Tailwind!

Today we are Yosemite bound.  What an exciting and yet terrifying day.  We will be tackling a total of about 70 miles much of which will be uphill.  We have been very thankful for the bed, directional help, and especially  the food that Liz and Dean have blessed us with. It's been a real treat!  

Riding yesterday had to have been one our faster paces of the trip.  For the first leg of the ride we were averaging a pace of about 15 mph.  A pace we were able to keep up until we hit the last fifteen miles of yesterday's 70 mile ride.  I know that this may sound slow but on a bicycle especially a loaded bicycle this speed was awesome.  

The entire day truly  was a joy.  In the morning, after spending the night at a dirt biking camp ground, we were approached by the park rangers.  They enquired about our journey and gave us some  water and also some very useful tips.  Tips like: where to find the nearest bike store, and when we would get Internet and cell service again.  

Once we left the campsite we biked to a town about 15 miles away named Tracys.  In the town, after getting groceries and checking with the local bike shop, we went to Silva's to repair Tom's broken spoke.  They were extremely helpful in fixing Tom's spoke and also giving us directions.  I highly recommend them.  

Anyways after leaving Silva's, we headed to Dean and Liz's home in Turlock,Ca.  Dean and Liz own a beautiful home with pecan trees galore.  When we arrived yesterday they greeted us and took us right in.  We had a superb meal which consisted of grilled chicken and veggies, salad, and bread, topped off by a strawberry and whipped cream dessert.  Probably one of the best meals I've had to date.  One lesson that I am experiencing first hand is that when you take the time stop your life and take an interest someone else's story...really just take some time to care about someone, it really makes a difference and means so much to us.  So, once again I want to thank you guys for your support, prayers, and the time you've spent on our behalf.  It means the world to us!

~Paul