Day 14: Norcross to Rome, Ga

We woke up at good ole 5am and found out we were actually having breakfast at the place we had dinner. However, we had to bike there. I was nervous again after my day before. We didn't have to go far, but we had to be in morning rush hour traffic and highway to get there.

When we left, I had people in front and behind but got separated by red lights. Once I got on the road, I was feeling better until a car laid its horn on me to scare me out of the lane. Which it worked. (This is my soap box: if you are riding and there is a cyclist in the lane, never never ever hold down your horn. It is terrifying because we don't know what it means and causes swerving possibly into your car. And it is just rude. We are human beings too. I'm someone's daughter and about to be a senior in college. It is better to slow down, safely pass me than to zoom by and take a life. Remember that next time you are driving.) 

I got to breakfast and was crying again. Turns out it was a crazy driver. He cussed Rae and threw a cup at Dan. So I guess it was bad timing on the road. JD and Marcus both gave me hugs and reminded me it was okay to be scared and I would get more comfortable soon. 

We went into breakfast, and everyone could tell I was pretty shaken up. Cindy gave me a hug and Melanie and Amanda gave me some encouragement. I wasn't eating very much so Amanda told me to keep eating and I'm not sure why, but tears just started rolling down my face. And she said, "it's okay, you don't have to eat, it's fine." Which made me laugh because I realized how ridiculous the situation was. 

Marcus and Nyx promised to ride with me to help me feel safer which I was really appreciative of them holding back since they are pretty fast riders. The line was Marcus in front, Mel, Kat, me then Nyx. Nyx kept reminding me to take deep breathes and she whistled to distract me from the car noises. 

Our route went through downtown Atlanta in the Buckhead area, and I felt so safe. I could feel the anxiety slipping away. And I think it is safe to say now that I won't have anymore panic attacks from cars. 

I also just want to shoutout to all the riders on my trip. They have been so helpful and supportive to encourage me to get back on the road but also understanding when I got scared. Marcus has been so great at giving me hugs and motivating me. Nyx really helped me pull through and relax on the road. I am so thankful for those two and the group in general for all the hugs and help. 

Once we got in ATL, we took some fun photos. 

               Peace up, Atown down. 

Once we got about 20 miles in, we got to go on the Silver Comet trail for 40 miles. It was so nice to have shade, a break from cars, and a fairly flat road. It was so amazing to pass over highways and be grateful we weren't on them. All we had to look out for were other riders and walkers. 

We got to mile 45 for the lunch stop, and I walked up to get food. I immediately went for the bagels and muffins. I sat down next to Cassie to look down and see I had hives at my ankles. I thought it was weird and the longer I looked at it my legs started to burn as the hives crept up my thighs and onto my arms. I didn't know what was wrong and everyone was  trying to figure out what to do. Ethan was nervous he was going to have to find an EPI pen if my throat started closing up. They found Benadryl to give me and I took two. We headed to find an urgent care center and along the way, the bendrayl started kicking in. I was getting super drowsy since you are suppose to only take one every six hours, but it made the allergic reaction stop pretty quickly. 

We headed to Walmart to get more medicine and itch cream that also had bendrayl in it. So with the amount of it I had in my system, I was struggling to keep my eyes open. We arrived at the host which was Berry College. It was such a beautiful campus and the biggest one in America!

I unpacked the trailer with Rachael and Ethan. Other riders started calling me for directions around campus which between the meds and fact that it is the largest campus in the world was difficult. Marcus called and I could tell something didn't sound right in his voice but he was close. When he rolled in, Eliana and I were really worried about him. He was overheating so he needed to cool down. 

After everything calmed down, I wrote directions for other riders on the magic paper towel (I'm getting really good at this internship). And headed up to my room. 

We all have gotten to the point where we are so grateful for the small things. One of the riders said that if you look around at night, we look like a homeless shelter with our sleeping bags lined up in the gym floors. But at Berry College, we said in apartment style suites where it was two riders to a shower (unheard of) and beds!! I took a shower and slept until dinner. 

At dinner, we all went around and talk about our bike names and the stories behind them. A lot of people have Greek god or goddess names. After dinner, I went upstairs and slept from 7pm-5am straight which was well needed. 

Day 13: Athens to Norcross

I could finally get back on the road since the friendly bike man fixed Rafiki for free! But I didn't realize how much my car accident had scared me. Nyx has been hit by cars twice before the trip in high school so she told me it might take a while to get use to the road again.

During the route meeting, I was starting to feel really nervous about getting on the road and the quote of the day was from the girl that had died two years ago on our route by a car. All of the things combined with biking towards the Atlanta traffic was a little overwhelming. But I didn't not want to miss out on the day. 

I departed with Kat, Cassie and Travis. The red lights kept separating us so it ended up just being Kat and me until we caught up with Amanda and Melanie. I didn't realize how scared I was until I pulled over and started crying. The traffic wasn't that bad but cars were still passing quickly and closely. Kat, Mel and Amanda were all so sweet to me about calming me down. Amanda agreed to stay in the back to help with the car anxiety which helped a lot. We got to the top of the hill and I had to pull over again due to nervousness and started dry heaving. So to take my mind of it, Amanda decided to distracted me by taking a tractor photo. 

I decided to keep going because I was determined to finish the day. But around mile 25, there were rumble strips for the car which made them really loud and left minimal room on the road for cyclist. A car clipped by closely and I decided that I need to get off the road because I was so nervous I wasn't riding safely. Melanie called Ethan and Eliana and Lacy waited with me. 

They decided to distract me with hay bale photos which were a lot of fun. Also, haybale is really sharp so my legs actually started bleeding (I clearly have all the luck on the trip). I struggled getting on top hence the photos. 

I got in the van with Ethan and were joking around that we would make being in a car scarier than the bike to help get me back on the road. Maybe 5 miles after that, we were crossing a railroad track and I looked left. And there was a train heading our way. The Ching-Ching-Ching train noises started as the arms to block cars go down. I must have just had a lot of anxiety built up because I screamed, "put me back on my bike!" But we made it to lunch stop. Everyone checked in with me and gave me hugs.  I will admit I was a little embarrassed that I got upset. It was nice that people reminded me I had been hit by a car two days ago so it was perfectly okay to be upset and scared of cars. Marcus gave me earrings made out of his bike chain from last summer as a good luck/feel better charm. I call them my force field protectors. It was so sweet of him to do that and I did make me feel a lot better. 

I ended up sticking with Ethan. Rachael and Kendra were in the van too due to health issues. Right as we were planning to leave, the trailer jack broke. Ethan had some super quick thinking and we used the car jack to pump it up to hitch the trailer. Immediately, I went back into intern mode by calling around town to figure out a new trailer jack. We ended up finding one at a local Home Depot and they gave it to us half off!! Next, we had to find an urgent care clinic for the other two. It was a busy day in the van.

We got back to the Boys and Girls Club in Norcross (our host for the night) and had to fix the trailer hitch. I'm really becoming quite the mechanic on this trip. Our showers were at the YMCA and were so nice!! Hot water!! 

After showers, we were shuttled to a surprise dinner that was at a restaurant! They served us fajitas that were so delicious and filling. 

When we got back to the host. Kat, Eliana, Marcus, Dan and I scoped out the best room that was hidden away like the Room of Requirement. We ended up having a therma-rest fight because they are kind of like big balloons. 

Also my tan lines are getting pretty intense. 

Day 12: Lacy's Intern

Again, my bike was still not fixed so I was Lacy's intern for the day. It was a pretty chill day. We listened to stuntin like Mufasa which was a great morning jam session. 

Ethan's knees were hurting him so we picked him up at the gas station and saw the cutest dogs and the Goat King. 

Side note: some of the trailer is finished! 

 Some alum brought us lunch for the road which was really amazing to see that they are still involved in the organization. And small world: the co founder of Habitat came to talk to us. He talked about how he worked in Africa, Korea, and other international areas. It was amazing to hear how it helps to create international collaboration and peace. 

Also, Laini and Chris were sweeps aka the scrapers so they detailed their bikes. For a good time, YouTube "scraper bikes."

They bike so hard they don't need no car. 

We got to the church and they were so excited to have us there!! There was a bike shop near by so Cassie and Kat walked with me. The guy ended up fixing it for free when he could have easily charged over 100 dollars. I am so grateful for people who have been so kind to us!! 

There was a feast of the gods at the church and they had live bluegrass music. They even played Rocky Top for me and I was the only dancing. It was hard for them since they were die hard UGA fans. 

Also, Brian is starting to look creepy. 

Day 11: Cassie's Intern

I was in the van today since my bike was still broken. It was also a Sunday so it was impossible to get fixed in the south. My chore group got switched to cooler crew. We found a lot of mold and ants in the trailer so we decided to name ourselves Quality Control Team. 

There were three other people in the van with me for the day since they missed the curfew the night before. We had a lot of fun chalking the streets to help the other riders with directions. And it was Amanda's Bday! So I made her this list and chalking. 

  

At lunch, we invented the "Sloppy Mario". It is spaghetti on a hamburger bun. You have to get creative on the road. 

We ended up having to pick up Rachael for her knee hurting and Hawa for not strapping her helmet. So the van was pretty packed! We got to pull over and jump in the lake. It felt so good! 

Also we made it to Georgia!!

Day 10: Build Day 3!

I was super thankful for a build day to give me some time off from the road. Nyx asked me last night if I was hurting (which I thought I didn't) but I woke up with my whole body aching. However, it wore off later in the day. 

The build site was just down the road so we walked. I was assigned to the nail gun and saw. I'm not sure how I managed to get that since I can be clumsy. But JD and Rachael were on my team and it was a lot of fun! 

The crew

Day 9: Newberry to Greenville SC

Wake up call for the morning was 5am so naturally Nyx and I woke up at 4:45am to avoid the bathroom line. My chore group was also pretty excited that we only had one big gym to clean up. 

Since I am not constant with my pacing, I was determined not to see sweep that day. I stuffed my breakfast down to the point where I was uncomfortably full and booked it out of the church. I guess I must have been exhausted because made it put and about 50 feet down the road, I just fell right over on my bike. I was pretty cut up so Cindy asked me of I wanted to go back to get first aid. But I was determined to keep going so I just said, "I'm not getting in the van!" And biked away. 

The morning was my favorite ride yet! It was rolling farms and cows. Check out the pics Kat took:

I rode by myself for about three hours which was so peaceful and relaxing to just be able to enjoy the quiet morning. There was a skunk smell for a good five miles. It reminded me of my momma since she would always roll down the windows of the car whenever there was the skunk smell and say "mmm good ole country air!" Her logic is that people in the city don't have the privilege to smell the aroma so we should embrace it. So naturally I dedicate this chalking to my momma. 

There was also a Curry road and lake. The spelling was close enough. 

So from my fall earlier in the day, I went about 25 miles without realizing that my legs were bleeding. I stopped at a red light and some power line guys flagged me over and gave me first aid and cleaned up my battle wounds. It was so kind of them that I almost reared up. Everyone's kindness to us on the road has blown my mind and I'm so appreciative! 

The second half of the day is always the hardest. The way into town was pretty hilly and had a crazy road into town with a lot of lanes. After making it through the traffic, Kat, JD, Cassie, Mike and I stopped at a pond to relax. 

I continued down the road and saw Hawa and Chris stop for ice cream so naturally I stopped too. Melanie and Amanda also caught up. We were biking together until the red lights separated us. At the light, I clipped out both feet and stopped. And out of nowhere, my saddle jammed into my back. A driver (who was texting) ran into the back of my bike and then drove off. Luckily and gratefully, I was perfectly fine. However, I went into shock/survival mode and decided I needed to keep going to get out of the busy interestion/road.  Amanda and Melanie caught up to me and I told them what happened. We were about three miles out from the host so we decided we could make it back. This was before I knew my bike was seriously messed up. We got to the next red light and my pedal kept falling out of rotation. Amanda and I shared a look of deep concern but we had to make it off the road. We got to the next road and my pedals locked up. Immediately, I pulled off into a driveway. I was so overwhelmed that I started crying. Amanda and Melanie couldn't hear me over the cars, but Hawa and Chris stopped to help me. The back left of my bike had been bent by the car. 

Ethan came to pick up my bike and me. He got out and hugged me, while I was crying, I couldn't stop saying, "I smell so badly." Priorities, right? 

But I am super grateful that I was untouched and besides the incident it was my favorite ride yet. Also, I got a care package from my family which was a nice way to end the day. 

Day 8: Intern for the Day

Today, I was the Bike and Build intern. It ended up being a really great day since a lot was going on. The van has a rogue ignition switch so we have to open the hood to start the van. 

I realized how much the leaders really have to do in order for the group to get meals and all the logistics so shoutout to the leaders! I got to help out JD which was some nice quality bonding time and we got to jam to some rap music. 

We had some issues with the trailer and hitching it since it was on a hill. It ended up taking a while but team work is dream work and we made it happen! 

But overall it was a pretty great day! And the rest of the day, I finally sat down and blogged. I'm trying to post everyday now. Also if you would like to call, after six eastern works best for now!

Day 7: 21st Birthday!! Sumter to Colombia

On my birthday, I woke up at 5am with Backstreet boys jamming in the hallway and a birthday ode. 

There were birthday chalking along the way too!!

Kat was my riding buddy and we had a blast taking photos!! We had a lot of quick stops for photos.

And there were some awesome road signs that fit well with the theme of the summer.

And they saved me the last piece of leftover pizza!! This won't mean anything or even come off as an insult to someone who doesn't understand how hungry and desperate we are for food. When I was eating the pizza, people kept asking, "Where did you get that?!" I also thought it was funny when we were pulling into lunch, Rachael said, "I bet you are ready for a drink," referring to an alcoholic beverage since I was newly 21, and I responded, "YES, I literally cannot wait for Gatorade."

Kat and I left lunch early together since we wanted to get into the host on time. The road we were on was a highway, and the drivers were not very kind. There was one car that came close to swiping Kat so we pulled off and vented out our anger. Little did we know, this is somewhat (sadly) of a normal occasion that we would become numb to by the end of the trip. We ended up being so shaken up that we stopped frequently, and other riders caught up.

We were about 3 miles away from the host, and we met up with some of the riders at Starbucks. There was a wine store next door, and Kat and I decided to go check it out since it was my 21st! It was a Mom and Pop store, and the owner was so kind that he signed on to the Bike and Build website to donate to the cause...he also donated two craft beers since it was my birthday. Kat and I thanked him for his kindness and laughed as we packed the two beers in my camelback pack.

On the way to the host, we got lost. It was our first college campus to be on for the summer so we underestimated finding the exact location on a huge, foreign college campus. But we finally found the University Ministries and of course the host was on a massive hill (this was a trend throughout the summer as well).

And then we arrived at University of South Carolina! So I knew that it was a rule that we could not have alcohol at the host, and I am not much of a rule breaker. Being the ruler follower that I am, I pulled JD aside and told him what happened at the liquor store, and how I had two beers in my backpack. He was taken aback, and said he would have to talk to the other leaders. I had a feeling that I was going to get in trouble...oops.

Meanwhile, Kat and I walked down to the town, and fittingly enough found a dress shop, also called "Oops." I bought a orange/red dress that little would I know would be my main outfit for the summer after rides and even as pjs. This was the time that Kat and I really started to get close. We talked about boys from home, our home life, how our friends perceived us. It was our first deep conversation out of many over the summer. We headed to the USC's gym to take showers. We decided it was best to get rid of the beer so we jokingly drank it in the shower, and cheers to not getting hit by a car (the irony).

We headed back to the host, and JD pulled me aside. He said the leaders had talked, and they decided to van me for breaking the rule about having alcohol at the host. I understood. I had broken the rules, and it was very early on in the trip; they didn't want people walking all over them. I have so many RA friends at home that it gave me the perspective to know that they were just doing their jobs.

As more and more riders found out about me being vanned, some were upset or angry, but I loved Eliza's reaction, "Dude, you planned this so right. You can get drunk tonight, and totally don't have to worry about being hungover in the morning." I thought it was a funny, optimist way to look at it.

We ended up all exploring downtown, and the place Rae had research was not open...so we headed to the ever so trusty Mellow Mushroom since all ages could attend. It was a lot of fun to just sit around and talk to people. We took a group tequila shot which was hilarious seeing everyone's reactions. I ended up sitting down next to Laini, Dan and Curtis and got to talk to them individually for the first time.

I headed home with Laini and Kat, and it was a nice walk back. It was a good birthday with awesome new friends!

Kat doing the splits:

Sarah doing the splits:

And the late night adventure in Colombia!