Update-Big Day Today

Yesterday, Ben took on the Trail solo, beneath low-hanging rain clouds - while Rick headed into town in the 2175 Crew Vehicle to give his Achilles some time off. Not long after arriving, he met business owners Mark and Cindy Rollins of the Mountain View Motel in Stratton, ME - who offered to donate a room for the night. Since all rooms were filled, however, they directed Rick down the road to Linda and Tom Lemont at the Spillover Motel, who welcomed them both that evening. Having a  place to hang your sneakers after 169 miles means a lot ...thanks to both the Rollins and Lemont's for their spontaneous generosity.

Speaking of the 2175 Crew Vehicle: Next to Spot GPS tracking, this is the best way to find the Team as they drive through your town. Keep an eye out! Our sponsors at Altrec.com and GreatOutdoors.com provided us with company decals for all four doors, which the Team is very proud to show off as they wind their way through New England. If you haven't already, take a look at some of the gear that Altrec.com has donated to the cause, (our Gear page) - that includes base layers, top layers, shorts, water-proof trail shoes, a jam-packed first aid kit and Clif Bars; the list goes on. 2175 is fueled by their support - and that of our community; please know that your help has made this campaign a reality, and in turn, we hope to make a positive impact on those affected by ALS. Thanks from our Team to yours.

Be sure to visit GreatOutdoors.com - were 2175 is profiled among stories of climbers, runners and cyclists exploring the great world around. http://www.greatoutdoors.com/

_________________________

Dispatch from the Field:

from Primary Pacer - Rick Cheever

Ben got an early start today - 6:15am, earlier than we have ever started; we are improving everyday.  He was pumped up for his biggest day ever, 32 miles with 10,000 feet of elevation gain. We estimate it will take him between 13-15 hours.

Life is amazing and we are both having a blast, positive energy is just all around us, I gave 3 hikers a ride to the Trail yesterday, we were piled in the car so tight there was not a single empty space, they had their packs on their laps - it was great. I gave them trail mix and a pair of socks each; one guy said, "I don't believe this, this is the nicest thing anyone has ever done for me. We have been out here for 6 months and - you will never believe this...today is my birthday."

It was just another amazing moment out of the many we have already had. We plan to have many more to come.

_________________________

Today, learn from Jim Lindberg of Maryland.

We will be thinking about him throughout the day - thanks for the wonderful story.

*be well

2175 CREW