June 10 - Leesburg VA

Yes, I'm in Leesburg. No, Sandy isn't. She's on her way to Jeffrey's and should be there soon.

We left Erie after 7 this morning and arrived here a little before 1pm. Hamid, Alain, Vita and John were waiting for us ... I checked in, unloaded my baggage, changed into shorts (we've finally found summer) and set out for the Blue Ridge Grill. After going around in circles a little we had a very good lunch -- oriental salad for me with a wonderful lobster bisque. Sandy had an ahi tuna salad; others had ... whatever. Sandy dropped me or -- or I dropped myself off -- and she went to checkout the Holiday Inn. You see the Comfort Suites, where I am now, doesn't take dogs. Sandy will arrive here sometime Sunday afternoon and needs to be able to get Abby inside.

She said that the Holiday Inn is not accessible by bike -- I don't believe that but won't check it out -- besides, the Days Inn is right here, and that is where she's going to re-book us.

I've been sorting out my stuff the last little while, organizing, organizing ... and shortly I'll go down for "bike check". Later I'll wander down the road and find something for a snack since I haven't had enough to last me all evening. Besides, this is the last time that I'll be coherent enough for the next few days to perhaps eat something solid that will taste good. We'll see.

I have too much stuff. I know it. I'm carrying that spare tire and my long sleeve jersey. I'm sure that I won't need either, but who knows. I'd like to bring the small camera, but will I use it or will it just be another thing that is in my way ? Perhaps I'll bring it along tomorrow in my jersey pocket and if I don't want to carry it further, I'll stash it in my drop bag tomorrow night, to be seen again on Saturday night. I might do the same with the spare tire !

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Just got back from checking in then going down the street with Alain and Hamid for a Quiznos sub. Oh yes, I ate it too -- here in the hotel room. I've got the TV on ... my hours are numbered. Continental breakfast is at 3am and we start riding at 4.

Logistics are fairly straightforward. We've been given three ribbons -- one for the Mt. Airy bag; one for the Deerfield drop and one for the Harrisonburg drop -- we have to choose between Harrisonburg or Deerfield -- I'm choosing Harrisonburg ... Deerfield is 25 miles further ... we'll see how it goes.

I'm still undecided about the long sleeve jersey and the spare tire. I could still, at the last minute, stuff those in the Harrisonburg bag. I've got until 3:30 a.m. to decide :).

Now if I was really bullish about the ride I'd bring my laptop in a backpack and stop at WiFi locations to provide updates ! Don't bet on it ! Although ... given the weight that I'm already carrying ... perhaps I wouldn't notice it.

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This Comfort Suites is quite nicely done, as was last nights. Last night's had a double jacuzzi tub ... that we did not partake of. The only problem that I've had with this hotel is that they seem to have double-booked my room ... someone else came in the door. Great. Then I went to get a Pepsi ... and of course they'd changed the keying on my door so my key did not work anymore. Great. Oh well ...

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I may have something to say later / earlier -- if so I'll post another blog.

bye bye.