Day 4: Evertything's better with chocolate milk

Resting on a beautiful trail

It's all about having good directions. And Google bike maps officially sucks when it comes to getting good directions. Emily, Alex, and I set out together while David took his turn driving. Alex and I rode 40 very hilly miles followed by some beautiful trails. Then we got lost again and finally called David to get us after 54 miles. Emily hit the figurative wall around mile 34, and David picked her up early. It was disappointing that we were unable to finish the entire trip again, but we still feel good about the miles we covered, particularly considering how challenging they were. As we awaited rescue, Alex and I found a convenience store. Chocolate milk is a great remedy for fatigue and disappointment.

Some things I've learned:

1. Most cyclists are kind and helpful, and if you get lost or even look a little lost, they ask if everything's okay when they see you stopped along the roadside. A few are not helpful at all.

2. When you're sweating buckets, you don't care what water tastes like as long as it's safe.
3. After a few experiences with getting lost, it becomes easier to swallow your pride and not worry about what strangers think when you ask them what town you're in.
4. After 30 plus miles on a bike at once, you lose the self-consciousness of being seen in public in biking shorts. You've earned the right to look ridiculous in the name of comfort.
5. Public showers are gross, but after sweating all day, you no longer care... as long as you don't have to touch anything. Rinsing off sweat feels miraculous.
6. It's incredibly unfair that it takes over 100 miles of cycling to burn a pound.

7. 78 miles and still smiling... because I don't' know we're lost yet...

   Always travel with a GPS. Even if you think you have decent directions.
8. Chocolate milk is a great remedy for fatigue and disappointment.