Liz Bikes Across America

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

This blog is deciated to my family, and friends! Thank you from the bottom of my heart, for the love and support you have given me, just knowing that you where there in thoughts and prayers got me through the low times. I promise to stay put for a week or two. Love you, Liz

Saturday, September 18, 2010

We made it! Final Destination Virginia Beach!

1:09 pm, we rolled into Virginia Beach with a small hill to climb and head winds! Family and friends where waiting for us on the board walk! Very emotion monument ! With each peddle stroke today I looked back on the journey we have taken. I would do it again tomorrow with the same amazing group of friends!

Friday, September 17, 2010

On the Eve of the Grand Finalie

As we prepare for our final day, there is need for reflection. Just wanted to share some of our thoughts on the road.
1. What is the difference in a trip, a vacation, and an adventure?
A trip is planned, you know where you are going, when you will get there, exactly why you are going. GPS units work for these. This experience is not a trip.
A vacation is for resting, for getting away, downtime. You have time to read a book. This is not a vacation.
An adventure is when you don't know where you may sleep, not sure exactly how far or exactly where you are going, when you will arrive, or exactly where you are. You do know the direction, but you have no idea what you may experience along the way. Now, we have been on an adventure!!!!

2. What is the difference between a Kentucky country dog and a Virginia country dog?
A KY dog is tied up and a VA dog is not tied up. They bite!!!

3. What new inventions would result from this adventure?
Liz has started chilling the butt butter and we are loving it. Yes, we continue to use it in the "intended" places. However, we now also use butt butter for our heels and occassionally as leg lotion.
Liz is also considering a "gel bicycle short that could be cooled".
Alinda and Bobby have decided that too much money is spent in detention centers and jails. They are considering writing a grant to take troubled youth across America by bicycle. The kids would have plenty of time to think about their situation and appreciate the simple pleasures of life.

4. How are campgrounds and RV parks rated?
Everything is on a scale of 1 to 10. 10 is the best.
If the showers have hot water, and 2 knobs, they are rated higher.
More bugs, lower the rating.
Laundry facilities score big time.
Toilets are a must. Tom Steele insists--even porta potties have a purpose.

5. How's the group holding up? I have decided they are either the Great Eight or the Crazy Eight. Each day we laugh, get on the bikes without whining, and do our best. Truly an incredible group of people with talents and much to share.

Of course, Paul makes us the Fine Nine becuase he is very much a part of the group. Paul fed us and kept our spirits high. He has been at every stop in perfect time. We love him dearly.

On the Eve of the Grand Finalie, each realize this was the ride of a lifetime. We have been blessed with safety, good weather, great health, and pure pleasure.
To all of you who have faithfully followed, we appreciate your support. You have been a big part of the Great Adventure.

Lots of Love,
Alinda---A Free Spirit Adventurer

I can smell the ocean!

115 miles today , 90+ temperatures, and around 63 miles left! The mountains of Virginia finally flatten out, some rolley hills earlier today, lots of traffic to deal with, some no biking signs, we just rode on! Finished the day in Franklin VA, lots of peanuts fields and cotton! Everyone is excited about tomorrow and a little sad, we had our last dinner in the RV! Paul has been wonderful, we have had wonderful meals and support. It will feel strange to drive a car again, look at a newspaper, see TV. I am looking forward to seeing my family! Everyone on this trip has been amazing and they have become family, it will hard not be with them after tomorrow! I know we will have more adventures together down the road!