I’ve been keeping my nose to the grind so to speak for the last few days. Our meetings have been much more excessive than I previously thought they might be. As is appropriate I guess- we have a lot of rules for riding across the country. No doubt they will keep us safe.

We have done skills assessments like no one’s business: learning to change tubes and how to pick up spare change off the highway while riding. Highway change across 4,000 miles could really pad my wallet (okay so it was to test our balance. I found that I can’t pick up change, but if you drop your keys in front if me, don’t worry I’ve got ‘em).

Meals…well meals are interesting. Let’s just say I’m not eating like a Sultan- or even an average college student. I’m pretty sure high school students are eating more. Breakfast is usually half of a bagel, a cup of cereal, and what I like to call a “shot of Fiesta Sol” (really cheap orange drink). Lunch: two pieces of white bread, a deli slice of meat, a slice of cheese, and as much miracle whip as I can put on it. I don’t even like miracle whip! But anywhere I can get calories I make it happen. While riding we get a few intermittent mini-clif bars. Dinner is either pizza or something sponsored. I’m not complaining though, it’s actually a little humorous.

I’m slowly starting to realize my access to internet will be extremely limited. So, I will be updating mostly from my phone and therefore my posts may be shorter as typing short novels is not the most comfortable thing with the iPhone but I will try to keep my picture and video uploads daily. We have our first friendship visit tomorrow and I’ll let everyone know how it goes.