Cycling Ellen

This morning as I walked to breakfast at a restaurant across the road, I was especially glad that it’s a rest day and we didn’t have to ride.  There was a big storm in the night and it was still cold and damp with a pretty stiff wind blowing.  Actually, we heard that after we left Vanderpool yesterday there were golf ball size hailstones coming down.  We got out just in the nick of time!  We have been lucky with the weather this trip.  There have been storms all around us but we seem to have been in pockets of decent weather.  May that continue through the second half!

It’s been great to have a rest day with cell phone coverage and internet access.  It’s a good time to check up on people in the “outside” world.  I cleaned my bike, caught up with post cards and will spend some time sitting outside reading and listening to music.  Unlike my vacations, I’m not as motivated to seek out the usual tourist or shopping opportunities.  I guess my day is so full when I’m riding that just hanging out feels really good.

I just received updates from the two organizations that are receiving my fundraising money.  So far, the total is just over $7600.  Many, many thanks to those of you who have contributed.  I don’t get addresses from the NBCCF due to privacy laws so if you haven’t received an official thank you from me, that’s why.  Please accept this substitute for now and I’ll try to connect with you when I get home.

To those of you who read this and haven’t contributed, please consider doing so.  I have been hoping to raise $25,000 and am now wondering if that is an unrealistic goal.  Please feel free to prove me wrong!  Knowing I’m helping others really adds another dimension to this ride.  All contributions are tax-deductible and you will receive an official letter for tax purposes from the organizations.  You can donate online or by mail – whichever is easier for you.  As I’ve said before, imagine a world with more music and less breast cancer!