It has begun, and that cannot be undone.

I made it out, finally. I left on Wednesday afternoon, around 3:30. It was a 40-mile ride through some nice rural areas, over a dam, and by plenty of water. Leaving was a bit surreal; biking out of my house, it just didn’t feel like I was beginning some big adventure. It felt like any other departure, but maybe that’s because this has been such a long process to get this thing going. There hasn’t been much buildup of excitement.

Now it’s time to get ready for the next leg. Today I’m heading over the mountains on a road they call “the dragon.” It is very curvy as it winds over the mountains into North Carolina. I need to get an early start to avoid as much traffic as possible. This road is frequented by many dumb-ass racers who try to complete the curvy course in as little time as possible. It’s two lanes with no shoulder.

Off we go. Tonight is probably going to be camping out in the boonies, so no post for a day or two. Pictures to come soon.