Day 8 - Tattoo Wednesday and Columbia to Newberry

Do you ever get those moments when you just stop and look around you and feel perfectly at peace with the world? You're so happy that your head is absolutely clear of all worries and you feel so weightless that if you jumped you might float into space. I felt this way as I walked from the park near our host site to the gym where we'll be sleeping tonight. I listened to the laughter of my friends as they balanced precariously on teeter totters. I rounded the corner and saw people working diligently on their bikes, cleaning the chains and making adjustments to their saddles. I walked into the gym and saw the thermarests scattered all over the floor, some with people on them updating blogs and writing in journals. Others were sharing pictures and videos from the day. One person strummed a guitar and the sound echoed through the gym along with people laughing and talking quietly. 

Just another day in the life of a Bike and Builder. I find it extremely hard to describe how incredible this trip is. It is one of those things that you have to experience to be able to truly understand. A week ago, all of the people here were perfect strangers and now we are like a family. It seems as though a bike is not simply an instrument to get from "here" to "there." Traveling by bike, you not only get to experience the contours of the land, but you get to know the people you're riding with so deeply. It's amazing how a bicycle and reveal the most beautiful traits (and quirks) in a person. And when all of these traits come to the surface in a group of people so willing to serve others and make a difference, an amazing team is created. 

Anyways, that was my attempt to describe what it's like to be here. Hopefully, I will be able to give you a better idea as the summer goes on. 

Today was a 50 mile day. There was beautiful weather, hot and sunny with minimal wind. Marcus bought a bunch of tattoos for "tattoo Wednesday." It's usually supposed to be on Tuesday but he couldn't find any yesterday. We got pretty creative with them:

Laini with bicep tattoos. 

Skull calves

Kat and I with hickies

Our trailer was broken today so we had to carry our lunches with us and/or DM our lunches. My group scored 20% off at Subway. I also bought some Peach Rings which are ah-mazing when you're riding. 

Sooooo delicious!

We passed by a lake so naturally we jumped in for a swim. We got there at 10 but the beach didn't open until 11. Luckily, we sweet-talked the guard and told him we had just climbed a bunch of hills and that the lake would feel so nice. He caved! :)

We took our time today since we isn't have much mileage. We made a lot of pitstops and took a lot of pictures. We stopped at a thrift shop. The lady was really friendly and Travis scored some 50 cent sunglasses and a 10 cent saddle bag. What a deal!!

They probably wouldn't be able to fix my tanlines...

That's all folks! 72 miler tomorrow and I am pooped. Night!