The Big Week

This is it! We have reached the big week. Everyone we know has been drilling us with last minute questions . . . "Are you training?", "Do you have sunscreen?", "Do you know how to set up a tent?", "What if you can't find any food?" . . . etc.

As a rule, Tom and I answer all of these with complete confidence . . . "Yes, yes! Of course! We're ready for that. It's on the list!" Then we look at each other, both knowing full well that the road that lays ahead is something for which neither one of us is fully prepared - we aren't exactly seasoned veterans of edurance sport or eco-survivalists.

Difficult days are ahead, but we're gonna make it. Even if we have to pull each other the entire way, we're both going to cross the finish line! 5,000 miles . . . bring it on!

~ Austin

NOTE: After such a motivational entry, I must let you all know that we will be resting for the next few days in anticipation of June 3, our first official day of riding.

One week to go

We've had an interesting couple of days. Yesterday, we went for a quick ride. Just as we made it down the hill from Austin's, the sky opened up on us. The heavy rain felt unpleasant, but the lightning made us decide it was time to turn around. Our total distance was maybe five miles. As we rode through the deluge, I remember thinking, "Man, I hope it's not like this all weekend."

Thankfully, it wasn't. Today was great, if a little hot, and I got a tour of the lakes around here. Overall, we rode a little more than 50 miles - and we felt pretty good when we got back. Since that's more or less the distance we plan to do daily, we think we're about ready. Good thing. The first event of the tour is on Thursday, and the first day of official riding is Saturday.

~ Tom

Tom: My Famous Friend

As it turns out, Tom has become an overnight media sensation - he made two publications in one day! Evidently he really impressed the people in Philadelphia when he went home after graduation. I have yet to accomplish such a feat - perhaps Tom will share with me his secret for success. "Mr. T, the A Team needs your help!!"

This is really exciting because it will tell more people about our cause and Rally Foundation. Check it out and let us know which article is your favorite:

Article 1
Article 2

~ Austin

Evening Training Ride

Tonight we got to see a lot of the area around Tiger, GA. I think I'm beginning to appreciate how much someone can see on a bike. There are some nice views around here, and those hills are great for training. About 8:30, though, I couldn't see Austin anymore and had to take off my sunglasses. Should have taken those clear lenses! The noseeums were thick enough to make us wish we had them. As night fell, we got a little bit more worried about biking down the highway, but thanks to Austin's dad we made it back safely.

~ Tom

Burger Power

Today was great. After church, we rode out to the lake which is about 17 miles from my house. Mom and Dad decided to drive out and meet us there with greasy burgers and homemade tater fries for dinner. After downing our beefy feast, we hopped back on our bikes and headed toward the house. Perhaps it wasn't the best training tactic, but man it was good!

~ Austin