Bike for Kam Finish Line - Day Four, Five & Six

The guys crossed the Santa Monica Pier finish line Saturday, April 30 at 3pm. 6 days, 500 miles.

Today, we also offically reached our 20K goal and numbers are still rising. I've been away from my blog for awhile now, but I will be back soon. I kind of wished I would have kept up with my blog during the creating of this bike project because alot happened and there were moments that were really tough and moments that were really amazing.

I said it before, but working on a project where you yourself is the subject can be difficult, trying and sometimes I was surprised and sometimes it was all too real to me.

Odd, since for the past 4 years I have been no stranger to putting my life out there. If I can, I will write down some of my thoughts here at a later date, but until then read the final days of the guy's bike ride. It was great.

I copied and pasted their Day FOUR, FIVE and SIX online bike journal from our website. Read about their journey below.

Day FOUR: Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Today would prove to be the toughest and most miles biked in a day thus far. With 120 miles under their belt the team experienced some difficulties, but also great enjoyment and supportive team work.

Because of the Gorda landslide from Day THREE they were forced to take an alternate route. One of these suggested routes potentially would add on an 4 extra days to their trip, days they couldn’t afford to add since Ted has a wedding to attend this Saturday. A friend’s wedding that he has known since grade school, so there is no option in missing it.

Rather than the team separating and sending Ted ahead the team is committed to pushing themselves as hard as possible so they can stay together and arrive at the final destination together this Saturday, April 30, 2011 at Santa Monica Pier.

Depending on how the next couple days go will affect this preferred goal.

Again, I’ll do my best to recap here. I have a page of daily chicken scratch notes where I jot their stories down and later re-write them here.

We hope you are enjoying these updates as much as the guys are enjoying the ride. Last night they texted me at midnight and were just arriving at a resting stop. It was a long day so instead we did our daily catch up call at 7am this morning.

They achieved the entire loop circumnavigating the suggested Big Sur route. Later they were told by a road worker that this was a wise decision as the Naciemento-Fergusson road is brutal, grueling and entirely downhill.

If they had time on their hands the team may have tackled the challenge, but alas they have jobs to get back to, and Oh, that childhood friend’s wedding. Can’t miss that.

They owe much assistance to a great tail wind that pushed them through the Valley, and while riding the not so dangerous shoulder they took advantage of the wind as far as it would take them .

They considered it the most entertaining and fun ride thus far. Strong tail wind, flat beautiful land with crazy rolling hills peaking in and out, great company and a slingshot peeking out of their bag.

They said the Valley felt like a roller coaster and for about 5 miles they almost didn’t need to pedal. Winds were pushing them and they were moving fast. They had so much fun on this stretch that they kinda wanted to go back to the front of the line and do the ride again. Yes, just like a roller coaster.

One of the highlights of the day was riding through the valley past a field of migrant workers. One big Mexican fellow held up his farming tool saying, “Keep going, homies Keep going!” At this point the field followed in unison screaming and raising their tools.

With busting stomachs, and needing some major food load up, they stopped in Gonzales for a Golden Arches pig fest. It is estimated that each of them is consuming 8,000-10,000 calories a day. Voracious appetite isn’t quite an adequate word. They just can’t get enough food.

Andres himself made three trips to the McDonald’s counter, which is probably about 4,000 calories and $30 in one sitting. Viet one upped him with four trips to the counter.

But, no time to linger, they needed to devour their food as fast as possible and hit the road. They even strapped some of their carry-out burgers to their bikes.

”Save that for later“, they say.

They arrive in King City. Kind of charming, slightly eery, industrial, full of farm equipment and huge trucks. They stopped to eat the sandwiches they had strapped to their bikes back in Gonzales city. Good thing the goods were safely buckled in.

While there a local told them the road they were going to take would be a problem. The guys were trying to go straight south but this road would take them back east inland to some really windy hills. The road was also privately blocked by the owners. The local suggested that a faster route would be the 101. At first they were hesitant, but gave it a try. Everything was fine. A nice wide shoulder with fast traffic and lots of big rigs passing on by.

They arrive in San Ardos, a small town where they met some interesting locals. The guys were looking for directions and came across an old, tough and gritty gentleman with a little hyperactive boy who would only stop running around and flinging bottle caps for some beef jerky that the Bike for Kam team offered him.

They asked him for directions and his reply was, “Just get on the freeway (101), cops won’t fuck with you, just tell ‘em about Kam!”

Needless to say these guys were excited and supportive when they heard why the guys were riding. For Kam.

They met their friend, a drunk Mexican fully loaded with tattoos all over his body, and every time the guys would finish a bottle of water or Gatorade he would ask them if he could have it for the recycling bin.

Ahhhh, a gentleman who cares about the earth…or 10 cents.

They were told San Ardo is where a lot of people with sketchy pasts hide out in and they happened to meet such a fella while passing through town. At least they met the back of him.

The guys asked to take a picture with him and he replied with, “no, no, absolutely not“, jumped in his truck and took off at full speed.

Later, as they were biking out of town they spotted his truck a few houses down.

Obviously, he’s not very good at hiding out.

The team was excited. They were covering alot of ground despite the enormous amount of highway debris cluttering their path. Not just a wrapper here and there but trees, bottles and huge patches of garbage that required careful navigation.

Out of four days they managed no flats, but on this highway of trash it was bound to happen. Viet gets the first flat of the group with a big rip in the side of his tire.

With unwavering traffic streaming past them he was able to quickly put a new tube on and get it back to form. Ten minutes later it was Andres’ turn.

Hey, they do things as a group. Those who flat together, stay together.

Andres gets a rear flat and changed it as fast as he could and jumped back on the road.

Five minutes later Andres gets another flat. The first time he had missed a piece of wire stuck in the outside. He quickly changes it and the team continues on.

The shoulder was nice and wide, but parts of it disappeared and they were also dealing with carefully timing when they could ride past the on and off ramps. As a team they safely got through the messy traffic; a true 8 bit game of Frogger.

By this time night was drawing in, so on went the bike lights and christmas lights for all to see.

All of a sudden the 101 shoulder becomes crazy. They said it was nothing they had ever seen before as the whole thing was segmented and was like riding over a giant ladder. It was brutal. Speed bump after speed bump of chewed up concrete bouncing their bikes to the point that it may have “knocked some fillings out”.

Everywhere, there were rocks and debris that had slid down from the hill. On a broken highway…under dark skies…with a heavy load.

Suddenly, Hieu gets a pinched flat, something he didn’t even notice until Viet pointed it out. Hieu’s flat was the most difficult flat of the day.

The time they thought they would gain on the 101 they were losing because of all these flats.

Goodness, at this rate they could have set up a bike shop on the side of the road.

With four flats ,land no down payment for their ”shoulder bike repair shop”they decide to retreat and exit onto mission street.

Ahhhh, yes. smooth flat side road never looked so darn beautiful. Despite all these catastrophes spirits have never been so high.

The more catastrophes, the more they laugh.

The more difficulty, the more they push forward out of pure enjoyment.

Miguel is the next city, but unfortunately full of nothing, so they have to bypass it and press forward to Paso Robles, a slightly more bustling city. At this point they are riding on a flat road along 101 and 3 or 4 miles past San Miguel with 8 more miles until they reach Paso Robles.

Crazy hungry all they could think of was the land of food that lay before them.

Just a little more pedaling and soon it will all be worth it.

Having fun riding through the night they felt like the Goonies with food as their hidden treasure and motivation.

At this point they were over 100 miles; exhausted, achy, in pain and hungry, and yet the pure satisfaction of accomplishment and strokes of humor gave them enough adrenaline to keep pushing forward.

Finally, they arrive in Paso Rablos!! By this time there wasn’t much open except Denny’s.

You can always rely on good ol’ Denny’s. You can only imagine the pig-out session they had. They piled into the restraurant with aching bodies and open stomachs.

A few of the guys are experiencing injuries. Viet’s achilles tendon started hurting way back in King City. He switched his pedaling style to help relieve the pressure and it seemed to take some of the stress off.

Ben has some knee problems, Ted has hip pain from when Ben and his bike collided and flipped earlier and Andres has lower back pain and his achilles tendon, an old wound, has flared up once again.

They admit that they probably over did it, but don’t necessarily regret it.

Midnight and 15 hours later everyone is just a little delirious. On the road Ben was hallucinating and began seeing bunny rabbits. Good thing Andres didn’t see them, because he would have ripped out his slingshot and tore that dream to shreds.

After a day like this they decided that the team earned a night in a cheap hotel where cheap beds and bubble bath awaited them.

Again, the team is getting stronger and enjoying the open road as much as it could be enjoyed. The dynamics are changing. At the beginning of the trip they were a little softer and couldn’t handle exhaustion as well, so would stop frequently for food and rest, but now they power through it and support each other’s pace.

Mikey and Hieu were specifically praised. Viet, Andres and Ted are probably the most experienced riders of the group, but still haven’t done anything like crosscountry before, but Mikey and Hieu are JUST getting into it. Mikey only had 2 weeks of conditioning prior and Hieu is not an experienced rider at all. Really, Mikey and Hieu’s commitment to helping ne, someone they barely know, was one of the major reasons of joining the ride despite their inexperience with extreme biking.

They were nervous at the beginning, but didn’t allow the nerves to stop them from joining. By the fourth day they have really grown and as Andres proudly praises them, he states that they are handling it really well. 120 miles fully loaded is hardcore and hard for any experienced biker. Keeping up, never whining or complaining, they just powered through it with smiles.

The most vital part of their body that they are learning, and using, is their psychological muscle. Despite the difficulty on their body their spirits are high and everyone is having fun – loving every minute of it. When it hurts it only helps motivate them more.

I found this interesting as this is how I feel about my body 24/7. When I am truly struggling and I can’t do the most simplest task, I may cry, get discouraged, get sad, but then I retreat to motivation - even when it hurts.

It doesn’t mean that this motivation will allow me to do a physical task that my body just WON’T or CANNOT do no matter how much I push, but at least I can mentally precede and do my best to pick myself up.

I hope I am doing the team’s journey justice on here. As I sit here behind the computer receiving their updates, pictures, stories and laughter I am very proud of them and in a way feel like I am there with them standing on their bike pegs. Even apart we are still acting as a team. I hope you feel like you are there with them, too.

On that note I will leave you with one final image, because it is my favorite and it’s what makes me proud of our little team. The team has met alot of people on the way and many of them cheer on their efforts. They’ve also come across alot of other cyclist (groups) doing the same ride as them. They passed one small group of cyclists fully decked out in matching sponsored outfits, carbon fiber bikes, carrying no load and the traditional tall, thin toned cyclist proportion.

But our group is different. The guys aren't sponsored or professional cyclists with years of touring experience. Not exactly tall and lanky, conditioned or well versed in touring.

Not exactly the most impressive bikes, compared to the pros, or sporting matching attire nor followed by mobile tent cities and road support.

My friends consider themselves the ‘Little Rascals’ out there doing their best for their friend, for the adventure and with their bags of toys and tricks and endless boy-like humor trailing behind and in front of them.

They are attempting to arrive in Los Angeles by Saturday and I will be flying in to meet them at the finish line. Please show your support by DONATING and sharing our journey with your friends. Together, we can do this!

TO VIEW PICTURES FROM DAY FOUR CLICK HERE

By Day FIVE: Thursday, April 28, 2011

By day five the ‘Bike for Kam’ team has developed quite the system. How they bike as a team and how they relay messages to the stationary San Francisco girl behind the computer screen.

They have developed a routine and so have I. I feel like I’m on constant call. The first night I could barely hear Andres’ take on the day and was scrambling to make sense out of the notes I had just written. Now, I have the laptop open, Microsoft word launched and my earphones next to me ready to be plugged into my phone.

I can’t hold the phone while writing/typing. Heck, I it's harder to hold a phone. As time passes my phone feels heavier and heavier.

It’s not changing, just me.

As soon as I hear their ring, though by now I sort of predict their call time, I drop everything, plug in the ear phones and ready, set, go I’m ready to listen to their nonsensical count of the day.

Then, by morning I grab my oversized cup of coffee, sit at my desk filled with dinosaurs and toys and get to work on putting everything together. Usually takes hours and hours.

I told them, “Stop sending good stories, I don’t have time to do anything else!“

The last couple days this routine has occurred at midnight since they have developed quite a liking to biking into the night. I think they consider themselves outlaws on bikes…I’m not too sure. I’m curious what they have named themselves.

But, for Day FIVE we played a little phone tag. Last night they called me at midnight as they were just setting camp, and I think for once I was sleeping and out like a light. I answered the phone and Andres could tell I was not quite there, so right away suggested we do this in the morning.

“Sure“, I mumbled.

Later, I woke up at 3 AM and poked Jason asking him if the guys had called yet. I didn’t remember. 6 AM I get their next call, yet again I was sleeping. I thought it was my alarm.

I called them back right away, but they were already en route.

Ted texts me, “We have a climb right now into Lompoc. Will call in about an hour when we break.“

I jump in the shower (well, not literally jump or else we wouldn’t need to be doing this bike campaign) and then I receive “the call”.

I text right away, “one minute“ and get out mid-shower knowing that I may have to wait a few more hours until their next break. I have to be on call and on their schedule.

Ughhh, I’m not sure who they think they are. What, are they biking 500 miles or something?

Because of the long and difficult ride from Day FOUR, Day FIVE was a late start to the day. They needed to recover and were snails on the road by noon. The delay may also have something to do with Mikey needing to stretch out Viet’s sore achilles tendon (above).

Hmmm, I’m not sure how long it takes to "stretch", but I’m not here to judge.

First, they hit…yes, you guessed it, McDonalds for some major heaps of breakfast. After the grease slam they hopped back on the road.

The song, “On the road again” has a new meaning to them.

Starting out slow and taking it easy they hit a few rolling climbs and pass Paso Robles farmland. It was hot. The weather, not the farm or the animals on it. Get your mind out of the gutter.

Rolling back onto the 101 they come across some fascinating roadkill including a really pretty owl. Hmmm, bad omen?

No more guiding spirits for them or depending on what tribe you are from it may mean a lifting of a curse, or a reprieve of sorts.

Either way, it was a dead owl in their way.

Ted was riding behind Viet and noticed a bolt popping off of Viet’s bike.

A bolt just “suddenly” popping off sounds suspicious to me. I wondered if he was the victim of some practical joke. Maybe Ted, a joker, did it so he could become the hero.

You know, knock them down so you can pick them up.

”Oh, Viet your wheel is falling apart. Gee, I think I just saved your life. No, no. no, applause needed.”

Viet hopped off and gave it a temporary fix. Getting closer to San Luis Obispo they rode a beautiful downhill 45mph glide on the 101. Nearing San Luis Obispo they luckily found a bike shop with a friendly tech who helped them get the parts they needed to return his bike to safe shape. Still, no one knows how the bolt “accidentally” fell off.

It’s under investigation.

As they stepped in San Luis Obispo they were tragically taunted by rows of farmer’s market selling gorgeous BBQ that locals were lining up for. Finally, real food and they didn’t have time to sit and eat. The cruelest moment ever.

For Day FIVE their strategy is less sit down meals and more grab-and-go, quickly grabbing food at gas stations so they can continue pedaling forward fully knowing they would be biking into the night.

Afterall, they needed to make up for the late start caused by Mikey and Viet’s “stretching”.

However, while in San Luis Obispo, they did have time to learn and play trombone, trumpet and french horn.

Indeed, priorities.

True entrepreneurs. The “side of the road repair shop” business didn’t work, perhaps they could start an orchestra?

They also met Nunca Mirea Atras, a race dog whose career abruptly stopped because of a broken leg. Of course, Ted, the dog lover and lover of all furry creatures, made an instant friendship with her. Ted loves animals and I am sure on many occasions has talked Andres out of slinging an unexpecting squirrel, an imaginary rabbit or an aimless wandering turkey.

Pismo Beach is the next stop and it never looked so beautiful after 2 days of 101 highway full of trash, roadkill and big rigs.

Throwing down their bikes, bodies and gear they enjoy a well-timed sunset and debated whether or not to camp there or proceed to Lompoc, a city 30 miles away.

By Pismo they had covered 50 miles and thought it be wise to cover 30 more. Sadly, saying goodbye to the beautiful coast of Pismo, and the DUI slapped locals that were forced to use bikes as a means of transportation (transportation for the beer they just picked up at the liquor store), they headed on toward Lompoc.

As they headed into a remote woodsy type surrounding, night was falling fast and again on went their bike and christmas lights.

Riding into the night is now one of their favorite parts of the trip.

Yet, again needing directions and food they stop at a gas station where they met a very large disarming ex-cop. He shared the good ol’ days when he used to bike, like the time he toured through Canada.

After some great stories he let them know they were screwed because the area had no camping grounds.

Ahhh, yes hit the guys slow. Sweet reminiscing and then hit them with the cold truth.

What to do? Stock up on coffee and powerbars and keep riding. Enjoying the ride through the bare and remote area they biked alongside trains, tracks and the occasional big rig under the blackened sky occupied with thousands of glowing stars. The night belonged to them or so they thought.

20 miles later it was time to find a nice cozy bed of grass to sleep on. Ben, with his military flashlight rigged up on his handlebars, swerved his front wheel back and forth to scope out a potential camping spot.

To an outsider he may have looked drunk, so it was a good thing it was dark.

They spot one, so a couple of the guys slid down the hill to check it out. A ravine alongside Highway 1 near Orcutt ends up being their space of delight.

Yes, I will be hiring these guys to book my future trips. “I’m looking for a good drainage spot to sleep in. Do you know of any?“

When they found this little gem of a spot Ted texted me, “We’re stealth camping in a ravine off of RT 1 near Orcutt. Don’t post this info until we get out alive.“

It was a bit of a hill, so one by one they lowered their bikes and gear and hopped behind the hill while forming a little barricade behind trees. Not even setting up tents they laid out their sleeping bags, pads and strung up their christmas lights. Feeling tired, yet to wound up to sleep. Excited chatter filled up the woods.

For an hour they joked, laughed and Ted even read Bike for Kam’s Day FOUR post to the group.

Finally, it was time to discipline themselves to sleep for tomorrow is another full day of biking. Andres commented that again he heard some little animal rustling through the bushes in which I replied, “Was it Ted? Maybe someone is playing a practical joke on the group. Did it have fur?”

I’m not sure why Andres is the only one that hears these “alleged” creatures in the night, but alas I am just the reporter.

This morning at 6 AM Viet’s sleeping bag had ice on it and everyone woke up freezing cold. Quickly packing up they pushed their bikes up the hill one by one and headed to Lompoc, a brutal 5 mile climb.

The motivation? Breakfast awaits in Lompoc. Now, when they called me this morning they made it to the top of Lompoc and were laying in the sun for a quick break while I listened to the tales of Day FIVE.

With less than 150 miles away a Saturday, Santa Monica Pier arrival is looking good!

Currently we are at 81% of our fundraising goal with $16, 177 raised thus far. If you have been reading the daily posts you can clearly tell they are having fun.

With almost 7 weeks into developing, launching and making ‘Bike for Kam’ project happen, it has been a great first grassroots project with my 7 friends, both old and new.

Throughout this week as I sift through their pictures and try to capture their experience I can’t help but reflect on my times as a kid among the summer of endless possibilities.

When I see the guys pictures of warm sun shining down on their bikes, I remember my old biking days. The first time as a kid when you receive your very first pair of wheels and adopt this freedom and an "anything can happen" spirit. It’s just you and the wind and nothing can stop you, and I’ve been reliving those moments of mobility and child-like adventure through my friend’s week long journey.

With the guy’s nervous parents, siblings and girlfriends contacting me, or patiently awaiting the next update, I feel like the guys are living like kids.

Obviously, they are men and adults, but no matter how old any of us get we are all still young and it’s good to remember that at any age - there is still much growing to do.

It's good to live out those child-like moments every once in awhile. I guess they have been.

I’ve been trying to work on a personalized gift to give to Viet, Andres, Ted, Mikey, Hieu, Ben, & Steve, but don’t think I will finish by the time I fly to Los Angeles tomorrow morning. I’ll have to mail it to them when I finish. My plane ticket is booked and I will be flying to LA to meet them at the finish line.

Please show your support by DONATING and sharing their journey with your friends. We thank you all for your commitment, donations and help with spreading our little project around.

TO VIEW PICTURES FROM DAY FIVE CLICK HERE

On SUNDAY, May 1, 2011 there will be an after party to celebrate the team’s arrival, all the hard work and the DONORS. Please, come join us and invite your friends!! DETAILS HERE

It’s Day SIX: Friday, April 29, 2011

It's day six, 5 AM in the morning. I'm writing this as I pack.

Last night, Day SIX, the guys called me at about 11 from Carpinteria, Ca. It sounded like they were crashing at a state beach but it seemed more like a parking lot. Starting their ride at about 5 AM, Friday morning they woke up to ice on their sleeping bags and freezing cold weather. Two major climbs in Lompoc the first one being a 900 mile ft. climb and then a fast descent down the hill.

Carrows restaurant was excitement of the day, their first real meal in 24 hours. Up until then it’s been McDonald’s and gas station junk food that assisted energy needs.

After lunch they grabbed some subway and burger king to take on the road with them. They’ve learned to have food on them at all times.

Lompoc climb #2 was a brutal 16 mile climb with nice blooming hills to offset the excessive roadkill on the road.

Hieu received a flat about 8 miles up the climb and vultures kept circling him and the team as he fixed the tire.

Talk about incentive to move quickly. I’m not sure Andres’ slingshot would be of use in this situation. With the tire fixed and moving on, Hieu received the award for highest speed clocking in at 44mph downhill.

Arriving at Gaviota beach the coast, pier and beach was just beautiful.

Unfortunately, beauty sometimes pays and Ted, Viet and Ben all developed some really bad allergies. Ben, the team’s designated navigator, lost his eye sight. His eyes were that swollen.

What was the team to do? Their live map couldn’t see…who would read the map now?

Right away Ted got a flat on the beach. At least their was lovely music (the sound of the waves) as he fixed his tire. Returning back to the freeway and then a stop at Refugio Beach, Goleta Ca was next in line. One of the paths up against the ocean was blocked, so jumping fences and sneaking around the little set back was required.

A fun little trail that cut through some campgrounds let them to get back on the freeway toward Carpentia Beach.

At this point the whole team is having trouble with their achilles tendon and Andres is having trouble walking. Ibuprofin and other pills are now like after dinner mints, continously popping them and passing the pill bottle down the line.

Getting back to the 101 Andres’ tire went flat. If you are noticing a trend here the team has collectively garnered many flats throughout the trip. They are now experts at changing them.

In Goleta their fine dining experience consisted of 711 convenient store and as they chowed down they came across a crew of very interesting characters. One was a grad Professor from USD Santa Barbara who said he would pass Bike for Kam around his college and student list. He was impressed with the team’s efforts and spent a good amount of time sharing our story with him.

Next they met a much older gentleman with a California tatoo running up his arm, a tattoo he got at 17 years old. He wished the guys well and commended them for how great they were doing.

Another woman pointed them out and said that she saw them a few miles back on the freeway and how fast she thought they were going. They were now the “Fast and the Furious” team. They needed to get home.

Back on their backs they moved toward Santa Barbara where the civilization starting looking more familiar. A nice gradual descent of day to night they took the residential route from Goleta through Santa Barbara.

A great bike path they were covering lots of ground with the wind on their side and arrive at State Street, Santa Barbara; a happening stretched out downtown. As they rode through the street they received some thumbs up, cheers, but hardly noticed these praises due to strip’s temptations.

Restaurants, bars, the nightlife, it was all too tempting as they really wanted to stop and hang out with the locals, the locals being beer that is.

But, they knew they needed to cover alot more ground if they wanted to arrive in Santa Monica Pier, so responsibly pressed on.

Coming out of the downtown’s State Street a huge windstorm came around the corner virtually knocking the team off their wheels.

The team almost fell. The wind caught onto Andres’ hat and turned his handlebars and pushed him into the curb. Forced to be more careful the headwinds were crazy strong and were barely making progress.

Collective decision was to take the residential route where they faced a steep climb. By this time the streets were lined with blown down trees and branches and heavy debris blocked their sight.

This street would eventually lead them to Carpinteria. Since the wind was drastically slowing them down they considered on stopping for the night and grabbing a hotel.

Locals said the nearest hotel was Carpinteria, so they had to keep going anyways.

Strangely, a tail wind picked up and they arrived at State Beach where they considered a hotel. There they made a decision to press onward to Ventura or break for the night. Andres’ dad, Romeo from Glendale, was waiting in Ventura with his bike so he could finish the tour with them.

Team was just too tired and decided to break for the night. While a hotel would be comfy and warm, they kind of grown a liking to camping and decided to do just that. They weren’t technically allowed to camp at the beach so planned to stay and leave before anyone knew they were there.

They planned to get a couple hours sleep and wake up at 2 or 3 AM to Ventura and ultimately to Santa Monica Pier.

They biked a total of 16 hours yesterday and I could hear it in their voices. Their voices sounded a little different than the previous days. Tired, exhausted, in need of a good meal and warm bed. I think they are ready for home and for a little while will give the ol’ bike a break.

With 80 miles left in their 500 mile stretch they are now biking towards home.

Viet texted his wife, “Biking back to you right now. Love you, miss you”

I’m packing up a bunch of the stuff the guys left in my house as well as a box of choco pies I promised Hieu at the finish line. I’m afraid one day I offered him a Korean Choco Pie and now he’s hooked. See you in LA!

TO VIEW PICTURES OF DAY SIX CLICK HERE

Currently we are at 86% of our fundraising goal with $17,222 raised thus far. Thanks to all of you. It has meant so much.