AND THEY'RE OFF!!




(Sorry this is a little delayed... ran into some technical difficulties.)

We were lucky to have the guys begin their epic journey here in Columbia, SC... as always, it was so great to catch up and Dave's stories of the South Carolinians dealing with his accent are pricless! :) After a few days of hanging here - helping them get ready for their trip and enlightening them about two truly American pastimes - NCAA March Madness basketball and Nascar - it was off to Charleston to send them off in true Cross-Country Fashion, with a dip of the toes in the Atlantic...

As Ben mentioned in his post, we arrived in Charleston mid-afternoon & explored a bit before heading home so they could get started on the packing. As personalities began to show through packing styles, I enjoyed a glimpse - albeit brief - into what the road will bring... and thoroughly look forward to the stories!

We enjoyed some "Blue Moon" beers with orange slices - a delicious treat - and the guys got to packing. Have to say, I was impressed with the amount of gear they had... here's Ben with ALL the gear... no overpacking here!



Up early Tuesday morning, and after a balanced brekky of Honey Nut Cheerios (only the best), the boys finished packing and we hit the road. One last stop at Walmart for some bungies and the EVER-important roll of Emergency TP - I believe that's a Bog roll, or something of sorts for you Kiwis - and we headed to Sullivan's Island, a charming little island off the coast of Charleston.



After one small hitch... Ben's valve broke off his tire before it had even been ridden, the bikes were loaded and ready to go. No "yardsales" this morning, though I'll be surprised if the neat packing jobs of the first day can continue throughout the trip... Looking good boys!






Despite this being the first time on loaded bikes for each of them, somehow the guys avoided the "Wobbles"... a common symptom of virgin load-riding... and looked like pros from the start. After a quick test ride - an a small attempt by me to try to lift Dave's bike (no way in hell!) - we headed for the ocean to officially kick things off!






Some dolphins greeted us, a good omen for the start to the trip, for sure! Feet dipped in the ocean, a quick photo-op, and then back to the guys' homes for the next two months...











One last photo, and just like that... THEY WERE OFF! (Unfortunately, I couldn't quite squeeze myself in a pannier).

Wishing you the best of luck on the road guys! We are envious, and while too large to fit in a pannier, will definitely be with you in spirit... watch out for the mullets, the crazy dogs & the flying beer cans!!! WHOO-HOO!