Wheelsucker Blog - Week Fourteen

A big thank you to everyone who has visited my Just Giving site and donated money. Please continue to spread the word to raise as much money as possible for such a worthy cause. http://www.justgiving.com/Graham-Young-cycles-USA

Tuesday 12th August

West Hazleton, Pennsylvania. Last night I decided to abandon my journey, Derek tried to talk me out of it, but I have had enough, I think 'I Have Cycled the Cycling Out of Me'. Sunday really gave me a good kicking, the torrential rain, the mountains and massive 500ft undulations, together with my left knee playing up, I decided I do not want this anymore. Basically I miss my family and friends, today is my 93rd day on the road and I want to be a normal person again. Deep down inside I feel as though I have disappointed so many people who have been following my blog and contributed to my St Wilfrid's Hospice 'Just Giving Page'. All I can say is a 'Big Thank You' to all those people, old friends and new friends, who have given so generously. A big thank to 'My Cycling Family' who have supported me throughout my journey and the people who have helped me. It started with Dave and Jeanne in Boston who looked after me and showed me friendship and kindness which I will never forget. Then there was Jared and Amanda who took pity on me after I asked them for help (I had just climbed for 47 miles, in 100F temperatures up to 7000ft) and drove me to South Lake Tahoe. And then my super hero's Mike and Robin who saved me from the side of the road when my bike broke, and then drove me to my hotel and brought me a meal. Then there's my clubmate Derek, who's driven me around to get my bike fixed and then looked after me when I was riding on Sunday. For the last three days we have had horrendous rain storms and Derek has driven me northwards towards Boston (we should arrive on Wednesday). Derek has been a good clubmate and friend, and without his help I would still have been in Cartervile. Thank you again to everyone who has helped me on my journey and made my dream ride come true. Graham. Picture shows 'My Cycling Family' giving me my 'Send Off Party' at the Royal Oak pub.

Monday 11th August

Front Royal, Virginia. Woke up and it was still pouring with rain, the weather forecast said there was severe mist in the mountains. We decided it was too dangerous to drive in the mountains (I wasn't going to ride anyway) and that we would drive Front Royal to try and get out of the rain. Still raining when I sent this email so having a rethink on what to do next. Picture shows photos and memories of the 1999 Paris Brest Paris.