Here are pictures from the start of the trip. We're now in Sweetwater, TN, over 2 weeks into the trip. Despite a calamitous first week (2 cases of pink eye, 2 bikes stolen, 1 staph infection, etc), things are finally beginning to calm down, and thank goodness for that. Bike & Build is becoming a way of life and that is both strange and wonderful. The day of the week has lost all importance, and time only matters when it comes to food and getting to the host location before dark. Our first two weeks also included some serious mileage, with a century on day 4. However, the past 3 days have been short (40 miles), with a build day in Maryville, TN, in between. Enjoy the pictures, ciao.

In Nags Head for leader orientation. In front of our host location. From L to R (all trip leaders): Gabe, me, Anna, Steve.


Trip leader shot at the wheel dip ceremony in Nags Head. (we dipped our wheels in the Atlantic and will dip them in the Pacific on July 18th). From L to R: me, Anna, Steve, Gabe.



First day of riding into Swan Quarter NC. Note the river in the background. It poured buckets every day of riding, except one, for the first seven ride days. From L to R: me & Neel.




Riding sweep & saving a box turtle from certain destruction. From L to R: Alex, me, Anna.

Obligatory hay bale picture. First day riding sweep. From top to bottom: me & Alex.

At Duke Chapel on Duke University's campus, on our way to Chapel Hill.

Build Day, Hillsborough. Pre-wall.

Build Day in Hillsborough, erecting walls, gettin it done. From L to R: Alex, Andy, Mike, Nhan, Kelly.

At our host in Chapel Hill, Chapel of the Cross. Right on Franklin St.

For Bill.

At the museum: "Thank you for smoking your Winstons outside." Anna in background.

At the Dale Earnhardt, Jr. Memorial, outside of Charlotte NC. Awesome stop. From L to R: Rebecca, Anna, me.

At the Eastern Continental Divide. From L to R: me, Timur, Sharif, Anna.

Amanda in deep thought at a waterfall off of our route from Gatlinburg TN to Maryville, TN.

Where we are staying tonight, at the Armory for the Army National Guard in Sweetwater, TN.