This is the MOMENT...

and I am petrified!!!

Miles planned: 30
Miles completed: 34
Loads of Laundry: 1



Dipping my bike in the Pacific Ocean



Today was a busy day.  I got up early and rode to Fort Stevens State Park to dip my wheels in the Pacific Ocean.  I got a little lost (really I just did not follow the directions) so I ended up riding 34 miles instead of 30.  Not a big deal.  It was cloudy and rainy most of the ride - but very little wind.  So overall, one of the best riding days I have had this year. 



After having my bike on the beach it was a mess.  I cleaned my bike and then had our awesome and very patient mechanic, Jim, check out the brakes and gears.  Then I did my first load of laundry.  You might be thinking, you haven't been gone that long - laundry already.  Our luggage requirements were very strict - to the point that it has been a hot topic of conversation.  So laundry will be a regular activity.



My roommate for the next 50 days, Lucy Biddlestone





After that I finally met my roommate - Lucy Biddlestone from Brighton, England.  She just graduated from  university and this trip was a graduation present from her dad.  She is awesome and I think we will get along very well!



Then it was finally time for orientation and to meet everybody.  I was a bit surprised because many people came with someone, mother/daughter, brothers, husband/wife, friends, etc.  There is a significant age range from 22 to 71, with folks from all over the US, England, Canada and the Netherlands.  We have 35 riders riding the whole trip and about 15 who will join us for a week or so along the way.  There are 11 women.  I will have a group pic to share on Wednesday.



After introductions it was time to learn about our trip - and we spent a lot of time on logistics and safety.  We heard a lot of horrible stories about people who did not ride safely and follow the rules.  Then we had our first group dinner and our first RAP.  We will have RAP every night where we go over the schedule for the next day, the route, SAG stops, and all other details.  The review of the route tomorrow is what has me petrified.  Apparently there is a very fast downhill that ends right into crazy traffic.  My greatest fear.  So like Steven Loch said - it's OK to walk downhill. 

Our ride starts around 7:00 AM tomorrow.  All I can say is New Hampshire, here we come!!!!