Finish Line

The White House on a bicycle is the only way to go. We rode around D.C. for a while, and then braved the highway to Annapolis, MD; it was a six lane divided road that scared both of us. We calmed our nerves in Maryland with beer and pizza at John Flood's house. John, was the friend I made in Nebraska; he let us stay in his house on the Chesapeake Bay the night before we headed for the coast.

After swimming in the Atlantic Ocean I was overwhelmed with a feeling of accomplishment.

Garrett and I after diving into the water. All emotions were present for these two white boys. We couldn't comprehend the feelings we had after riding bicycles across the North American continent.

I learned a lot on this trip via experiences with people and places but also realized the vast amount of knowledge I have yet to explore. Life is a journey, and I've just begun.

After the coast, Garrett went home with his Mom, and I spent the night on the beach just north of Ocean City, MD. In the morning, I rode towards the Budget car rental, and then drove to Canton, OH to meet Elle. From there we went south the her Dad's house in Coshocton, OH; where we will spend most of our time until we fly back on the 24th of July back to California.

Washington D.C.

The trip to Washington D.C. has been exciting, especially the end where we rode on a rails to trails bicycle trail. Garrett's Mom had a party awaiting us, in Farfax, and today we ride into the city, and onto Annapolis, Maryland. The World Cup game is on today at 2;30 and I am hoping to catch it in the city. ESPN has a bar that closed, so I'm looking for another option. I expect spain to win by 2 goals over the Netherlands. 2 more days til I see Elle!

Matt has made his way through all of West Virgina and isn't far from the suburbs of D.C. where Garrett is from. It sounds like there's a party awaiting their arrival.
Due to the time difference, his riding schedule and my work schedule I've barely spoken with him.
It sound as if he's nearly finished and ready to be. I'm flying to Ohio on Monday and will reunite with him as soon as he's finished. His goal is to reach the Atlantic then rent a car and pick me up in Ohio on Tuesday.
I'm convinced he's crazy, but can't wait to see his face. For those of you local...we're planning a Trinity River Trip on Monday August 26th. A little stop off before he returns to Arcata. Join us?

Midwest cornfield camping

We camp in cornfields, because they are awesome! I highly recommend trying it.

We had a great time in Coshocton, Ohio with Jim and Lynn; now we are 400 mi away from Washington D.C. and we are excited to get there. The weather is hot, and we may decide to ride at night for a few of the days. This trip has been a growing experience that is quickly coming to an end. I expect I will arrive in D.C. around July 10th, and be on the beach around the 12th-14th depending on what I decide to do. I hope I can rent a boat and paddle some ragging river in West Virginia.

Another State Line

I spoke with Matt this morning. He and Garrett slept in for once. They are just about to cross the Indiana border, and are 345 miles from my dads house in Ohio. He sounds to me exhausted yet determined.

We're cheering for you Matthew!

~elle

The River

We rode across the river at 7 a.m. and like all the rivers I've seen along my trip, it was flooded. Not as bad as it could have been, but the locals said it was over roads just three days before we got there.