Thank you!!

I want to take a second and thank all my supporters - the prayers, texts, and emails have been fantastic and really mean a lot. I've also had some anonymous donations show up - so whoever you are I hope you read this blog and know that I appreciate all the financial support as well. Those that have fessed up will certainly hear from me other than on the blog, but thank you a lot!

Our warm-up ride was nice - the weather is in the upper 50s, perfect with the gear we've got. We did about 18 miles in the rolling farmlands of Lancaster county, and it was really pleasant. We saw some corn, were chased by a manure truck, and when we visited the Myers farm I was accosted by an irritable swan. Had to bow up on him and show him what's what, because if you don't it's just constant trouble from all the waterfowl.

We just returned from the big dinner/meeting thing over at Chocolate World. It was very informative, in the sitting-in-the-back-so-I-couldn't-really-hear sort of way. In general, we have to give our bags to someone, at a certain place, at a certain time, so they go on a truck and meet us at the next hotel. Details, details. I did manage to get some zip ties, though, so I'll be able to deck out my bike with my number so that I recognize it later!

We've already met some great people, including some old friends from three years ago. Lisa Frank, one of the event organizers, was great to see again, as was Eldon, a racer from Oklahoma who's done the Tour every year since we met in 06! We also met some fun guys from New York that I'm sure we'll talk to some more as the event goes on. I had wondered if the size of this ride would make it seem less "friendly" (it was less than 50 people in 06, and is now up over 170) but it still seems small. After all, it's not like there's thousands of people here - and I like that.

Chocoloate world was full of chocolate, and there was a nice dinner set up for us there with pasta, chicken, and salad - plus some super desserts. I think we're going to eat pretty well on this trip. The hotel is really nice, too - there are even robes. I can't think of if I've been in a hotel with robes. It actually makes me wonder about the previous wearer. Just a tad. Plus, Brent rode the elevator with Joe Theisman and Frankie Andreo (who will ride with us this year!!)

I'll close for now, but it has come to my attention that my comments have been hijacked by someone while I was still logged in, and they commented posing as me to one of my earlier blog posts. Brent is clearly the actual NASCAR fan, as proven by this picture!

Reminder: don't let your subscription to "Pork" run out!! Seriously.