Baltimore to Cleveland

Where to begin... We are only 7 days in and already there are so many memories.

Day 1 - Send Off
So we started the day really early and met on campus around 5:30. It was raining, not the best send off but at least we got to leave! We biked from Johns Hopkins down to the inner harbor and luckily by the time we had gotten there it had stopped raining.
We had a nice send off ceremony where some members of the organizations we donate to spoke and the trip directors gave us an encouraging fair well.
I was in the first group to leave and it was exciting. With about 5 other people we headed out of the city. First to make it to the water stop at a firehouse that had snowcones! I was also the first to cross the PA state line! All and all the day went great and we ended up in Waynesboro, PA. We stayed at a church group building. It was a very nice place and our hosts were very welcoming!

Day 2 - Waynesboro to Bedford
An early, early morning! Up and on the road around 7:45. Here come the hills! It was time to cross the Appalachian mountains. Little did we know that a few days would be spent in the mountains! I was again in the front group and probably pushed myself a little more than necessary on the second day! We made it to Bedford and were shuttled to the local high school for some showers. Tonight was the first night we gave our presentation and Jackie and Joe did a pretty good job. The food was great and the people were too. Fell asleep quick and woke up to a soggy day!

Day 3 - Bedford to Greensburg
It was raining in the morning but quickly burnt off. We were headed back into the mountains! We had a couple really good climbs today and even made it up the biggest hill, expecting there to be a bigger one after that! I didn't push myself as hard as I did the past few days, but certainly made it there as one of the first riders. We stayed at a YMCA in an emergency youth shelter! Fun thing was that we went over to an Alumni's house for dinner and they had a pool! Very nice to relax. And plus it was my BIRTHDAY! so I got a cake! The pool was awesome and the hosts were great. It was nice to have a bed and I got a good night sleep.

Day 4 - Greensburg to Butler
So today it decided it was really going to rain! It was around 50 degrees and wet. Luckily it was a short day but that didn't make it any warmer. We were also out of the mountains so the terrain was pretty flat. We made it to Butler and found a warm shower at the YMCA. We were all cold and slept very well after a long day!

Day 5 - Butler to Youngstown
Today was a quick day! Only about 50 miles and good weather. We flew all day long and made our way to a church in Youngstown. Today was also the day that our van got backed into a street pole! Breaking two bikes, busting out our back window, and even breaking the power pole! Needless to say that was a highlight of the day. We also crossed over into Ohio. When we got to the church there were a bunch of kids learning bike safety! It was fun. I helped out cleaning out the van and with insurance stuff. Dinner was amazing. A great potluck with alot of community members. We actually got to sleep in the next morning too!

Day 6 - Youngstown to Cleveland
Today was my day to drive. I choose the big van without a back window to save the other driver from the stress of driving it. It was actually relaxing to be off the road for a day. The really stressful part of the day was finding lunch for everyone. I went in 14 places looking for donations and finally managed to get some Pizza and Wendy's. Our other van driver got lost a couple of times, but we all managed to meet up before Cleveland and caravan in. This was awesome! All 27 of us moving as one blob going to the city. I was still driving the van but it was fun. We actually got on the local news too! Check out our video!
http://www.wkyc.com/news/local/news_article.aspx?storyid=115375&catid=3

Day 7 - Cleveland Day Off
Yes! A day off! We are staying at Case Western Reserve Univeristy in dorms. Last night we all went out and hung out. It was tough to stay up until midnight! But luckily we could sleep in a little. Today also began the beard contest. I shaved down to a nice handlebar mustache! Check out my photo on facebook! We went out to breakfast at a little diner and it wasn't all I'd hope'd it would be. Then we went to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. It was awesome. Really cool! We walked around the city a good bit and split up into smaller groups. We also went and saw the movie UP! tonight, which was really really good! I've been designated the big van driver and I love it. Certainly comfortable driving it! Its also been nice to have a bed here too. We are off tomorrow morning for Sandusky. And maybe Cedar Point amusement park!!!

We have our first mail drop on the 8th, which will be cool to get some mail! If you feel like sending me something check out 4kforcancer.org and there are the drop sites.

Thanks for checking out my blog! Hope to have internet again soon, but we get another day off in Chicago, so if not before then, I'll update then!

Oh, I've been meaning to upload pictures, but have to wait for my cable to be sent to me. :( There are photos up on the 4k site.

Have a good one! And feel free to call, email, or whatever works for you to stay in touch with me! Talk to you all later!

-T