Sunday, August 18, 2013

Day 65: Hagerstown

As far as the ride goes, more of the same today. We didn't have quite as much climbing though, and it was a very interesting ride. I rode today with Alex, and we made really good time throughout the ride. It also felt kind of like the last real day of riding (kind of), so I wanted to push it a bit but also for it to be fun. There was lots of fog in the morning though, which may have been a bit dangerous, but it was awesome riding and descending the hills through the fog. About 20 guys behind us actually formed a peloton early on in the ride, which we ended up joining after they caught us around mile 50 because the first two pace lines had to go 6 miles out of the way because a turn was not marked. It was worth the extra mileage though, because riding with the big group was a pretty cool experience.

Lodging was at the Potomac Center which is a center for people with disabilities. We had some free time in which I cleaned my bike some, took a shower, and had ate some snacks the center provided for us! Dinner was an interesting experience, but definitely a good one. Alberto and I escorted a blind women named Laura from one building to the gym where we were eating. We held her hand as we slowly made her way across the campus. I had never helped or really experienced anybody truly blind before, so I enjoyed being able to escort her. Then, at dinner, I sat with Blake and another woman who had cerebral palsy. Many of the clients needed help eating, so Blake and I took turns feeding her chicken pot pie and applesauce. It was one of the more touching experiences we have had on this trip and I'm glad I had the chance to help feed one of the clients.

After dinner, we had a couple of hours of free time before having our Pi Alpha ritual. We were up a lot later than usual with the team, but being the second to last night on the road, I wouldn't have it any other way. I was truly worn out after dinner though, which is coming at a bad time... I was even more tired than the previous day and I know I haven't been this tired the entire trip. I'll have time to rest in a few days though at home.

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