So, this is it. Goodbyes, hugs, and a surreal feeling that today is like every other day...this couldnt' be the day we have waited for. Even biking down the trail, Katie comments that this just feels like a normal ride. Surreal was her word, not mine.

Everyone exchanged hugs.

Photos were taken, and family waved us goodbye. We pulled out of the house at around 2pm.

I said nothing as I hugged everyone goodbye. Words wouldn't be enough anyway. This is Katies trip, Katies adventure, Katies goal... my goal is to help her succeed and get her home safely.

Roger, aka Papa Smurf, and I are sitting outside our hotel in Sparta as a cool front moves in. After a gut loading at pizza hut, we wait for our turn in the showers. It was a beaufitul half day of cycling.....couldn't have went better.

45 miles