To St Augustine We Go

This morning we were up bright and early (5:30ish) to begin our first ride day. After cleaning the host houses and packing the trailer, we headed to the beach for our Atlantic Ocean wheel dip. Once we got there, we took a few moments to reflect and recognize the monumental journey we have ahead. We then dipped our back tires in the Atlantic Ocean, while saving our front ones for the Pacific.

After pictures and figuring out a few more logistics, we were off in small groups, with the beach still in sight and headed to St Augustine. I got one flat about four miles in, which was extremely frustrating because we were just settling into a pace. Then, about 5 miles until the lunch stop I got another, and was pretty fed up at that point with my back tire. Luckily after we met up with the van for some donated chipotle, the Bike and Build Program Director Natalie used her cycling excellence and found the problem. The majority of my flats have been because the rim tape (between the rim and tube) is loose and can pinch the tube when it shifts. She applied another roll of tape and that problem has been solved. Hopefully I won't have to deal with as many flats now...

Once we arrived in St Augustine after just over 35 miles we walked around town for a bit, then came back and watched the trip leaders give a presentation on Bike and Build to our hosts, the First Union Methodist Church. We then spent the rest of the night doing push up challenges, playing basketball and doing a crazy ab workout put on by Natalie (yes, doing all three after riding was a little tiring but I will sleep well tonight).

Today involved a lot of reflection and was definitely emotional but it felt so good to not have any other worries (That is only 97% true because sport club work never ends but is always worth it). One of the kids at the presentation asked us how long we have known each other and we laughed when we realized it's only been 4 days. Everyone has gotten along so well and we are functioning like one giant, 30 person family. 

(Far right in a stylish red bandana)