Bike and body made it out as planned. Several glitches to keep life interesting. First getting Marcia up at 4:00 to catch a 6:00 am flight when actually I needed to arrive at the airport at 6:00 for 7:30 flight. Assumed instead of checking one last time. And then trying to ship the hardcase home once out here was a comedy of errors that ended up with AbB loading it into the trailer until we can find a UPS office that's open for business. Dave -- that hardcase will make it back with some better stories to tell.
But all in all -- minor things in the big scheme of things. Lots of eager older riders with a few younger ones thrown in for good measure. Several multi time crossers. A guy who lost 100 lbs and smoking not all that long ago, took up bicycling and now had his brother talk him into this trip. A fellow from Switzerland and another from the UK. A bunch going as far as Salt Lake CIty to complete the last leg of their ride acroos America in week long chunks. One other rider from Columbus, Brad Butler, who lives up north of us. And my roommate who is an old IT guy (not quite as old as this old IT guy), Jim. Reminds me a bit of Dave right down to the Merlin he rides.So, tomorrow it's a 5:00 am up and breakfast, a mass 6:30 start and right up a 600 foot climb right out of the gate. Then back down to the beach for the wheel dunking ceremony and from there over the Golden Gate Bridge eastward. 50's & 60's with good wind from the west in forecast.
It's midnight in Columbus and I am out of here.
Dad, glad you made it out there ok. We'll be praying for you as you ride.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you're off to an interesting start. And as far as getting to the airport too early...better too early than too late, right? Can't wait to read about each adventure!
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