DAILY BLOG

Over the past few days, the temperature got above 40 and the sun actually came out, so we took advantage by taking our first outdoor bicycle rides of the season. However, the frigid wind still felt like we were tagging along with Shackleton on his Antartic expedition. While we are probably going to be treated for frostbite, riding outside was so much better than the indoor stationary trainer.

Jared and Justy—Can you notice their wind-burnt legs?

This week was also the first time we had a chance to truly ride our new Fezzari bicycles that we got back in January for the tour. I should explain how momentous of an occasion this event was for me. You see, I had my previous bicycle for 22 whole years—over half my life! Back in 1986, I spent all my hard earned college savings on Vitus bicycle. I bought it because I was riding on my first cross-country trip, an event I organized to raise money for a missions hospital in Haiti. That Vitus was a great bike in its day, but over the past decade, it had grown old and tired and loud and cranky. To make matters worse, the frame, one of the early/experimental aluminum models of the 80s, stretched and groaned when I would ride up hills. So, when I rode my new bike outdoors this week, I felt like I had entered the 21st century. It was a true joy!

Rich, enjoying his new two-wheeled transport

Here are more pictures of the day.

Justy, riding his longest bike ride of his life

Jared, who is now starting to beat his dad up hills

Still lingering snow in our neck of the woods