Memphis TN

After seven straight days of riding, we are all looking forward to our first off day of the trip. This past week has been tough both mentally and physically, but on the whole all of riders are holding up remarkably well. Aside from the usually aches, pains, and sore behinds our rag tag band of cyclists are doing amazing.

We have definitely had some interesting experiences in this past week. In Dunlap, TN we were hosted by at the Tennessee National Guard armory. The armed forces are definitely not known for their interior design abilities. Quite drab if I do say so myself. In Polaski we were fortunate to be able to stay in a college dorm. It is a funny thing how three weeks of sleeping on the floors of church gyms can make a bare mattress in a tiny dorm room seem like the Ritz Carlton.

Form all sides, Polaski was amazing. I was late getting to the host sight and was greeted by a local cycling club who had volunteered to clean and tune up our bikes. Everyone worked tirelessly until all of the bikes were in top working order. You would be surprised about how much gunk accumulates in the nooks and crannies of a road bike. As much as the riders try to keep our bikes clean, it is often times difficult to find the time and energy to show our bikes the love that they deserve. The help was greatly appreciated. After the bike clean-fest, we all went to the major's house for a pool side BBQ. The mayor and all of the local riders were incredibly friendly and the entire evening was very relaxing and fun.

Tonight we have the privilege of having a roundtable meeting with some students and professors from the University of Memphis to discuss the affordable housing situation in Memphis, and in Tennessee as a whole. This is an amazing opportunity that our leaders have set up for us. Cycling is a large aspect of our trip, but is not the main focus. We are all here to learn as much as we can about the affordable housing crisis in the United States and to think about these issues from a number of different perspectives. Through our rides, we have been able to see first hand the devastating effect that the housing crisis has had on small towns and communities. Many of the small towns that have hosted us and provided us with amazing meals have average incomes well below the national and state average, but have nonetheless donated their time and money to help us complete and excel in our journey. We owe it ourselves, our donors, and everyone that we meet across the country to give ourselves wholly to this cause and the help combat the affordable housing crisis in this country.

Tomorrow's rest day will give us all a new vigor and boost to continue into our third state. Arkansas here we come.