Lots of Work - Yeah & some fun

Have to cover 2 days since we didn't have access to satellite yesterday.
Monday started off fairly inauspiciously - the truck got packed, John led a group of us down
to Golden Gardens and we met up with everyone else. Jess, Rob, Kevin & Mikey met me at
the beach which was awesome. I just so appreciated having someone there who knew me and
came to see me off. Jess got some pictures of the tire dipping ceremony and it was quite the sight seeing all of us lined up in the water - rear tires in the water - and then heading off by groups back up the trail (20 miles) and then onward toward Sultan. For anyone who wants to see the route - I think you can find it online or grab a copy of the Sea To Sea meditation/map book. (Still available for $8.00).
(The beach is actually off Puget Sound which is part of the Pacific. I felt a tinge of homesickness - as the smell of saltwater drifted past awakening the memories of days past spent at the Shore. Of course I am also looking forward to it at the end of this adventure since Dave & I will be spending time there before heading back home.

Before we were even 50 feet away from the starting line, my bike started acting up. Whether it was the brakes, or tires or whatever, it just didn't want to ride smoothly. By the time John (a seriously capable bike mechanic) got it working - everyone else had pretty much gotten started. We continued back toward the University and not too far afterward found a bike shop that did some repairs. John also advised me - strongly - that I needed to lighten my load up as carrying more weight than necessary makes for a "longer" journey.
Unfortunately - it would be another 30 miles before I would reach the truck and our first camp sight so, I got to carry most of the extras that I thought might be needed - mainly pain killers, topical pain killers, snacks, lip balm, and other assorted items. John found someone o carry one of my packs since it was attached to the front of the bike and apparently was messing up the cables. The trail ride was terrific. I rode with another biker - Annette and we just really enjoyed ourselves cruising along. The path followed the Sound (I think) and I told Annette about the Heritage Trail in Monmouth County that is a good ride and how I hope one does get put in at home. Sorry neighbors - it is just such an enjoyable way to ride - off the road - attractive scenery - and all the other things that go along with recreational riding. What have discovered is that I do enjoy riding alone or with a friend. It's nothing personal fellow sojourners - I have learned through the years that I enjoy my company and while big groups are great at parties and concerts and yes - even worship - for me - I can appreciate the ride a bit more fully if it's just me or me & Dave or out with a couple of friends for a leisurely trip. Obviously - that's not what we are about for this adventure but it was well worth learning as I had been considering joining a riding club but have decided that I will pass on that option. And besides - there will never be another group like this and there doesn't need to be. But this will always be the group that sets the standard for what I would want in a riding club. As big as we are in numbers - so too is this group big in heart.
Something else I learned today was not what I heard previously about bikers (bicycling bikers) was that they can be very hardcore about their expectations and it could be kind of hard to break into the group. But whether it has anything to do with the issues and values that brought us together - or whether it transcends even that - this has been the most gracious and welcoming group of people one could ever hope to travel the continent with.
There are varying levels of bicycling abilities amongst us but I would pretty much have to say that I fall a the less experienced end of the scale. But that hasn't kept anyone from being supportive - helpful - encouraging and all other adjectives of that category.

I am fairly stunned that I finished yesterday's trek without keeling over (50 miles) never mind getting up and doing it again today. Today's ride was quite the challenge. 77 miles - with 10 going abou straight up - from Sultan - where we camped last night to Steven's Pass - up in the mountains - really, high mountains and then down hill all the way into Leavenworth where we are currently camping. That trip is wrth a story all its own which I will catch up with at some poing in the future but for now I will do my best to upload my pictures - get them set and then head to bed. Tomorrow a.m. will be coming very soon. (pictures still to come - I did not remember how to get them off the disc and onto the memory stick. I may have to ask the great media people what to do. They are here on the trip keeping the media updated about the trip, it's purpose and how people can still support the cause.)

BTW - as Jerry K says -

"It's not too late, you can still donate and participate"

BTW - Thanks to all the angels who have been part of this trip - both members and non.
You are making it possible for us all to partner not just with each other and our supporters but those whom we are seeking to serve.