The final rest day of Bike Loud ‘26 was a wonderful time to refresh our mind and bodies. The Lumpkin morning started with coffee, bagels, and fruit. The various to do’s were discussed and a lunch plan agreed upon. Kansas City BBQ. Yum!

Jim Ray visited with high school friends and spent the day with his sister Mary and family.

As our legs rested, the bikes got a bath and lube, batteries recharged, and various cycling parts tweaked.

We are about to start the final push of the trip. Twelve riding days, no rest. Each one of the crew is highly motivated to finish and get back to Chapel Hill life.

This evening, as we sit down for a taco dinner prepared by Jon, we will discuss the upcoming route, sights, breakfast spots, and strategize for the remaining twelve stages. Heat, heat, and more heat will be be our nemesis as we inch closer to the Atlantic. “The mountains, dryness, and wind don’t scare me like the heat,” exclaimed one of the crew members!

How to get the miles done without overheating? Ice bags, extra ac cooling time, never stop in direct sunlight, and swimming holes! I’m sure the crew will hatch a plan. See y’all tomorrow….