The plus or minus 10 rule

yesterday was our first day out on the road and let me tell you my body felt the road. We left RI and we were supossed to ride 30 miles to connecticut, 46 miles later, we were there. Apparently there is a plus or minus 10 rule where the directions could be way over or way under mileage. I ran out of water, the van never made it lunch, i was sore in every place possible, and in case you didnt know this state is full of hills! But even through all of this it was an amazing experience. Riding behind, in front and beside people who were motivating me and feeling the same way i was made it so much more rewarding and even a little easier. And the best part was arriving at a beautiful church in woodstock where we were welcomed with a BBQ chicken dinner, grilled veggies, potatoe salad etc..we had a wonderful time meeting and greeting all the wonderful people of woodstook. Later on my friend from ithaca, a bike and build alumn, Todd, had his parents drop off amazing ice cream to us for dessert. Today we are in massachusetts rooming at our trip leaders house. this beautiful farm house where we will be camping in the backyard. and today went a lot better than yesterday, i had a snack, a good lunch, didnt run out of water, AND my tire blew on th eroad and i knew how to fix it!