3 days away

It is hard to believe that I am just a few days away from embarking on this journey. The outpouring of support that I have received from so many of my friends, teachers, and even complete strangers has meant so much. It is such an honor to know that people believe so much in me that they are willing to dedicate their time, money, and hard work into helping me achieve my goal. The incredibly generous donations that I have received have helped me surpass my original fundraising goal by almost $1500. Every single dollar that I have received has only motivated me more to keep pushing and to prove that I am deserving of the generosity that I have been shown.

In just three days I will be making the drive up to the Outer Banks in preparation to start my summer trip. While I feel that I am not as prepared physically as I could be, I am still very confident about my ability to finish this trip without experiencing a complete breakdown. It has been difficult to fit in training while preparing for finals and graduation. I'm sure that I will be not speding more time in the saddle about a week into the ride, but that is why they invented biofreeze. Aside from the physical aspects, I feel that keeping mentally strong will be just as hard, if not harder, to do than keep my body functioning. I am fully expecting numerous minor breakdowns, but nothing that I won't be able to recover from. Although I have not met any of the other members of my group in person, through the magic of the internet I have already made some good friendships and I cannot wait to meet everyone in person.

These next three days are going to be extremely busy. I will be splitting my time between Deland and Titusville. Packing, unpacking, moving, driving, researching. I can't wait. There are only a few more supplies that I need to buy, but for the most part I have everything that I will need. I just bought the ISM Adamo Typhoon Saddle. With only a few days to go before I set off, I was not sure if I wanted to risk buying a new seat. The seat that I have been using has worked well, but I was nervous that I would begin to experience problems in the middle of the trip. The unique design of the ISM saddle relieves pressure directed and increase blood flow to the groin. As that part of my body is very important to me, I want to do everything in my power to protect it.