What a difference a day makes. Yesterday, I was somewhat despondent about the end of this trip. I was exhausted from the day's ride. It had been very hot, and today and tomorrow were forecast as being even warmer. My brother's offer to drive out and pick me up on Sunday was looking pretty appetizing. What do I have to prove? I've already pedaled for over 3,800 miles.

But something happened. As I lay in bed, suddenly i became filled with resolve. It was  as if the Lord was saying "I will be with you." Despite my fatigue, and my misgivings about riding in this weather, I decided to ride all the way to Raleigh.

Today was going to be the shorter of the two days, somewhere around 60 miles (it ended up being 64). Sunday will be in the mid-70s. My plan, like yesterday, was to get up early, leave around 6:30 AM, and keep hydrated and fed. It took a bit longer than yesterday to get going, then I had to turn around and find a store, at that early hour, that was selling sandwiches. It was probably closer to 6:45 AM when I left the town of Plymouth.

My goal was to ride 50 miles by noon, then the rest is easier. I did not make 50 miles, but made 45. I was carrying several extra waters and several Gatorades. Despite this, if I saw a Convenience Store, I would stop, drink a water and something light to eat, like a danish. I wanted to hold my liquids in reserve. This slowed me down, of course, but seemed a prudent  practice considering the weather.

Temperatures were expected to reach 95, but even at that early departure hour, the humidity brought perspiration quickly. In less than an hour, my shirt and shorts were soaked through with sweat.

All in all, the morning went well. I made three quick Convenience Store stops, and was feeling okay. Coming up to a four way stop, I noticed another store, and decided to re-hydrate. Buying a bottled water, I started out, then realized this store was also a cafe. Maybe I should eat lunch even though I had eaten a sandwich earlier.

It was a good decision. While waiting for my food, a lady walked in and asked if that was my bicycle outside. I affirmed that it was. She said it looked like it had been on the road for a while. How long? I answered " 75 days."

So the question came up "Why are you doing this?" I explained that I felt compelled by the Lord to make this trip, and was open to whatever He brought to me each day. This cafe appeared to be a family affair, and she was apparently a daughter. She called her mother over, and asked me to repeat what I said. I felt they appreciated how the Lord is using me on this journey.

This stop also gave me an opportunity to re-coat myself with sunblock.

Life in the south brings experiences that are interesting. Several times I have passed men who were working out their hounds. In fact, a loose pack of hounds this morning took umbrage with my using their road. I also discovered another crop today: tobacco.

I came up with my route through Google Maps, and had my route printed out last night. Google Maps is primarily used for cars, but there is a biking option, which puts the bicycler on quieter roads. Yet one road which I was to be on today was quite busy. It was  a four lane highway, with a four foot shoulder. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't that good either. I was surprised to be pulled over by a state trooper. He did not like me on the highway (I am unclear as to whether I was breaking the law). His first question was "Are you out trying to get some exercise?" Hmm. How should I answer that one? At any rate, I was perfectly happy with his suggestion of alternate routes. It did not hurt that I was only 5 miles from my destination.

Tomorrow is the last day of my trip. Tomorrow I will arrive at my brother, Jim's, house in Raleigh, North Carolina. After 76 days, I will be able to say "It is finished."

Don't confuse my resolve for tomorrow, with a lack of trepidation. It looks to be grueling. So I did what I do when I need help, I called my prayer partner at North Creek Presbyterian Church, Ron Wilmot, asking for prayers for strength in a brutal day. He emailed back "Consider yourself annointed and embraced, Will, to finish protected and STRONG as you near the GOAL. Blessings from 100 plus NC families." I feel like I am walking on air.

Tomorrow had two possibilities: Firstly, to ride, alone into Raleigh. I was hoping for Option #2. See if Jim would meet me part way and guide and support me on the way to his home.  It is such a relief to not have to think of where to turn, since everything looks foreign to me. Jim agreed. So we will meet around 9-9:30AM, and he will then take the lead with his car. At that point I will already have been pedaling for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, so I hope to be one third done before he gets there.

Peace be with you.