After what seems like months of preparation, Lori, Jeanine and I are headed out tomorrow morning for Portland. We’ll have check in, a ride to make sure our bikes are working after the flight, and then a meeting and dinner with the riders who we’ll be spending the next 30 days with! This final week has been filled with excitement. Last Saturday, I rode the Climb to Kaiser, coming in at 10 hours and 15 minutes, nearly 45 minutes better than my last attempt…in my mind…of course…I felt like that was good training (from which I recovered all week!). Sunday, we had a CARB fest barbeque with our great cycling friends. In theory, I should have tried to gain a little weight since I’ll be running in a deficit for 30 days, yet somehow, that didn’t happen (maybe because I can gain weight in theory better than gaining on the scale – but that’s another story).
Work wrapped up on Thursday and it felt different than getting ready for other vacations. I think because I’m going to be gone so long, I got a little choked up saying goodbye to my co-workers and promised to come back refreshed!
My efforts in packing this week were lame at best. We have a 40 pound limit and I struggled to stay under that. My first attempt was 45 pounds and after that, I ignored the pile on my floor for a few days. Today I came in at 37 pounds – I think I’m good! Jeanine and I packed our bikes this morning and pray that they don’t get roughed up by the airlines. I spent an impromptu afternoon at the movies (The Proposal – hilarious!) with my good friend Bill and am feeling relaxed and ready to go.
Tonight as I get ready to leave, I was reminded again of how important it is to live each day to the fullest with no regrets. I’ve known too many wonderful people lately who have been ill with cancer, faced tragedy in their family or passed away – often much too early. I have a wonderful chance to ride across the United States of America - and I thank God that I have been given this once in a lifetime opportunity!
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