THE ROUTE...updated

On April 14, 2008, we dipped our rear wheels in the Atlantic Ocean in Virginia Beach, VA and headed west along the Blue Ridge Parkway to Asheville, NC. We rode south of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park and there our plans derailed. Just before we crossed into Tennessee, Kellea got hit by a car. Though not badly hurt, Kellea's bruised ribs meant she wouldn't be able to bike for over a month. Our ride turned into a car journey, which is documented in the blog below. We tried to carry forward our original intentions of raising funds for two great groups and witnessing a different side of America.

Monday, April 14, 2008

The Journey Begins








The ride begins April 14, 2008, in Virginia Beach, VA., from the home of Ann and Tom Barton. Kellea and Rafe were treated to prompt and friendly airport shuttles, great food, first-class accommodations, and excellent company. Thank you Ann and Tom! The Barton's then dropped the riders off at cold and windy Sandbridge Beach and their tires were dipped in the Atlantic Ocean. The journey begins!!!

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

We enjoyed meeting you in Warrenton, and wish you all the best on this ride of a lifetime!

Ernie and Peggy
Warrenton, NC

Unknown said...

Woooooohoooooo! You are off! I love that any time of the day when I am riding my bike there is a good possibility that you are too. I felt happy when I realized that... xoxoxoxoxoxo
Dees
p.s. don't forget to stop and smell the flowers.

Anonymous said...

Hello from San Francisco! We had dinner with Di and Beav tonight and were thinking of you both. Have fun along your ride!
-Lindsey and Brian

Anonymous said...

had the pleasure meeting you both yesterday at royall's soda shoppe in elkin n.c.
It's a great thing you are doing,after you rode away we found a cal.ID thought i would let you know you may have lost it.
good luck. sam gentry
elkin,NC

Nonnie and Papa Joe said...

Hello Rafey and Kellea
It looks like you are moving at a very fast clip across No. Carolina. We will miss you tonite at Beav's. Nonnie and I are thinking of you. The plants have grown, doubled in size!
Love,
Papa Joe

Anonymous said...

HEY RAFE AND KELLEA LOOKS LIKE ALL IS GOING WELL. WE ARE GETTING UPDATES FROM DIANNE. TODAY SUNDAY APRIL 20TH WE GOT ABOUT AN INCH OF SNOW.AND IT IS COLD. LOOKS LIKE YOU GUYS MIGHT BE GETTING SOME HIT OR MISS RAIN.WE'LL KEEP CHECKING IN DAILY HAVE FUN KEEP THE WIND ON YOUR HEELS AND THE SUN IN YOUR FACE DAN AND JANICE.

Anonymous said...

HEY BIKER DUDES LOOK LIKE THINGS ABOUT COMIN YOUR WAY. THE WEATHER IS GETTIN BETTER AND SCEANERY IS TOO.RAFE THE BUT CREAM SOUNDS LIKE A GOOD FIND. CAN I USE IT WHILE I SLEEP?I'LL TRY AND CALL YOU TONIGHT THE 21ST. RIDE SAFE AND SLEEP LATE.DAN AND JANICE SIGNING OFF.