Goat Right

So I went on a training ride with the Philly bike club the other day. Since I rode in the morning by myself I ended up with 52 miles for the day! With 22 days left before my trip begins it is getting serious! It was really good to get out there and meet everyone and ride in a group. I got to practice all the things you have to say and they kept me true to pace when climbing hills. I'll be back next wednesday for round 2 with them.


-- Diane

Location:Navajo St,Philadelphia,United States

I'm Feeling a Bit Deflated

So I pulled my bike out of the closet today at 3 ready to go for a bike ride. My front wheel was completely out of air. I don't know how it happened, considering it was fine last time I rode it, but sure enough a 1/2" nail was stuck in my wheel. So I pulled the nail out, and changed my very first tire. I didn't know what I was doing - but youtube was helpful. Doug was there for moral support - and even though I tried to drag him into actually helping me he let me fend for myself. A half hour later I was back in business - new goal will be under 10 min. I'm glad it happened at my house and now I'll know what to do when I'm on the road.

[PITTSBURGH, Pa] - Cyclist bikes 30 miles with sock in her thigh. Early Sunday morning Diane Mattingly of Squirrel Hill woke up and put on her shorts ready to see the city on two wheels. The brisk air caused her to wear a pair of tights over her shorts, keeping her quite warm on the ride. When she returned home, she... noticed a bulge on her inner thigh. "Well I thought I had developed a cancerous tumor when I first saw it!" Immediatly she shoved her hand down her tights and retrieved one black dress sock. "I have to give credit to the dryer on this one. Its been bringing my clothes together for years - the secret you ask? Static cling!"

Photos

As promised - here are some photos of me on my bike.

The Enterprise (hometown newspaper) did a fantastic job writing up an article about me on the cover of the community section today!

I've been back on the bike since the weather has finally been nice. Doing just under 20 miles a day - I still have alot of training to go.

Thanks again to all of my supporters!

Winter Holiday Update

Things are moving along nicely, with only 152 days before the start of my trip I am almost half way done with my fundraising! Again, a huge thanks to all of my family and friends who have donated!

Prolly the best part of my winter vacation was when my bike arrived on the 23rd of December! After successfully fundraising $1000 for Habitat for Humanity I ordered the bike that would take me across America. I plan on posting pictures shortly, but trust me when I say it is sweet! My only complaint perhaps is that the seat is smaller than me :)

Again, thanks to everyone! The official leave date is June 20th from Portsmouth, and we arrive in Vancouver on August 26th!

Fundraising Update

So I hit the $500 mark a few days ago! This is exciting, though I still have a ways to go. My new goal is to have $1000 by the end of January. Once I reach $1000 I can order my bike and practice things like clipping in and not falling off :)

I wish the summer would come sooner, but thanks to everyone who has donated so far!