Click here for Garmin daily ride data Some major climbing today. Our 14 century ride and the second largest elevation gain since we left Silverdale. Click here for Summary Data sheet (This is cool if you like lots of data! It may take a few seconds to load but you can hit play and time compress our ride. ) DAILY REPORT: Weather -- supposed to be great weather today. Sunny and in the mid 80's. I used lots of sunscreen this morning :) We started off a little slow this morning. I woke the boys at 6:40 and when I checked on them after 0700; they were still in bed. We knew that this was going to be a century day ride w/ lots and lots of hills to include some major climbs. So we didn't get on the road until 0900. Of course we did have a little time to just lounge around a little!! The ride out of Berea was really nice. We were immediately out in the farm country. There was a fair amount of wildlife. We saw several flocks of turkeys with all their chicks following along. And of course there were more turtles crossing the road. Today was our biggest day so far for being chased by dogs. I would estimate that it was nearly two dozen or so. Some were more interested in just running along side you and then there were those that were eyeing you up as a tasty treat! Normally a stern voice would stop them in their tracks. John and James almost had an accident while speeding away from a big black dog when they touched wheels. I was really impressed with a number of small terriers and beagles; they had some good speed and endurance!! There are a number products on the market to keep dogs at a distance. I reviewed all the products and have seen a few that other cyclists carried....but since there are three of us we figured it would be a good way to keep everyone motivated. As you know you don't necessarily have to out bike the dog, just those you are riding with!! We did meet two other cyclists going the opposite direction during one of our breaks. they had started in Boston MA and dropped down to VA to catch the TransAmerica route with their ultimate destination being Astoria OR. They had made some interesting modifications for their bike; like ash fenders. They looked good. At the end of the day we did end up climbing over 10,000 feet. That is the second largest amount for the entire trip. What is even more impressive is that we are just getting into the Appalachians. It is apparent the farther into the mountains we go, the poorer the homes are looking. Now there are some really nice homes along he way; but we are seeing a lot more trailers/mobile homes. We have seen a few confederate flags as well. I would still say for the most part all the folks we have met have been really great. Lots of questions, great recommendations on routes, and big hearts. We talked with a farmer who was the fifth generation who lived in the same home. The house was built in the early 1800's. He was pretty neat. I will also point out he has never used the internet.....see John & James, it is possible to live w/ out the internet! Well tomorrow we will cross into Virginia and ride as far as Lebanon. There are possible thunderstorms so we'll keep our fingers crossed. We may see a few more trucks on the road carrying coal as we continue into VA. Thanks for joining us.....ride safely and keep the wind to your back!! The Riding4Hope Team (David, John, James & Skip) Signing out 8/4/09; 0045
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