Day 1 - Last One in Doesn't Wait in the Shower Line

107.8 miles. 7.19 hrs

Not dead last but pretty close!

The morning dawned Seattle-cool with threatening skies. The rain held back for opening ceremonies at the Falls where this pic was taken because, as you can see behind me, wind blowing mist our way next to the falls was just as wet and cold but cleared long enough for a quick team pic and we were off! The cool weather was perfect for a long ride until the skies opened and dumped heavy rain sporatically throughout the day. Fortunately I'd carried all the right gear, as did most others, including some that were quite creative, like teammate Jon & Linda in their Maid of the Mist ponchos, knotted at crossbar height or Saran Wrap around feet to keep them warm in wet shoes.

Oh yeah, coming in late...in almost an exact repeat of last year, what began as a flat tire only 1/2mi from the morning rest stop, turned into a long wheel/tire/tube fix that left me as the last rider back on the road, playing catch up into lunch. There, at least I found some company to schlep thru the wet and dry afternoon, finally complete my first century of the season, ending with a lovely dry, scenic pedal along the shores of Lake Ontario into camp.

Caitlin was there to check me in and Kyle brought me snacks and told me about his day - the camp crew chief says they set a record time setting up camp today! Then I was off to my cold shower; but this year there wasn't a line.

Today's ride is dedicated to Annie and Mom who also spent the day working hard, surrounded by water.

ESAR Day 1: Niagara Falls - Rochester

Day 0

Traditionally, Day 0 is the day riders and crew must check-in, attend a mandatory safety talk and take care of last minute pledges, crew assignments, bike checks, etc. It's an equally busy and relaxing day.

Our 3rd year here, we've developed our own little traditions beginning with an early morning ride on the Maid of the Mist - a soaker of a boat ride right up to the water's edge - a bridge walk to Canada and (this is pretty important) bike assembly!

I'm getting pretty good at putting my bike back together and, taking my time, was done in only 30 minutes! Tho' I still let Dave (the Bike God) check my work before the night was over.

Going to sleep the night before a ride is still a little like Christmas Eve as a kid for me. It'll be tough to get to sleep for all the excitement but Kyle & Cait are expected at their assigned posts at 5:45am so to sleep we go. Tomorrow will be our longest day.

ESAR Day 0: Niagara Falls

Airports

08/08/08 - It feels I've spent more time in airports than at home this last month and today was no exception. The difference is that most flying was again on Alaska Air (I LOVE that airline), both planes were ON TIME, the layover long but company good, no heavy laptop schlepping and all the luggage arrived with us. We even got to the hotel about 20 earlier than my expected midnight arrival. A good sign!

This pic was taken from SeaTac - a distinctly Washington view of Horizon Air's WSU jet departing behind the UW Husky version.

Packing it In

It looks pretty neat and tidy right now but it all needs to fit into that one duffel bag on my right - clothes, sleeping bag, pad, lotions, gels, tarp - and stay under that 50lb weight limit! Those Ziplock bags have been a ride-packing staple long before the TSA required them. Pack 1 with each day's ride gear makes early morning sleeping bag dressing a snap! As a bonus, you have a safe, isolated place for the hazardous waste they'll become after a long, sweaty day of riding.

Tomorrow's goal - zip the bag shut!

Testing 1-2-3

New college graduate, my son Kyle, arrived home Friday in preparation for his first ride camp crew experience.


***This is mobile blog test***