I usually rise about 6 a.m., and I woke this morning at that time. Problem was, it was 6 a.m. in Virginia but I'm in Seattle preparing to launch my trip across the country where it was 3 a.m. I stared at the ceiling for awhile thinking about hills ahead to climb, and that's not sleep-inducing.
One of life's joys is keeping up with old and dear friends. One of my oldest buddies, Ron Anderson, met me at the airport. He lives in Wilsonville, Oregon, near Portland. I'd Fedexed my bike to him, and it arrived in perfect shape. Ron and I were debate partners in high school, back when the earth was still cooling. I was best man at his wedding 44 years ago, he was my best man 39 years ago, and in February I made a DVD of his son's wedding. Tonight we're dining with friends from my class of '58 at the University of Oregon.
This morning early I took a 45-mile warm-up ride. I passed Boeing Company buildings where, years ago, I'd interviewed company officials. From a bike you can see that Seattle is a major industrial city. Boeing is ubiquitous, of course, but I passed factories for Kenworth trucks, and huge warehouses are everywhere. Microsoft is in nearby Redmond, and I think I spotted Bill Gates' house on Lake Washington.
Tomorrow the cross-country riders meet for the first time, there's a party tomorrow evening, and Thursday morning we finally begin. I can't wait.
Bill, I will be following your amazing journey. Wishing you the best of luck and glad to count you as one of the joys of my life. Glad Ron could be there for your sendoff. OMG!!! Has it been 44 years already. Thanks for being our "best man."
Bonnie
Posted by: Bonnie | June 21, 2006 at 12:35 PM
I am a new 'bent rider...well, not even "new" yet. My Gold Rush should arrive next week (I wasn't aware of your business)! I'm anxious to follow your travels and see how it's done. I also ride upright bikes but am looking forward to the comfort of recumbents. I'm 47 and it's encouraging to know that I potentially have many years of riding ahead of me. I know you from around town, but can't remember exactly where. Maybe we'll run into each other on the road when you return. Good luck!!
Posted by: Douglas M. Heller | June 21, 2006 at 05:25 PM
Bill,
I was at the ACA birthday bash yesterday and feel great envy for your trip. As Willie said last evening - enjoy and let your life be changed. I'll be following all of you as you travel your great adventure.
Keep the rubber side down.
Rich
Posted by: Rich Smith | June 22, 2006 at 12:40 PM