Still Without Power Here in the Tent

Adam and I have been watching the Irene progress in Madison mostly through Madison Patch and Facebook posts. We've seen photos of trees down, flooding near the Beach Club, and too many things floating far from where their home is.

I'm sure this is nothing compared to what you are all experiencing, but it's hard for us to look at pictures of home and see such destruction. One thing we've found comfort in is seeing friends on Facebook post, "Power's Back!" on their status update.

Unfortunately for our parents, they are still in the dark. My dad is the only one of our parents who have power back and he lives in Guilford. We were a little nervous immediately after the hurricane came through because of all the pictures we were seeing but lately, our minds have been put to ease.

People are starting to complain online about the power being off for so long which can only mean one thing: things are going to be ok.

Take it from us. We've basically been without power for almost 8 months now. You have been experiencing a little of what our lives have been. Of course, we did it by choice.

We're all kind of in the same boat now. Lack of showers makes us smell a little more, the only place to charge a cell phone is at Starbucks, and as soon as the sun goes down, it's bedtime. I'm sure, like us, you've found the true value of a stick of deodorant and a head lamp.

If you wanted to see what life as a touring cyclist was like, you didn't have to wait for Mother Nature to come knocking and take your power away. That's probably not our favorite part of bike touring but we won't let that get in the way of enjoying this year and we hope you don't either.

Maybe you can try embracing the "dark" ages and really get into it. Instead of using your car to drive to a Labor Day picnic, grab your bike and ride. Happy Labor Day! Even if it is in the dark.