Kirkwood.

Yesterday was the most physically enduring day I can remember. We started our day at 6:00 am, had a quick breakfast at Mel and Fayes Diner (one of our great sponsors), then jumped on the bike. We literally climbed the Sierra Nevadas the entire day. Beginning at 1500 ft, we slowly crossed 95 miles up the mountainside at an average pace of 6 mph. There was one point we my pace line and I inched along at 3 mph for well over an hour. There were a couple times when I was convinced I wouldn't be able to finish this infamous day on the Journey of Hope. Without the encouragement of my friends, I'm sure I would have been just another victim of Kirkwood. Never again will I take car travel for granted. Today we have our first day off of the trip. After yesterday's events, it is much needed. We are going on a boat tour of Lake Tahoe and spending the rest of the day. After four days of biking, we have finally made it out of California and into Nevada. Two years ago, if I were asked if I'd ever cross a state with a bicycle, I would have laughed. I guess a few things have changed. It's good to be here in Tahoe and I can't wait to cross the rest of America. Until next time, -J.P.