Easton, PA

Five days since we started from Boston and about 350 miles down, we're taking a day off in Easton, PA. We're staying with Tomas's host family from his time at Lafayette, Barbara and Jim. It's a much needed rest break from riding through the hills in the sun and good preparation for our last 5-day stage from here to Washington, DC.

We're spending the day watching Tour de France and catching some Madison points racing between the national teams of Poland and Australia who are meeting here in Easton's own velodrome tonight. Our host Jim Young has coached cyclists all his life and trained Mike Friedman and Bobby Lea, Team USA members at Beijing Olympics 2008, when they were at Penn State. Needless to say, it is a thrill to watch these events with someone with so much knowledge and love for the sport.

Yesterday's was probably the prettiest ride since we started from Boston. The route took us through Worthington State Forest and then other small country roads along Delaware river, over many rolling hills surrounded by lush farmland and the tall peaks of the Appalachians. We have actually picked up the pace and Mike is getting some relief having discovered what had been slowing him down the day before. Apparently, the spring on one of his rear brake pads had come undone and the opposite pad was pressing against the rim. No wonder he was sweating to merely keep a speed of 10 miles per hour.

Tomorrow, we're starting the last week of our trip. We have 300 miles till DC and we'll cover that in four or five days. It is very sad the trip is coming to an end. I could continue doing this for months and months to come.