And...We're OFF!!

Well, we made it to New Orleans, and I survived my first day riding with my dad! Everything went smoothly getting down here, and although we got lost driving from New Orleans to Venice at 1:00 in the morning and I got to hear dad say, "This is no good" a million times, we finally made it to our destination at 2 AM. I would tell you about the town of Venice, but there really wasn't anyting there. Seriously, there wasn't ANYTHING there. Today we rode our bikes 62 miles-starting from the Gulf of Mexico.
We are definitley struggling with the harsh winds that slow us down. However, later on in the day, it got better and we were able to go a lot faster. I'm hoping that tomorrow will go as well as today, but I'm a little nervous because my butt is already starting to hurt. It's been great biking with my dad, and my mom has been doing an AMAZING job of being our support van. I don't know what we will do when she leaves!!!
I will be posting some pictures soon, but I'm SO tired and need to get some rest for tomorrow!
More to come, but for now I will leave you with the Top 3 quotes of the day. These were specifically deemed the quotations that would NOT have been said if Luther (my brother) had been on this trip with my dad instead of me.

1. Annika: "Dad, are you wearing green today? Alright...then I guess I will be wearing blue."

2. Annika: "These cycling shorts are just REALLY unflattering..."

3. (Annika puts on fluorescent cycling vest before breakfast)
Dad:"Annika, you don't need to put that on yet".
Annika: "Dad, I know that. I'm just seeing how it looks."

...I may not be as strong as my brother, but I'm certainly providing an entertaining trip for my travel mate(s).

Life is great. God is good. I'll keep yopu updated!!