Charlotte

I am currently in Charlotte, NC staying at Zach Wright's house (an alumni from NC2SD 2007). Yesterday I biked about 93 miles to get here with of course the last 10 miles in the pouring down rain. I told someone on the trip that in 4th grade I had learned about the geography of North Carolina, with the flat beaches, the hill rolling Piedmont, and the very hilly mountains; yet I never thought back then I would truly get to experience it. It's amazing how you can tell exactly what part of NC we are in based on the terrain. We are clearly in the Piedmont area now...hills everywhere.

I have learned that the mileage on the website is completely false. We usually end up going about 10-20 miles longer than what is suppose to be ridden. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, just a bit more challenging. Over this past week I have learned that biking is almost 95% mental 4% skill and 1% balance (I clearly made those numbers up, but it really is a huge mental sport). By the end of the day you start to look at the last 20 miles as if it is nothing. You just have to look back on the accomplishments and adventures you had during the day and try to push forward. I know that in the days to come (Appalachian mountains), the biking is going to become very difficult, but I am trying to prepare myself mentally for it now.

Today, we had our second build day in Davidson, NC. It was a different experience than before because we were working with a local group called HAMMERS. Unlike Habitat for Humanity, they don't require sweat equity hours, and they don't build full houses; instead they repair much needed damage for those 80% below the poverty line. We put in dry wall for the family, but it was a bit weird at times cause there were several kids in there the entire time playing video games. All in all, it was rewarding to work with an affordable housing group that is not so well known nationally.

Tonight were staying at Zach's house, were having another pool party at his uncle's house, and Anna's (one of the trip leaders) family is making dinner. I'm having a great time, and about to go clean my bike. Hope everyone is enjoying their summer!