I took my last ride today before having my bike packed to ship to Portland for my Northwest Loop 1500 mile ride. I rode up S. Holston Mt., 9+ miles of 5-9% grades. I had my personal best time for the climb and then descended into Shady Valley, TN for the most beautiful morning. I stopped for a chocolate milk and then climbed back up and had a screaming descent back to the bottom. I even outran a car coming down the mountain. There are lots of switchbacks so I could go faster around the curves than the car. Awesome ride!

So the bike got packed and will ship tomorrow. I am off to see family in Baltimore for 5 days and then the last 8 days push to get ready for the flight to Oregon. I am SOOOO excited.