Hi to everyone--friends and family. Sunday the 20th was the first step toward the "big ride".   We met the people that we will be with the next seven weeks at the Red Lion in Astoria. 

They had been arriving at different times during the day and all of them that flew in had their bicycles all apart and in boxes so they were assembled by the mechanics from ABB and then the rest of us were being registered.  Because people came in at so many different times, they were not able to have the entire group do their tire-dunking at the same time so we went over to do it however it fit into our schedule so that was exciting to get that rear wheel wet and know that in seven weeks, it will be the front one that goes into the Atlantic.

Today, Monday the 21st, started at 5:00 a.m. to have breakfast at 6:00, have group pictures taken and head out by 7:00.  This must be one of the most beautiful days Oregon has ever had--just like SB weather so we got off to a fabulous start.  There were some mighty long hills but oh what fun to go down the other side after you worked to get to the top!!   Lots of big trucks whizzing by but they seem to respect you--I wished I weighed 100 more pounds when all the truck suction try to move the bike. 

As for me, after performance anxiety yesterday, I was able to zip up all the necessary hills and actually made the 70 miles in six hours so I was very happy.  Had a flat rear tire so that was a delay of half an hour but nothing could mar this beautiful day.  Called the Baron this morning and was able to talk to him clearly even though I was way up in the mountains.  All for now--we love you all--Gabriel and Patricia