<--------- Instead, we get THIS on April 18th!
According to the weatherman, this is the coldest April since the 1880s and the second snowiest since that time too. :-(
Bummer.
Well, that can't stop us from making preparations for the TORCH tour. We just have to be more diligent and creative. Instead of biking outside, Mariah and I have frequented LA Fitness and hooked up with their indoor spin cycling class. It's amazing how full these classes are well into April! ;-) And, we just completed a 7 - 10 day master cleanse, drinking only a mixture of lemon juice, maple syrup and cayenne pepper. Mariah lasted longer than I did but we both feel healthier and lighter (which means we can carry more on the bikes) Yay!?
In addition, I've been pouring over maps and planning the route in detail using GPS software. Once the route is in place, I'll use a combination of campground sites and WarmShowers.org to locate lodging possibilities every 60 miles or so along the route.
Also, next week we are both riding the MN Ironman Annual Bike Ride. This is the longest running, and earliest bike event of the season. This year, some 3,400 people (I was about to use the 'crazy' descriptor here) will ride between 14 and 100 miles near Stillwater. This has been on our calendars since February, but we weren't actually thinking of riding in the snow!
We'll post more details about some of these preparations in upcoming blog posts.
Finally, our fund-raising efforts have been in full swing. It's super exciting and humbling to see so many friends and family members show their support of the TORCH tour and our work on behalf of Hope Station. We are really feeling the sense of connection with everyone who's following our blog and facebook page. And we haven't even left yet! So - THANK YOU for your support and prayers and financial donations. We couldn't do this without YOU!
Can't wait to get the shirt out and start riding in warm weather! But the snow has to clear first.