Day 2 and Day 3 Sea 2 Shining Sea

Yesterday we rode out of Petaluma for a pretty lite easy ride of about 38 miles Fairfield. Once we got past the traffic congestion of the city we were able to stay together as a group pretty nicely. We did have a few issues with finding a comfortable pace for everyone. It is very tough to ride with such a diverse group of cyclist. We have some that have started ride just a few weeks ago and are going to ride into fitness and some who have been riding for years or have been training for this ride. Add into that the different levels of abilities and basic skill levels and it is challenging to say the least. All in all everything was handled very professionally and courtouesly. It is day 2 so we will have many ways to work and ride together over the next 60+ days. Since it was such a short day we arrived at our Best Western a bit before 2pm. We spent the rest of the day hanging out at the pool enjoying the beautiful weather.


Today was the start of our long mileage days. We had planned on riding 87 miles from Fairfield to Jackson with last 7+ miles being a very steady climb. We had one major problem, a very crappy section of road about 20 miles in. It was decided for the safety of the whole group that we would shuttle to our lunch stop instead of risking a major mishap or injury. It was the right thing to do, absolutely.
We were shuttled 20 miles to lunch stop at Michael David Winery. As we left we were greeted by the founder of the winery who was a World War 2 Purple Heart receiptent. All of our riders and staff were very honored to meet him.

and

Day 1 Sea 2 Shining Sea- San Fran - Petaluma

The past few days in San Fransisco have been really nice. The weather has been good. We've had a couple meetings and dinners to kick off the ride. We spent all day yesterday walking around the city. And last night watched the 75th Anniversiery of the Golden Gate Bridge fireworks.

But Today the real riding began. We left Fischersman's Wharf at about 8am to ride over the bridge into Sausolito and up to San Rafeal and finished in Petaluma with 53.4 miles. It was a great day on the bike. Here are a few photo.

Here in San Francisco

After a couple crazy days of non-rev travel I've make it to San Francisco. I flew from Philadelphia to Seattle on Wednesday and Seattle to Oakland on Thursday. Two of the three flights I had to sit forth and I even got bumped by an IOE out of Chicago. Go with the flow, I am off for the next 2 months and I won't see an airplane for just as long. Wow, no airplane for a whole 2 months? I've taken time off from work before but this is the first time in 14+ years with Southwest Airlines that I've been away for so long.

I got in after 11pm on Thursday night so I said a quick hi to Larry and went right to sleep. In the morning we had a nice continental breakfast at our home for the next few days Holiday Inn Fisherman's Wharf. Larry and I both have the idea that we are going to shed 10-20 pounds during our trip so we started today. No pastries for us.

At 9am we had our first meeting with the whole group; riders, interns and staff. The leader of the whole ride is Mike C. (we have something like 6 Mikes) He give a very inspiring introduction speech about what to expect from this ride. In a phrase, LIFE CHANGING. This is going to be so much more than just another bike ride. We are going to be a TEAM traveling across the country being greeted by small towns and big cities alike in the most patriotic ceremonies celebrating all five branches of service for their sacrifice and dedication.

After lunch, Larry and I finished setting up his new Co-Motion tandem and we went for a little 12 mile ride. ( be sure to follow my daily ride data at Strava.com) We rode to the Golden Gate Bridge for some photos. (EBS at the Golden Gate)

Thanks for reading, more later.

Computer stupid

I'm trying to figure out my new tablet and link it with my phone and laptop. Somehow I would like to share my music and photos between devices. At the same time I'm trying to figure out Netflix. I need to find a six year old to explain all of this to me. If anyone knows me at all, you know I'm not one to waste money or really to spend money on services like cable, internet, music or movies. I can't stand monthly fees. I guess that is why I still listen to the same music from twenty years ago.

Ride of Silence

Every year too many cyclist are killed by automobiles while doing what they love, just riding a bicycle. The Ride of Silence honors their memory. On the third Wednesday in May all over the world thousands of cyclist gather to ride in silence. Tonight 150 local riders rode with a police escort on a 6 mile course thru downtown Doylestown in complete silence. There were people out on their lawns, out walking in town and sitting outside eating dinner. They were very aware of the large group of cyclist riding by without saying a word. It was a very powerful experience to be a part of this ride. Please be careful out there.

S2SS ride schedule

To say that I'm intimated would be an understatement. It seems to start out easy enough with a gradual increase of miles but I see a 600 mile week across Kansas. Total is 3727 miles in 54 days of riding. Wow indeed.