We ate, got everything loaded up and set out first toward Hendersonville, NC. After navigating our way out of Ashville we had a nice ride through Arden and Fletcher before arriving in Hendersonville several hours later. Downtown Hendersonville was really cool; too bad we didn't have the time to stop.
From Hendersonville to the NC/SC State Line there was some great cycling and we had a fantastic lunch in Tryon, NC. After lunch and some pictures it was on to Inman, SC.
We crossed the SC State Line (more pictures) and continued on Highway 176 through Landrum and Campobello before drawing close to Inman. After Campobello I started texting Randy to let him know our whereabouts. He texted us the house code and said he would most likely arrive after us.
That was probably true despite the fact that Brad had been fighting cramps throughout the day. He was feeling much better after our amazing lunch but now it was getting warm so we made sure we stopped to rehydrate from time to time. We did arrive at the house before Randy so we moved into our respective rooms and got cleaned up for the evening.
Randy and Cheryl arrived shortly thereafter; it was great to see them and have the opportunity for some extended visitation. They live on a golf course so it was great to sit out back and chill before dinner. Dinner was amazing; exactly what we needed after a good day of riding.
The only downside to the whole visit had nothing to do with location or company but news that I discovered when on a UF website. I saw a headline that said a UF student had been found dead; that caught my attention. When I opened the article I was shocked to find out that it was a student that had been involved at CCH off and on his freshman year. Stephen was a great kid who had a moving experience one night at our outdoor worship. A song that Scott had played pierced his heart and he was moved to tears. After the song he came to me and asked if he could have a hug. We hugged then he shared what it was about the song that moved him. I will never forget that night or Stephen.
We visited for awhile after dinner and then called it a night. By this time Brad and his friends knew that this was the end of their GTD ride; they just didn't have the miles underneath them to continue on to Lexington and then on to Goose Creek and Savannah. That was fine; I truly enjoyed their fellowship over the past two days.
The next day would be a ride through Spartanburg on my way to Lexington to stay with John and Susan Wright; for youth group members from Boones Creek CC and Oakwood Forest CC; I was looking forward to time with them.
