6/21- Port Jervis to Mount Pocono- SURPRISE!!!

"I hate Chuck Norris. He's not that tough" -Katie

Today started out as one of the worst days of the trip, and definately wound up the best. I woke up exhausted after not sleeping enough (again!), to find out 2/3 screws on my cleats to my cycling shoes were completely stripped, causing the annoying moving cleat problem that has sporadically popped up during the trip. Thankfully when we were in Pittsfield at the old school bike shop, I took several bolts instead of just one; however, these bolts were already packed in the bag in the trailer. I was able to dig my bag out and fix the shoe problem.

By the time I had done this, the group had rolled out, and had already locked up the church that still had my bike inside it. Without any keys, I had to jump a fence, a wall and crawl through a window to get into the church and get my stuff.

Lastly, my knee has been somewhat bothersome the past few days, and I've been experiencing hot spots in my shoes which has been extremly painful. Once I got moving and found myself in a rhythmn though, the knee stopped hurting as much, and I've dealt with the foot issue by moving my cleat back.

Ride Details
Total distance- 60.51 miles
Total ride time- 3 hrs, 47 minutes
Average speed= 15.9 mph
Max speed= 40.3 mph
Total calories= 3917 calories
Avg heart rate= 133bpm

The ride, which was mostly flat until hitting a monster climb at the end, started to get much better at lunch time, when Kyle, Skip, and I were able to get the local Subway to donate 31 six inch subs of any sandwich we wanted for the group to eat at lunch.

However, it wasn't until after the massive climb and arriving at the church we were staying at that night that the best surprise of the day presented itself: Katie! After tricking me into believing she had to babysit today and would be unable to come visit me on the one weekend day that was close enough, she had called the main office to find out where we were staying, and called Jose to find out as much route information as possible. On the way up the monster climb, Katie had left several neon signs waiting for me, which was so thoughtful and well thought out. I found her waiting in the parking lot for me, with razor and shaving cream in hand.

Needless to say, I am officially out of the beard off contest. Aftering showering up, we drove to the nearby city of Stradsburg where we walked the town and had dinner together before coming back and hanging out with the group before Katie had to leave.

I know that Katie knew I was surprised and really happy to see her, but I don't know she knew how happy I was to see her. I still feel like a million bucks a couple hours later, and several people have commented on how I seem to have a noticeable extra spring in my step. Seeing Katie after not seeing her for two weeks reminded me of how special a girlfriend I have, and how lucky I am to have her.