Currently in Accra, Ghana to do some site visits to libraries and interviews with librarians, educators, and administrators. Today I walked through the Nima Market and found an interesting blend of bikes and books. Enjoy.

Overnight to Damascus, Va.

John and I made another overnight trip to Damascus, Virginia from Todd, NC. Unlike two years ago, when we ran into a hailstorm and cold rain (John nearly got hypothermia), this trip was warm and mostly sunny. Our route took us over many steep gravel roads that required walking our bikes. It was the closest one can get to backpacking with touring bikes.

Asheville to Boone

Ian and his girlfriend Sarah graduated from UNC-Ashevill on May 10th! We spent the day celebrating in Asheville with brownies, gifts, meals, and a movie. Next day, John, Emma, and I headed out to ride our bikes back to Boone, with Ian driving the sag-wagon. First stage- 30 mile ascent up the Blue Ridge Parkway. I think Emma was a bit stunned by the uphill. She told us she kept going thinking a downhill would be around the next corner. Guess we should have warned her. We rode 53 miles the first day, spent the night in Little Switzerland, and rode 43 miles the next day. Good training for Emma for Bike and Build. And thanks to Ian for keeping up with us, real enjoyed having the whole family together.

Spring Break in Florida

Our family headed down to Florida for Spring Break. One main objective was to get Emma ready for riding her bike across the United States this year with Bike and Build. She is raising $4,500 to ride across the country with 30+ other young people to support Habitat for Humanity. Yes, she totally stole our dream but I couldn't be happier for her or prouder! We rode over 150 miles during the week and initiated our daughter into the ways of the bike (seat soreness, head winds, and lots of eating. We were happy that our son Ian came along as well, especially since he was nearing graduation from UNC-Asheville. Good times!