I rode 41 miles yesterday from Newport to Atlantic Beach and back. 

I named the ride (Strava) the Remarkable 41 because I was quite surprised, and pleasingly so, that nearly every person I saw (riding, walking, running, doing yard work), which were many, smiled and waved at me. 

A friend from Durham County, not a cyclist, wrote me to tell of how many cyclists he observed in and around RTP over the weekend -- and how glad/happy he was to see so many of them out there.

Social media posts are changing ... people are looking for "good news."  Things like asking for people to post anything (like a photo) that will make you smile -- e.g. post a picture of your bike, your last trip to the beach.

What is it about a national crisis that brings out this behavior?  i.e. this is not "normal."  And we should like it.

Stay healthy -- ride on.

NC will be under a stay-at-home order come 5pm this afternoon.  

Here's a link to the order.

Can we still ride?  Yes.  Here's the pertinent info (copied from the order):

I'm hopeful everyone can get out and ride, at least individually, or in very small groups, while we maintain our distancing as requested by the governor.  Maintaining your health is one of the prime combatants to navigating through (or past) any disease.

Ride safe.  Ride smart.  Keep your distance. 

If you're ill, with any symptoms regardless if COVID-19 or not, stay home.

The world has changed.  Our cycling world has changed.  Some pertinent info on the virus and its effects on racing are here:
https://www.cyclingnews.com/features/what-is-the-covid-19-coronavirus-and-how-might-it-continue-to-affect-professional-cycling/

Please remember to keep your immune system at peak:
- Exercise!
- healthy eating habits
- sufficient sleep