Monday 6-25

Woke up at 3:30AM, am I a kid or what? Stayed in the sleeping bag till 5 or so dozing off now and again. The whole house was up at five and had our gear packed and ready by 5:30. After a quick breakfast we rode our bikes to the start line. As we come up to Lake Washington, 2 bald eagles swooped in from the lake, and proceeded to fly along the lake front parallel to us, no more then 30 feet away, a good omen.

Mary Lynn met us at the start line where we milled around and chatted to other bikers and supporters. I told Mary Lynn, that in this group, I was "normal". They had a little ceremony where we passed a big check for $350,000 to the head of the ALA of Washington. We loaded up the truck and the ride started. We went along the lake and up through some residential areas and over the lake on a floating bridge. After a while we were on I-90. Yes it is an expressway, but it had very wide shoulders. (which had a lot of debris on. Bits of tire chains, tire pieces bolts, yuck!) We did some pretty good climbing on I-90 then got off and went up Denny Creek pass. That was cool! Lots of switch backs and at some points you could see riders farther down the hill. The scenery was spectacular. Shear cliffs, mountain views, deep forest and an amazing waterfall, a real wide range. Lakes along the road. long rides up and long rides down. Unbelievable. We had former Big Riders guiding us and I got to meet Sully from last year and ride with him. He gave me some great tips on staying hydrated, as in where all the local brew pubs where throughout the route.

Overnight was in the state park in Easton Washington. Nice campground located just 100 yards from I-90, ya couldn't see the traffic, but you could hear it.

That night as is tradition, last years riders made us dinner around the campfire. It was a great BBQ. Most riders were in their tents by 8:00 but I was feeling really strong and not sore at all so I didn't hit the sleeping bag till 10:00. Spent the time wisely, talking with Sully and hydrating.

Schedule miles: 78.1
Actual miles: 90.0 (we rode to the start and did make one or two wrong turns)