Tuesday, June 11th, 2013 @ 11:27AM

Total Time: 4:54 (About 7 hours total)
Miles: 66.08
Max Speed: 49.7 mph
Status: Completed

Today was a special day. Woke up at 5:15 and had to pack my gear and follow my typical routine that I did since I arrived in California. Legs felt a little tight from cycling the previous day so I felt a little stiff. After the morning routine and briefing all the cyclists rode off to Sacramento to participate in our first arrival in a big city.

The ride started off pretty well and about three miles in the riders got a rude awakening: we all had to ascend 3000 feet total up a pretty steep hill. Going up those hills got tough and it put a number on my lower back. Despite the pain that was happening all of the individuals pushedvthrough as well as my pace line. He hills were tougher than the ones we encountered last night and the descent was steeper, roads were narrower so going down those hills were very fast.

Some of those hills we went through had rock slides and this is the first time I really immersed myself around them. Also the peak of the hills brought a nice view to the countryside. You never understand the beauty of this country until you are cycling across the country. It gives you an opportunity to observe everything that is around me.

There were a few breaks that occurred while I rode. My first I had to get my seat adjusted by Dean since my legs were not extending properly. The adjustment really helped me out especially going up the hill. The second break occurred when my bike got flat downhill and I had to replace my tire. I was really frustrated since I pumped my bike before riding. Since I wasn???t experienced at fixing my tires I wasn???t riding for about 20 and slot of pace lines started passing.

After encountering the treacherous hills most of my ride was pretty flat. By that point I was warmed up and wanted to catch up to other pace lines because I was far behind. The speed my pace line was going through was amazing. I continued to see more vineyards and saw wheat fields and that was pretty fascinating.

When we finished at Sacremento we were greeted by a mother who had 2 sons who rode JOH in 07 and 09 sponsor lunch for us. Seeing how she was touched by Push America was a great feeling and I appreciate her support.

After going to the sponsored lunch we set up for arrival in Sacremto. The way we cycled through the city as a team was really cool since we all cycled in 2 lines and had a van leading the cyclists.

The day ended again with another friendship visit to the Southside Art Center. We were shown some ceramic sculptures as which was done by the people there as well as having them play instruments and sing songs to us.

All in all it was a great day and tomorrow we go ride 50 miles.

Posted by Reggie Quaye
Categories: Journey of Hope, Philanthropy