Disclaimer: All of the following is based on my memory and as such may contain minor inaccuracies. But if you know me, that shouldn't be a surprise.
Sat 6-23
Barbara and the kids took me to the airport with the bike and gear. Check was real easy and they hung around for a bit then it was hugs all around we said our good byes.
On the flight out spent a lot of time watching the terrain out the window. Them mountians and hillsdon't look so big. The couple I was sitting with was on thier way to Seattle to start an Alaskan Cruise. So we chatted about our trips and as we taxied to the terminal they made a donation! So cool!
Hannah picked me up from the airport and drove me over to our host's home, they were away for the weekend but offered their place and there would be 8 riders and the mechinic staying there. Once we got there we met the riders that were there, and then I put my bike together while Hannah went out "exploring" In the eveing Hannah and Dan and I went to a Sounders soccer game. Sounders lost oh well, but I had my first foot long bratwurst. I'm from WI and I didn't even know they made them that big.
Sunday morning I woke up about 4:00 local time and went for 1 1/2 hour walk. The hills in Seattle are steep and some are quite long. I saw Bill Gates' house across the lake. I stopped for some fruit and OJ and went back to the house. The hills in Seattle scared me, I was second guessing my decision not to swap out the dual crank for a triple crank, so I went out for a ride to test the bike and my legs. Warmed up a bit in a residential area then found the biggest hill on 34th street by the Aboretum. It must have been a 1/4 mile climb at 20% grade. Made it up and at the top was a hospital with the urgent care entrance right there, was that planning or what. I almost went in for oxygen. Then cruised around the Arboretum and back to the house. The legs felt good and my confidence came baek. The weather went from cool and cloudy, to rain to sunny to warm and back to cool all in an hour. Kinda like WI only fast forward.
Sunday evening was oreintation and meeting my fellow riders. Mary Lynn was along and helped with driving people. It was at a fabulous house of a ride supporter who put on a great feast for us. And we got our jerseys, Thanks to Lisa who coordinated the jersey deal. Then back to the house for the final packing, and trying to get some sleep. Tomorrow we finaly ride.
1 comment:
Hi, Keep thinking of your every day and of your progress. Hope your back is feeling much better. Keep in mind you have a lot of years left to live.
know the countryside is rather boring at this point and it is a matter of just pedaling. However the Amish country can be interesting, near Lancaster and beyond/ Happy with the phone call. Thanks much, Love. MOM
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