riding into the capitol

walking up to the capitol

A video/slideshow of our time in D.C.

Manassas, VA

To be honest, I don't really remember the ride. By this time in the trip, I'm sure it was no big deal. There were no FVs since this was our last day together as a team. There was however a big dinner with all three routes of the Journey of Hope, Build America, Pi Alpha ride-alongs, and Push America staff. It was a way for everyone to come together and enjoy our last evening together before arriving in D.C. on the 12th. What you see in the picture is Andrew, Todd, and I from the Journey of Hope Trans-Am team, Shawn from the Build America team, and Charlie who interned at the Push America office in Charlotte this summer, all of us from WSU. This was actually the third time we met up with Shawn. Lodging was in a rec. center and we slept on the gym floor like usual, the last time though we would do so together.

Fredericksburg, VA

Today's ride was supposed to be 80 miles but ended up only about 53 miles. The day was dark and much cooler than the past couple days had been, but I suppose that it was like this because we were finished riding so early. Once in lodging I had a nice shower and shave, washed both uniforms and caught up in my own journal. The Friendship Visit was a barbeque and dance out in the heat and humidity. Everyone was so sweaty! Many of the Push America staff and former cyclists of the team who would ride into D.C. with us were at this Friendship Visit which was very cool. It's always nice to chat with alumnis of the fraternity, especially ones who were involved like they were. In the evening we had a team meeting that wrapped up the trip for our team which got me very excited to finish, not in a bad way though. It was in a way that made me excited to see the trip completed after 2 1/2 months on the road. It looks to be an emotional last couple days.

Pictures coming hopefully sooner rather than later... thanks for sticking with us!

08/09/07 Farmville to Richmond, VA

The people from STEPS also new someone who was manager for a restaurant so we had a breakfast buffet to start off our morning. A woman from STEPS shared with us a story about a couple of clients and the impact we had on them. She shared one story about Elsie and how proud she was to show us where she worked and what she does there. She said “it made her feel special.” That's really cool to be able to give someone that feeling when all you think you're doing is being a good listener. Because of the big breakfast I didn't get on the road until after 8:15am. We had a big police escort waiting for us so we had to be moving fast. Even with our short crew stops, my group had to be racked up for the last 4-5 miles. I rode in the last group again because a tendon or something on the outside of my left knee had begun hurting on the day before. It was just as hot and humid but we got some big help from the trees as we were riding in the shade a lot more than the previous day. Also, the shorter day helped. The grid said 85 miles but it ended up only around 70 for the guys that finished the entire ride. Once we got into lodging and I had lunch and showered, I went with Andrew so he could pick up his bike from the bike shop. On the way home we got a little lost and made it back with just enough time to change into our team clothes and get off to dinner with the team. We went to a restaurant but our meal consisted of green salad followed by pasta salad. I couldn't believe that that was our entire meal! But it was sponsored so we put on a good smile for them. When we got back from dinner we did gag gifts which was a blast! Pretty much non-stop laughing and a great bonding event as our days wind down. After the gift exchange, Andrew and I and two others went to a big bowling alley and bowled two games. It was nice to do something leisurely and different than what we had done all summer. From there we went to a really nice mall and tackled the food court, hungry again from the lack of dinner earlier. Once back to the middle school where we were staying, I did some blog updating and then got to bed.