Well, this morning it finally happened: the ride that I have been training for and anticipating began. The entire group rode the 2.5 miles to the Manhattan Beach Pier together where we carried our bikes across the sand and into the surf. Excitement was running high. It was running even higher when a short time later we actually started pedaling east from the Pacific. The journey had finally started.
The ride to Riverside was a real insight into how far the L.A. sprawl continues. Continuous cities forever. The weather, however, did change. It was in the mid 50's on the coast while Riverside was about 90 degrees. There was one minor incident in which one of our riders took a spill about 20 miles into the ride. He resumed riding after some triage.
Forecast for the next couple of days is for hotter than normal temps in the Mojave. The CrossRoads staff has cautioned us not to push the climbing too hard tomorrow.
Hi Mike...love getting the updates...You will nail this brother...planning your adventures is what drives you and amazes us..love to cheer you and always see you succeed!!..love you big brother
ReplyDeleteMary Therese
Mike,
ReplyDeleteLove the pic of you and your bike in the Pacific, and very happy day one went well! I read the weather report and looks like the temps today are going to be 100+. Take it slow and keep hydrated! Love you.
Diana
I am so excited for you and your journey! Thank you for updating us on your ride. You are such an inspiration!!
ReplyDeleteShannon
Smiles all around for the great start. Diana's right about the forecast. Just watched the national news and wild fires are a problem.
ReplyDeleteWhen you mentioned the climbing ahead of you, I thought of REO:
Keep pushin', keep pushin', you know you have got to be so strong
Keep pushin', keep pushin', well even if you think your strength is gone Keep pushin' on
nice picture of the group on the beach as you prepared to start your journey.Loved the picture of you and your bike in the ocean,too. stay safe,hydrate and enjoy today's ride.
ReplyDeleteLove,Beth
You are one amazing guy! What else is there to say?
ReplyDeleteRide like the wind!
Hi Mike,
ReplyDeleteWe are so excited for you to take on this endeavor! You are a man of such strength and endurance: Running marathons, climbing mountains and now bicycling across this beautiful country!!
We will be praying for a great adventure, while maintaining a healthy, safe ride,
Mike, Gloria, Cliff, Chrissy, Ashley, Tom, Jenny, Trevor and Aubrey
Uncle Mike,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the awesome pictures and updates. It looks like you have a great group to travel with! Wishing you a smooth ride across the Mojave. Stay cool!
Love,
Carolyn
Hi Mike,
ReplyDeleteShowhouse today and your house could be on it!! Enjoying a leisurely breakfast and reading your blog. Weather here is perfect for biking. Sorry it is so hot where you are. Stay hydrated! Can't believe you are going 115 miles today. We know you can make it. Better you than us! Elaine, Midge, Evva, Diane, Judy, Sandy and Joyce and, oh yes, Diana.