Let it rain, let it rain

On the Road

As beautiful as Virginia is, the weather is not cooperating with us. When looking at the weather reports last night we learned that a big storm was making its way across our path. Oh well, that's how it has to be. This morning we got 6 miles into our ride and Dave already had two flats. Upon closer inspection it was revealed that Dave's back tire was shredded. In the interest of time (and beating the on coming storm) Lauren picked up Dave and took him to the bike store to get a new tire while I pushed on alone.

The first 30 miles were fine but when I entered a small town called Catawba the rain really started coming down. I stopped at a small store, downed a peperoni/sausage pizza, washed it down with a Mug root beer, and stepped back outside ready to brave the storm. The first couple of miles were terrible, but once I accepted that it wasn't going to start raining everything was good.

About 40 miles into the day the clouds broke and the rain passed. 10 miles later I met up with Dave and we pushed the last 50 miles into Lexington. Lexington is home to both Washington and Lee University and the Virginia Military Institute. Since it was around 6 when we arrived most things were closed but Dave and I are going to get up early tomorrow and walk around town before biking to Charlottesville. It's a short day (77 miles) but there is a pretty nasty climb 20 miles in that will take a little bit of time.

Fact of the Day

With just over 10% of the world's population, sub-Saharan Africa is home to 95% of the world's AIDS orphans and 60% of all people infected by HIV. The numbers speak for themselves. This is one of our answers for "Why Africa?". Because a disproportionate amount of people are being affected with HIV in Africa compared to other places in the world.

Trivia Contest

Answer to yesterday's question: Mt. Mitchell is the largest mountain in the Appalachians. I was going to give KTO 1 point for every foot that Mt. Mitchell rose above sea level, but turns out she isn't that far behind Mrs. Evans (47 points). KTO has joined Nate Rooks in a tie for 2nd with 30 points a piece. Give it a day or two and Mrs. Evans' streak could be over.

Today's Trivia Question: What two famous Confederate generals are buried in Lexington, VA? (5 points a piece)

Presentation Announcement

On August 12 Dave and I will give a presentation about AIDS, Face AIDS, and our ride at St. John's High School starting at 7 PM. Afterwards everyone is invited back to my house for some light snacks, good conversation, and friends. If you will be in the Central Massachusetts area we would love to have to stop by! If you plan on attending, please let me know at rideagainstaids2009@gmail.com. Thanks!