sweet tea, macaroni and cheese, and fresh salad. After three flat tires, it sure was good to see Charlie :)

~ Austin

Augusta

Yesterday we rode into Augusta. There were a few decent hills, we had a bit of a headwind, and traffic was a bit heavy at the end, but we made it in time to get pictures with the Augusta Chronicle – who interviewed us today, asking us where our inspiration came from. We mentioned the story of Matt Hobby and told him that as we get to know these kids and their families we feel an even greater need to become more involved.

And we were very involved today. First, we went to our Outback fundraiser. Unfortunately, Jacob, the boy we were riding in honor of in Augusta, had gotten a little sick and was unable to come, but his family was there to cheer us on. Then, we went to Medical College of Georgia to visit some of the kids there. They were great as usual. After that, we went to Via Mizner, a Vineyard Vines retailer here in Augusta. The staff – Courtney, Amy, and Margie – were great, having lots of food there for us and talking with us about Rally. Finally, we headed back to Mary Beth’s house to catch our first television appearance!

Overall, a busy day. We had a lot of fun, and I feel like we accomplished a lot. Still, tomorrow will be easier. All we have to do is ride 120 miles.

~ Tom

Warrenton

We got in 70.7 miles today, arriving in Warrenton to stay with Austin's aunt and uncle. We were going to follow the state bike routes, but we were able to cut off some mileage by coming more directly. There was a little more traffic, but the closest we came to getting hit was when some feathers flew off a chicken truck and onto Austin. 70 miles is a new record for me and Austin. Tomorrow: Augusta.

~ Tom

Athens

Today we went to church with my older brother Russell, and then we came home to have our first "pow wow" with Nick and Chelsea, our support crew. They have been with us since Thursday, but we have been so busy with events that we didn't have the opportunity to sit down and go over everything until today.

The events of the past four days have really brought all of us together. Nick and Chelsea have been great to have around, and I'm looking forward to this week. Nick actually knows more about cycling than me and Tom, and Chelsea is an expert when it comes to other things - including shaving your legs. ( more on that later :)

~ Austin