First off, I absolutely loved everything about this tour. The people I met...the route...the food...the volunteers....my ability to ride...everything felt sooo awesome. Was probally one of the best experiences I have had. I did this tour by myself too, so I think because of that I was more open to talking with people and the whole experience in general. I was worried at the start because I didnt get enough sleep. For some reason, this was a good thing...pure adrenaline. I kept a really good consistant pace for the whole first day (18-22). These two guys were drafting off me for about an hour before I even realized they were there...duh? I didnt stop until the third rest stop and I chatted it up with those two. We ended up riding together on and off the rest of the day. OMG....there was one rest stop that had a "spongebob" theme. The music there was creepy. I rode into the finish of the first day at the campground in Key Largo at about 1:30ish and these two volunteer kids set up my tent for me. I blew up my airmatress and tried to crash under the shade for awhile, but it was really very hot and a bit uncomfortable. I also realized I had forgot my flip flops so all I had for shoes were my velcro monsters and I surely wasnt going to wear those all night. This guy that was camped next to me had an extra pair of running shoes he let me borrow that were about 4 sizes too big. Man I must of looked like quite the dork :) Anyway, I went for a shower and I didnt even have to wait in line at all. I felt much better after. Refreshed and semi-awake and starving. They were serving pasta and chicken salad and such over in the dining area. Went to eat and this really nice gentleman joined me for lunch. We chatted for a long time he had just done St. Anthonys last Sunday. Oh and he lent me a pair of flip flops (Im such a shoe ho:)) They had a beach party later that evening and I even partook in a couple of beers. Just a couple :) Left party and went to sleep. Well sorta. Man...people dont have any thought that they are around other people trying to sleep! Finally.....sleep. Woke up at 5:15 the next day, cleaned up, packed up, dressed and got my water bottles refilled and bike ready. Met up with gentleman from night before and rode a great fast paced ride the whole way home. Oh....I forgot. They let us do a lap at the Homestead Speedway. That was crazy! The wind was really picking up when I was about 5 miles out and I was glad I didnt have to ride another 25 miles in that. Made it back by 11:30, they gave me a finishers medal. Outbback catered the lunch, but I just wanted to go home and crash.

Nothing. This was a wonderful event for a great cause and I was glad to be a part of it and I will definately be riding again next year.