A day at the beach – By Kyle Halat

Off Day – Newport News, Virginia

Today I woke up at 6 a.m. and began to get ready to bike another day. I quickly realized when no one else was stirring that it was an OFF DAY in Virginia Beach area. I slinked back into bed and fell back asleep until 8:45 a.m. I woke up, had breakfast, walked outside and realized it was pouring down cats and dogs. So I did what any normal man or woman would do in this situation. I decided to go play in the rain. Once I finished, Susan Pratt arrived all the way from California. She’ll be joining us for three weeks of the trip ending around the Fort Walton area.

When Chris began putting her bike together, a serious problem occurred. Her rear shifter would not work. After attempting to use WD-40, Chris realized the bike had to be taken to the bike shop. The bike shop Ivan, Chris, and Susan went to was Bike Beat, one of the best bike shops we have encountered on the tour so far. Chris Scales gave the team a great deal on fixing the bike and we’re incredibly appreciative. We highly recommend Bike Beat in Newport News, Va. Afterwards Chris, Ivan and Susan went shopping for food.

Meanwhile back at our host site, Providence Mennonite Church, I was trying to get some people together to go to the beach. No one was interested in going though!!! What? No one wanted to go to the beach when we were on the coast?!? Shameful! I decided to go on a solo adventure to the Huntington Beach. I stripped all pouches and extra accessories off of my bike except for a towel, spare tube, tire pump, and tire levers and off I went. 

I left and rode eight miles to the beach. Along the way, I stopped for a chocolate milkshake at a local shop. I got to the beach and enjoyed myself thoroughly. Somehow I managed to get a flat tire. I fixed my first flat tire on the side of US-60E and it was a personal milestone because it was the first time that I ever fixed a flat tire on my own without anybody helping me. (Be sure to check out our new feature–Flat Tire Count–at the end of today’s blog.)

When I got back we enjoyed an amazing pasta dish made by Chris and Ivan. Then we had an “extended orientation” for Susan. The best part of the orientation was Jonny Fath’s random questions. Some examples include “If you could be any musical instrument what would it be and why?” and “What’s your all-time favorite record?” Also, Ryan had some big news for us to hear: We have surpassed $100,000 in our fundraising thanks to a very generous donation! Only $150,000 to go.

Ivan, Brett, Johnny and myself ended the restful day off by heading to Starbucks for some coffee and some wi-fi. 

Thanks again to Providence Mennonite for graciously opening their basement (equipped with showers!!) to us for two nights.

Watch Kyle’s "Meet the Riders" video here to get to know him better.

Help Kyle meet his $7,500 fundraising goal by clicking here!

***Want to MAIL your favorite biker an encouraging note or some cookies? They’ll be at the address below on July 16, so send quickly!

Hopewell Presbyterian Church
10500 Beatties Ford Rd. 
Huntersville, NC 28078 

NEW FEATURE!!!!!  *Flat Tire Count*