Updating Through the Pain

I finally have internet access this week and it's about time!  We've been traveling through a few sketchy parts of Virginia and West Virginia.  Cell phone service has been on and off and internet has been pretty much nonexistent.  Thankfully Lindsay was able to finagle a Macbook from her new friend Sarah.  She's a true gem that one.  It's almost 10 p.m. here in Huntington, WV (proud home of Marshall's Thundering Herd) which means that I am quickly falling asleep so I'll try to keep this post short and syrupy sweet.  


This past week has been full of early mornings.  5:00 or 5:30 a.m. wake up calls, breakfast and then we're out the door and on the road.  We've also been racking up around 80 mile days.  Lindsay's been learning how to correctly ride her bike.  Hip Watch 2010 can officially be resolved.  Her hip is doing well and everything is pretty much back to normal despite some brief pain and soreness while on the bike.  On the other hand, her left leg is still suffering.  The ligament or tendon or whatever it is behind her knee is incredibly sore and her knee is scraped up from a little tumble she took while on a short break.  She's pulling through and I'm proud of how scrappy she is.  


The riding has been tough but somewhat bearable.  Lindsay's still getting used to the physical toll all this riding is taking on her.  She pretty much takes her time with all the rides but is getting better and stronger with each day.  I will admit, I felt really bad for her as she had to climb hill after hill and mountain after mountain!  The group has already rode over the Appalachians and the Blue Ridge Mountains.  Usually she's one of the last to get to the host site which has meant we've been caught in about 3 storms so far.  She got drenched, I got drenched, her camera got drenched and her Blackberry got drenched.  Luckily her blackberry weathered the storm and is still operational!  There have been a lot of ups and downs but it's been quite the experience.  


What really has Lindsay down is the chaffing she's been experiencing.  In all of her nearly 24 years, she's never has the chance to meet chaffing.  Now they are nemesis and are currently battling each other for dominion of her poor bottom.  She's got a whole routine down to try to appease the problem--a spritz or two of Bactine, slathering of Neosporin and a nice handful of Gold Bond powder.  We have clearly moved on to Saddle Sores Watch of 2010 now.  I won't scare you off with pictures mainly because I'm too frightened and appalled to even take a peek.  


Aside from all old people physical problems, things are going swimmingly.  Lindsay and I are making friends with the fellow riders.  I have a few friends my size.  Jen Carboni brought her suction cup monkey and there's also a lucky pig.  We've had a couple of good times so far. 


So there's a quick little update.  We're all doing fine.  Zach is cruising along despite some knee pain and the group is bonding swimmingly.  Now for some pictures....