Day 12 is in the books. Currently sitting in a church in Dayton, Ohio. We came in today from a very hot 83 mile ride. We were in Columbus, Ohio last night and biked to Dayton today. I was in a great group again today. I was with Zach, Sean, Kevin, and Lindsey. I enjoyed riding with them very much. I felt like I had to ride fast most of the time because Zach was trying to throw things at my face, such as leaves from the trees we were passing. He thought he was real funny. Then this trip wouldn't be complete if I didn't have at least have one blonde moment. Zach was squirting his water bottle up in the air behind me and some drops landing on me and Lindsey was like, "Wait is it raining?" I instantly looked up at the sky and saw nothing but sun and no clouds. During this time I swerved into the grass and bushes, BUT don't you worry I didn't lose balance or anything. I was able to get back on without falling. I also completed the challenge of riding with no hands. I felt pretty dang cool! haha Are day mostly consisted of a trail path. I didn't mind it because of the fact that it was in the shade for most of it. I know unfortunately, that these hot days are only going to get hotter and longer.
So I want to back up and talk a little bit about last night for our rest day in Columbus. It was a blast!! We ended up all sleeping in until like 10:00 a.m. It was crazy awesome! Sleep is so great! I love it! :) Then we went and gave a scholarship to an amazing cancer survivor named Riley and had a mini celebration with Riley and her Mom. Then did some laundry of course. It is always great to have clean clothes. Then to end the evening we met up with Team Seattle for a fundraiser dinner with Doug Ulman. (The founder behind 4K For Cancer) It was awesome hearing his story and the steps it took to be where it is today. Next for some entertainment, The Vue (name of the place we were eating at) had some singers, guitar players, woodwind players and even dancers come up and perform. A few of my Portland teammates came up to me and asked if I could go up there and sing. I responded, "I do not know, but I'd love to go try!" So I went up to the lady who was in charge and asked her if there was any openings for me to sing and she said yes absolutely. I ended up performing my song "The Guy You Never Became." The cool part was my team was singing it with me in the back of the room. I felt sooo famous! It was awesome! Next thing I know, the team comes up to the front of the venue and starts dancing in a circle still singing with me to my song. They are all definitely hired to be back ground singers for me someday. I had so much fun doing that song and had a lot of compliments afterwards. The night just kept getting better after that. We had a giant dance party with Team Seattle. It was so fun. Everyone was of course sweating from all of the dancing, but it was soo worth it and so fun.
Tomorrow we are embarking on a century ride. This means I am pedaling 100 miles on my bike! AHHHHHHH! That is a lot of miles. I can do this! I'm excited because we will be going to Indiana tomorrow! Another state that I have made it through.
I also wanted to take the time and dedicated JD Anderson for his fight and battle against cancer. He is a strong man who has had his shares of ups and downs with cancer. Keep fighting JD. You are an amazing and inspiring person who has not only showed myself but others to never give up. Day #12 goes out to you!
So long from a beautiful church in Dayton, Ohio
Peace out Ohio... Hello Indiana
~Halle Stephens
So I want to back up and talk a little bit about last night for our rest day in Columbus. It was a blast!! We ended up all sleeping in until like 10:00 a.m. It was crazy awesome! Sleep is so great! I love it! :) Then we went and gave a scholarship to an amazing cancer survivor named Riley and had a mini celebration with Riley and her Mom. Then did some laundry of course. It is always great to have clean clothes. Then to end the evening we met up with Team Seattle for a fundraiser dinner with Doug Ulman. (The founder behind 4K For Cancer) It was awesome hearing his story and the steps it took to be where it is today. Next for some entertainment, The Vue (name of the place we were eating at) had some singers, guitar players, woodwind players and even dancers come up and perform. A few of my Portland teammates came up to me and asked if I could go up there and sing. I responded, "I do not know, but I'd love to go try!" So I went up to the lady who was in charge and asked her if there was any openings for me to sing and she said yes absolutely. I ended up performing my song "The Guy You Never Became." The cool part was my team was singing it with me in the back of the room. I felt sooo famous! It was awesome! Next thing I know, the team comes up to the front of the venue and starts dancing in a circle still singing with me to my song. They are all definitely hired to be back ground singers for me someday. I had so much fun doing that song and had a lot of compliments afterwards. The night just kept getting better after that. We had a giant dance party with Team Seattle. It was so fun. Everyone was of course sweating from all of the dancing, but it was soo worth it and so fun.
Tomorrow we are embarking on a century ride. This means I am pedaling 100 miles on my bike! AHHHHHHH! That is a lot of miles. I can do this! I'm excited because we will be going to Indiana tomorrow! Another state that I have made it through.
I also wanted to take the time and dedicated JD Anderson for his fight and battle against cancer. He is a strong man who has had his shares of ups and downs with cancer. Keep fighting JD. You are an amazing and inspiring person who has not only showed myself but others to never give up. Day #12 goes out to you!
So long from a beautiful church in Dayton, Ohio
Peace out Ohio... Hello Indiana
~Halle Stephens