Friday started after a really long, hard, deep sleep. Needless to say, we were all exhausted from traveling the day before.
Because we had to put our bikes back together, Coach David scheduled a practice ride for us. It was only 10 miles, but it was a chance to make sure we wouldn’t have any bike trouble the next day and to see part of the course. As we got on a major road (I can’t remember what it is called), I was amazed at the beauty of rolling hills and countryside. As “city” as I like to say I am, the countryside is really where my heart belongs.
After our ride, Mom, Casey, and I went into Solvang to have lunch. There really aren’t words to describe Solvang… it’s a small town with a lot to do, and I, once again, loved every part of it. We settled on a little café where we could eat on the patio. From where I was sitting, I took a picture of the windmill in the picture below.
Then we were off to Cambria Winery and Vineyard. Talk about beautiful!! It was a 45 minute car ride, but worth every ounce of expensive gas we spent.
Friday night was the Inspiration Dinner and our last team meeting. It was a carb-intensive meal, and I was amazed at how much I could actually put in this body. I think I ended the meal with 2 cookies… or was it 3? I figured I’d work everything off during the ride, so I ate past the point of being full.
As we had our last team meeting, I was recognized for raising $5,425 when I only had to raise $2,900. The emotions really started flowing when Nate (the coordinator) presented me with a Team in Training jersey that said “THIS ONE’S FOR DAD.” All of the team members also signed it, and it was both humbling and overwhelming. Nate also talked about how this was my first TNT experience since losing my dad, and while it would be difficult, Dad would be proud of me.
By the time I got in bed that night, my mind was racing with memories of my dad and the past year. I wasn’t afraid of 100-miles, I was ready....
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