Goodbye North Carolina

Wow. Time is going by so fast. I've had the pleasure of knowing these thirty awesome young people do two weeks now. Not only that, but we have cycled through North Carolina. We have laughed, cried, hugged, bonked, sticked, slip n slided, builded, slept, played pranks, eaten (a lot), bonded, DMed, and so much more. I have really loved North Carolina and fallen in love with cycling. These mountains have kicked my butt, but they've made stronger mentally and physically. 

On our ride to Charlotte, I had a tough day for sure. My group (a long with a lot of other groups) went 14 miles the wrong way on Memorial Day! Bad. For those who don't know, that is an hour on a bike. While this was an extremely frustrating situation, we all laughed and made the best of our situation. The van had to come pick us up and we spent an hour and a half on the side of the road rearranging the trailer. After that, we fit 12 bikes into the trailer and van. Crazy day into Charlotte. 

I'm really thankful for my aunt Elaine, uncle Norman, and Lindsey, who fed me a home cooked meal, donated food, did my laundry, and took me to target. Y'all are great! Thanks for the support! 

We had a really successful build day in Charlotte as well. We hammered and nailed our little hearts (and fingers) out. 

I'm not going to lie, Charlotte wore me out and while I felt super accomplished with the work we did, it was great to move on to forest city. Forest city was pretty fun. We didn't build, but we did take showers with the hose and I've baths. 

Then came Asheville. Asheville was SO AMAZING and definitely my favorite stop so far. The ride into Asheville was absolutely breathtaking. On this trip, I've looked at nature totally different. You can actually smell the fresh air, see the clouds moving, and hear the birds. Even though we got wet in the rain, climbed super steep mountains, got stuck in horrible traffic, and even fell off our bikes, we did it and it was amazing. That ride made me believe in myself and believe in my team. We are cycling across the country! We are raising money for affordable housing and we are making a difference. This is the experience of a lifetime and I'm so blessed to be a part of something so much bigger than me. 

A HUGE shout out to Charles Cushman, who fed me, helped me fix my bike, and was just there for me. Thank you for your kindness. 

Today we rode to waynesville and the ride was also beautiful. It was honestly such a great day and I felt peace. I live this journey and I love my team. Thank you NC... I will miss you. See you in August. Here's to Tennessee and what lies ahead.... Xoxo. 

Live life. Don't be scared of that mountain. Be a part of it. Embrace it. Be free in whatever it is you decide to do. With every challenge, comes a new opportunity. Use it to grow and change... Or don't. You can be as free you want to be. Don't forget that. Through everything, don't forget to stop and take in the beauty of your surroundings. Enjoy this life. It's the only one you got. Here's to the future and here's to the unknown... Here's to steep climbs and long descents. Cheers ... 

Chocolate and chain grease

Sorry I have not updated my blog in almost a week! As you guys can imagine, I've been super busy. I'll update you on what we've had going on.... 

We spent two days in chapel hill building. It was awesome. The first day I helped paint and the second day I worked with a part of habitat called, a brush with kindness. They only do outside home repairs for homeowners. I really enjoyed this project! We had a seven woman wrecking crew and we got to tear out a wheel chair ramp. I also got to pour concrete and clean out gutters. This may not sound like a great time, but it was so fun! That was definitely my favorite build day so far. 

That night, dinner crew (which I'm a part of this week) helped make pasta for the alumni potluck dinner. It was cool having people tell us about their experience with bike and build. The next day we headed out for Winston- Salem. 

I absolutely loved it there! After 85 miles, we were ready to relax! And relax we did... The people who let us stay there had a pool. Naturally, we had a pool party.... 

More coming tomorrow... Super sleepy... 

Xoxo 

Good days and bad days

"You're gunna have good days and you're have bad days. Just get back on that bike and keep pedaling."

 -Gill Reames 

Hey guys! We've made it to Chapel Hill. After all the flats, bonking, potholes, road side dance parties, cliff bars, sore muscles, sticking, chalking, DMing, bonding, and everything in between... We ARE here. I am so excited for our first build day and thankful for all those who helped us along the way. After all, that's why we're doing this... To help people who need us. I'm pumped for tomorrow and whatever challenges lie ahead. 

Speaking of challenges, let's talk about cycling. So, yesterday was my longest ride yet at 80 miles. Every morning we pick groups to ride in of around five people. You can all stay together or split up later on if you want. It's up to the group. Yesterday we went from Greenville to wake forest. To be honest, I was happy to get out of Greenville. I had a tough day mentally on my ride to Greenville and it was hard on me. When we get to the ECU student center, I pulled out my therma rest and passed out. I was completely done. Yesterday I woke up with the mental attitude that I was riding 80 miles that day and that I could definitely do it. There was no doubt in my mind. My group and I powered it out! We killed it! My poor teammate, Abby Keller, got FOUR flats that day. She holds the record for most flats in a day. 

Around mile 40 we stopped for lunch. Let me just say, this was my favorite ride YET. The route we took was absolutely gorgeous. We got to take in a lot of luscious green farmland and NOrth Carolina countryside. I was absolutely in awe. The beauty of this state is enough is enough to make one cry. (Most of the state I might add.) I led the group from about mile 20 until lunch around mile 40. During this time we had a dance party on the side of the road, had a flat, and got chased by a ferocious bulldog. Exciting. 

After lunch we decided we wanted to book it To Chapel Hill. Abby, Evan, Emma, and I rode hard. We killed it. And another tire.... But moving on. As soon as we started getting into wake forest, the hill came rolling in. No lie. No more flat. I feel like the 1472 feet we did was in the last six miles. Seriously, I cannot express where I went mentally those last six miles. I had to go to that place in my head and tell myself that i had this. That I coul do it. I loved my group and we all worked so well together. That last hill I climbed, I thought I might pass out and collapse... But we did it! When we rolled into the parking lot we collapsed and all hugged each other. We felt such a since of accomplishment after that ride. I was so proud of us. Yesterday I feel like I learned what it REALLY means to work as a team and to have each other's backs. It was awesome. 

Moving onto today ... Arg! The struggle. The first twenty miles went by quickly, but te next twenty dragged on for hours... Literally! When we were passing through downtown Durham, my group and I missed our first turn and had to walk our bikes back in the rain/mud to make it back because the road was a one way. Luckily, we ran into our team leader and her group and she led us to a coffee shop. She lives in Durham so she knows what's going on. There we stopped, regrouped, and let the rain pass. 

After a decent coffee break, we were off! And boy did we have stop after stop. First, Stacy slipped in the slick road and luckily I was going slow and did not run over her! Today, I learned about bike safety. Our leaders have been drilling in our heads about bike safety. I was not going super fast and not on Stacy's tail so no one was hurt. She's tough and we got going again. We pulled off later down the road at a random house because I drank ALL the water in my camelback and was thirsty. The woman who lived there was super nice and let me fill up on water and ice. Then.... We missed more turns. The struggle was real. I was frustrated with rain, cars, missed turns, and my growling stomach. (We all voted this morning not to eat lunch until we reached te host.) by the time we finally got to our host site it was nearly 3:00! 

Once I set my stuff out, took a shower, and ate something I wa feeling much better. Not everyday is going to be perfect, but I have to remember WHY I'm here. Hoyle and Janet (the NC to SD groupies. The look out for us) were here waiting when we pulled up. I was so happy to see their smiling faces. I was also super happy to see the bike mechanic! Bike and build had a guy come from a local bike shop to work on all our bikes. He looked at mine, and sure enough I had a bent hanger. He fixed it and I'm good to go for the next ride. 

Right now... It's bed time. I'm sore and tired, but excited for tomorrow, new adventures, and any new people I might encounter. I love my team and I love bike build. I can't imagine life after this. This is WHERE I am at now and there's no where else I'd rather be. 

*** bike and build lingo***

Sticking- getting a team member to roll your sore leg muscles out with a foam roller called "the stick." It's super painful but helpful. 

Chalking- marking on the pavement with chalk turns, glass, where you stopped, etc. you can even draw funny pictures. 

DMing- donation magic. Asking people for free stuff basically. 

Bonking-hitting a wall due to lack if food/water and burning 53738383 calories on your bike.   

"Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, te patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world." -Harriet Tubman 

Xoxoxo I emoji you 

Save the Turtles

Right now I am blogging from a beautiful front porch in Belhaven, North Carolina. The NC2SD 2015 Bike and Build route has started. I can't even believe it. On Friday, I arrived at Nags Head Church, where I was greeted by my four team leaders, Marlee, Jackie, Nyx, and Ben. The rest of the team was there by 2:30 and it was AWESOME to finally meet all these people I'd be corresponding with since January. 

For those who are wondering, we mostly stay at churches on our quest across the country. The people I have encountered along the way have been more generous than I ever could have imagined. I'm blown away by people's kindness and hospitality. 

On Saturday we went on a "shakedown" ride so our leaders could see our different riding styles and we could practicing signaling and riding in a group. We rode to the lighthouse on nags head and back to the church. 

Then Sunday was our first ride! 67 miles! I have never been more excited to get up at 5:00 am. We had a couple members of the silver riders lead us out of Nags Head and a police escort. I want to thank these amazing people. Y'all are awesome and this would not be possible without you guys! 

Funny story... I got my first flat on big blue! We had to ride on five mile bridge to get off the island, and there was a lot of debris/random objects on the side of the road. When my teammate, zack and I pulled over to check things out we found a giant nail in my back tire! Ah! Gator skins are great, but not great enough to deter stray nails. Anyways, zack helped me change the tire and we kept it moving. Overall, the route was wonderful. North Carolina is such a beautiful state and I'm so blessed to be moving back here in August. 

After lunch (which consisted of peanut butter and jelly and a dance party) I teamed up with a different group and we rode to Swan Quarter, NC. We stayed at another generous church, who fed us a delicious meal and had a service for us. 

The thing I really like about bike and build so far is that it helps you believe in people. Some of us may have had bad experiences with people in the past, but everyone I have met on this trip is more than willing to help, led a hand, and feed us. I hope one day I can pass that along to someone else too. (Maybe even another hungry cyclist.) 

Today we ride 31 miles to Belhaven, which was nice after 67 miles yesterday. I'm not going to lie... That last ten miles HURT, especially with the wind whipping around like it was the past couple days. I rode with a different group this time. Our leaders have really been encouraging us to ride with different people everyday. I definitely agree with this because it's fun getting to know everyone and hearing about where everyone is from. I love this group of people and I think we are going to do great work this summer. 

We had some fun adventures on the way today... Bug attacks, snack breaks, and we even found a playground to take over. When we arrived at the church, we had members of the congregation waiting for us to let us use their showers and do our laundry! I was so excited/shocked. Nyx, Evan, Lars, and I went with a sweet lady named Lyda. Lyda fixed lunch for us ( and coffee... Yay! ) and even helped me mail stuff home. We sat in her kitchen for a long time and talked with her and her friend who came by to meet us. People are so amazed at what we are going to accomplish this summer! 

To everyone who has lended us a hand thus far, thank you. It helps to know that we are not in this alone. 

*sorry for any spelling/grammatical mistakes... 

Don't forget to pick up stray turtles you see the road. 

Xoxo everyone. 

Goodbyes & Thank Yous

"As I was standing there, I had a premonition; and in my heart, I felt something coming, and I knew it was going to be big. And obviously, this is what it was. It was John, Christine, Mick, and Lindsey-it was Fleetwood Mac. I felt it that day. When I left the Velvet Underground, I was a different woman. I really was. Got in my car, drove back, got ready for practice, and realized something MAGNIFICENT was at the end of this road. The reason I'm telling you this is because everyone has their Velvet Underground moment. And when you have it, DON'T walk away from it. Always reach into the stars and take it. Don't let anybody get in your way because you'll be sorry later. You'll regret it because life is short, and on the other side of that, life is long. So you need to be doing something that you love. Never let anybody tell you that you shouldn't do what you love--what you want. You go to the Velvet Underground and stay there. Live there. And do what is good for your soul. So I'm back to the Velvet Underground. Back to the floor that I love. Back to a room with some lace and paper flowers...Back to the gypsy that I was..."-Stevie Nicks  

Needless to say, I've been a little stressed with work ending and packing for Bike and Build AND moving to Wilmington. This morning I went to Lisa Riente's yoga class. Lisa talked a lot about letting out of burdens and carrying the weight of the world on our shoulders. I felt like I was definitely in the right place at the right time! I have a lot going on, but I feel like instead of spending me last couple days here stressed out, I should spend them enjoying my time here with friends and family. Right now, it may seems like everything might not get done, but it will. This has been a process from the start and i have to finish out that process; it can't be rushed. After class, I was doing some reflecting and I wanted to thank everybody who has been a part of my process here. If I leave any of you out...I'm sorry! I've def been a little all over the place recently. Okay so here we go...

HELEN PARTIN 

Oh boy. Helen...I am your gypsy friend, and you've never questioned me or lectured me. You know that I have my own process and sometimes I walk through that process alone. That's what I need to grow, to heal, and to learn. Every time I come out on the other side, you're always there waiting for me. We've made so many mistakes together, but we've become better on the other side because of it. Helen, you are more than just a "best friend." You are my sister and my soul mate. Thank you for never leaving my side no matter what. Here's to the next chapter. Love you. 

THE BOOKMOBILE 

The bookmobile was the first experience I ever had that REALLY taught me what giving back was. I had done other volunteer work, but this really clicked with me. The bookmobile is a magical vehicle that travels to schools and parts of Kershaw County that can't easily access the regular library. I'm not sure whether it was the ice cream, the robot named Molly, or the kids, but I woke up one day and I realized that I ACTUALLY like giving back. The bookmobile gave me purpose. Volunteering on the bookmobile made me feel connected the the community where I live and it gave me a sense of direction. I think everybody should try to give back in some way, shape, or form. You never know who you are going to touch and how it will effect you. Thank you Amy, Jennifer, Jennifer, Debbie, Lori, Steve, and the rest of my library family. What you guys do changes lives and it's real. Not only that, ya'll have fun doing it. Ya'll taught me the meaning of loving what you do. It's important to have passion. It is the source that drives us forward. Thank you all for this opportunity. 

BOOKS ON BROAD 

As I look back, I realize I've had so many memories in this place. So much comes rushing back to me: the Mary and Dr. Bill show, Vincent Sheheen's campaign, the time Bill made coffee and it spilt everywhere, the time I busted 45237836 diet coke cans. I've been attacked my bagels here. How many people can say that? I've made friends here. Regular customers have seen me cry and held my hand through the hard days. I learned the difference between a latte and a cappuccino. I had the BEST birthday yet in this store with an oreo cake, flowers, and random friends. I actually FELT love on that day. That's an amazing experience when you know without a shadow of a doubt that all you did was be who you are and people love you for it. You don't have to put on a different face to have friends or "be accepted." I saw people come in day after day and I saw how good customer service and a good cup of coffee could change their day. Maybe that one extra smile CAN make all the difference. What I take away from this experience more than anything else is that we are all in this together. I try to remember that maybe it's not all about me, it's about the next person too. We are all trying to make our way in this world and I need to be more patient with people and definitely with myself. Thank you Books on Broad, Laurie, Bill, Kim, Zack, Gail, Murshay, and even the mean ghost...Bob. This has been a learning experience for me and I walk away from it better than I was before. Thank ya'll for being a part of my growth. It's been beautiful.

"You have to leave the city of your comfort and go into the wilderness of your intuition. What you'll discover will be wonderful. What you'll discover is yourself."-Alan Alda

MY FAMILY 

Truth be told, this would not even be happening without ya'll. So many of you donated to my Bike and Build ride and I am so thankful. You guys have been there for me and believed in me no matter what. Living back in Camden this past year, I have really learned what it means to be a part of a family. Family means yes, sometimes things get messed up, but you keep going. You keep standing beside that person because they're blood and because you love them. Because you believe in them. You guys believed in me enough to help me raise almost $11,000 for Affordable housing! That's so amazing and such an awesome cause. Thanks and love you guys. 

MY CROSSFIT FAMILY 

A big shout out goes to my dear friend, Christina Brockington. She introduced me to Crossfit and I was intimidated, scared, and nervous. That first night in the box I felt like...hmmm maybe this really could be something. Also, thank you to Rachel Wamsley, who was coaching that night. You made me feel welcome and you made me feel like I belonged. You're awesome girl. As time when on, and I started getting faster, lifting heavier weights, I gained confidence in myself. I also gained many friendships. Like I've said before, I've laughed, cried, hurt myself, and even almost thrown up with these people. We're tough and competitive with each other, but we love each other. I want to be better and I want the person next to me to be better too. I feel like Crossfit is really empowering (and humbling.) Thank you guys for being a part of my fitness journey, for pushing me, and for making me better. Don't miss me too much and WOD with ya'll in August... 

SUMMIT CYCLES 

YOU GUYS ARE AWESOME!!!! Thanks so much for putting my bike together, tuning it, and answering 43567823678 questions. I DEFINITELY could not have done this without you guys. Ya'll have made this journey MUCH more enjoyable. Thank you again. 

Thank you of course to ALL my donors. I appreciate everyone of you, from the 10$ donations to the really big donations. This wouldn't be happening without you guys. Also, thanks to Habitat of Kershaw County for letting me get my sweat equity hours in with you guys. I feel like I am better prepared because of everything ya'll helped me with. Thanks to all my friends who have supported me and lifted me up in my adventures. AND to my Wilmington friends...see ya'll in August. 

TO MY TEAM--AHHH!!!!!! GET PUMPED!!!!!! 

"You know you are not bound to stay the same person, to live the same life you lived yesterday over and over again...life is about growing adapting, changing, learning, and moving forward-sometimes you'll try something on, and it just might not fit, it might not suit you or it might not be exactly what you are looking for. And you know what, that's okay...it's completely okay to close the door to something and open another. Just tread gently wherever you go and in whatever you choose to do, respect that everyone is just trying to find their way just as you are, though some may not be as brave as many, many are burdened by knowing in their hearts they chose the wrong door, but still sty confined...paralysed by fear. So remember to stay humble, be kind and generous with your love and if it doesn't work out...It's going to be okay. Because, you were born to change. Adapt. Learn & Grow." 

Tour De Camden

"I have always struggled to achieve excellence. One thing cycling has taught me is that if you can achieve something without a struggle it's not going to be satisfying." 

-Greg LeMond

My dad and I after finishing the Tour de Camden this weekend in Camden, SC. 

On May 14th I will leave my cute little hometown of Camden, South Carolina for Nags Head, where I will dip Big Blue's tire in Atlantic Ocean and start my bicycle trek across the United States. Since February, I have been training for this adventure. Not only that, but I have been fundraising, participating in online discussions about Affordable Housing, putting in sweat equity hours at my local Habitat for Humanity, learning about cycling, buying gear, and living my every day life on top of all that. Needless to say, I've had my hands full.

A couple months ago, my dad told me we were going to ride in the Tour de Camden as a part of my training. The Tour de Camden is a charity bike ride that benefits the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation, Habitat for Humanity, and United Way of Kershaw County. They have a metric century ride, a fifty mile, and a thirty mile ride. As time was quickly approaching, I asked my dad if he was SURE I should ride the 62 mile ride. I seriously had my doubts. Before this weekend, I had done one ride over sixty miles with my friend Summer and we took it easy on ourselves. Anyways, Saturday came. I put my headphones in, listened to my cycling inspiration video and got in the Mary Reames "zone." The ride takes off from Historic Camden, so we drove down there and got ourselves ready for the ride. 

Cycling has been an extremely mental sport for me. I've always been a great runner, and naturally a good endurance athlete, but something about cycling really challenges me. When I started that ride on Saturday, I really had to focus and just believe in myself. I had put in all this hard work, over 1,000 training miles...of course I could do this. My donors have donated over 10,000$ towards my ride. SO MANY people believe in me! I am humbled by this and sometimes I am SO focused on getting better, being better, training harder, and faster that I don't even take time to look at where I started and how far I have come. When we got to mile thirty, I ate another GU, kicked it into high gear, climbed some rolling hills, and knew that if I made it HALF way, I could make it the whole way. 

I am my own worst enemy. It is never the person next to me, behind, or in front of me I need to worry about. It is that still small voice inside my head that can be my biggest ally or my biggest enemy. When I'm on that bike, I am in a world of my own and I can be as free as I want to be. 

As my dad and I passed the 35 mile marker, we made a friend! (big surprise, right?) We rode with our new found friend, Tom, the rest of the way. That's another thing I really love about my cycling journey...I've met the coolest people along the way. Sure, some rides are lonely and it's just me, big blue, and the pavement. But I've crossed paths with so many people in this adventure and I'm so thankful for all of them. 

When my dad and I returned safe and sound to Historic Camden, I looked at Strava (cycling app) to see what kind of progress I had made. I was SHOCKED when I looked at the screen on my phone. I had ridden the metric century in less than four hours at an average pace of almost 16 mph. To many, this is not very fast, but to ME it is a HUGE DEAL. I took that moment to do something I never do...i congratulated myself. Throughout this whole process, I have not taken the time to love myself, to say...great job today Mary. I finish a task and then I'm on to tomorrow or next week's long ride, or how I could have been better. I am really hard on myself, but on Saturday I was proud of myself. I took that day to reflect on all the progress I've made not just since February when I started riding my road bike, but my athletic progress in this WHOLE year.

Last June I started Crossfit because I didn't like my body and I wasn't happy. I wanted to change, but I was intimidated by the barbells, box jumps, and buff members of 1732. I walked into that box (yes "box" not gym) completely terrified and unaware of what I was about to get myself into. I am so glad because it was one of the best decisions I've ever made. The people I workout with are now some of my best friends. A lot of people make fun of us crossfitters, but I have laughed with these people, cried with them, sweated with them, and almost puked on Broad Street with them. They have seen me at my best and my worst. I LOVE THEM! When I first started I could barely lift a barbell. I've made so many gains since last June...I've deadlifted 1.5 times my body weight, I've run a seven minute mile (would have been faster if i didn't almost get run over), and I've gained confidence in myself. 

I'm not saying all of this to brag, but I think we should all take pride in the things we do, especially things we put our HEART and SOUL into. I've put A LOT into Bike and Build. With all that said, I feel empowered being a female athlete and riding my awesome bike across the country for something greater than myself. If I help one person this summer, I will have accomplished something worthwhile. 

This week is my last week at work and for those who don't know, my last full week as a resident of Camden, SC. After my trip, I will be returning to Wilmington, North Carolina. Words cannot even express how thankful I am to all those who have in some way touched my life these past 18 months. Because of my time here I am a better, stronger version of myself. I have grown...but not alone. Thank you friends, family, fellow crossfitters, co-workers, and cyclists. I am super excited about my future and what all that entails, but it would not be possible without all the love and support I have received over the past eighteen months. I want to especially thank my father, for always loving me and supporting me no matter what. Thank you for pushing me when I needed it and loving me when I couldn't love myself. You are the best role model I could possibly have. Thank you. To the rest of you...I am better and stronger because of all of you. Never forget it. 

"You never know what's around the corner. It could be everything. Or it could be nothing. You keep putting one foot in front of the other, and then one day you look back and you've climbed a mountain..."