Week 1 Update

Day 1: 12/2
55 miles from Occidental College- Huntington beach pier. It was exhilarating riding off from Oxy in a pack of riders. My comrade Tope rode with for day 1 and 2 showing some serious strength after not training before taking on the 150 mile ride.

Day 2: 12/3
95 miles from HB-Marine Core Air Station Miramar (northeast of San Diego)
Stayed with Sgt Luke Torwal, my high school friend and teammate, who just returned from Iraq one month ago. Talking to other marines on the base about politics was interesting, as many didn’t know what was going on in the world.

Day 3: 12/4
From Miramar to ocean beaches it was only supposed to be 25 miles, but I got lost coming into the city and rode 3 hours in a circle before turning to the nearest T-mobile and upgrading to a Blackberry with GPS.
That night I watched the sunset with some self proclaimed hobo’s who had a lot to teach me about traveling and the environment. (Did anyone else know about the island of trash the size of Texas in between Hawaii and the San Diego?!)
Later that evening I stayed with a helicopter mechanic named David. He treated me real well, feeding me fresh fish he had speared the day before and we had a lively discussion with his girlfriend about christianity and sexuality and the recent california amendment 8 decision. 

Day 4: 12/5
Leaving Ocean Beaches off the pier was beautiful. Riding 50 miles uphill through the coastal range was tough.

I was helped halfway up in Lakeside by a local Submarina owner named Josh.  He sent me on my way with a delicious sub sandwich, and also spoke to me about the difficulties he and other small businesses faced in this current economy.  After our encounter i pushed further up through the hills, but obviously wasnt shifting properly as my chain busted mid way.  Walking into a local bar for some help proved to be the most uncomfortable interaction of the first week.  I’d rather not jump to conclusions about the race-issue.. and i’m sure they dont see too many folks strolling through in spandex pants, so i’ll give the folks up there the benefit of the doubt.  After finding no help there I rolled downhill and was taught how my 28-tools-in-one-tool works by a couple of mountain bikers in a Hummer from San Diego.

 That night we pitched a tent on the reservation in Alpine, CA then headed over to the Casino for the buffet.  The sunset and sunrise from 3500 feet up was beautiful.

Day 5: 12/6
Alpine/Pine Valley to El Centro
As difficult as the climb uphill was, I was expecting a great descent.  However, waiting until dusk to descend into the gorge and riding a 6% downgrade wasnt as fun as it could have been.  I was actually the most fearful the whole ride down, as I wasnt used to riding the interstate.  That night we camped out in El Centro, which looked like a ghost town when we pulled out in the morning. 

Day 6: 12/7

El Centro- Litchfield Park, Arizona
Stayed with Juana and John Mcdonald. A very nice couple with a beautiful home in the suburbs west of Phoenix.  That evening I met a fellow cyclist named Matt who gave me pannier bags and a handlebar bag as well.  Much thanks to the folks at bikeforums.net who put us in contact with my needs. 

Before saying farewell to my support vehicle and traveling companions Jasmine and Albert, I unpacked everything i thought i didnt need including the computer, my ipod and a whole lot of other odd things that had ended up in my bag.  The bike still weighs over 60 lbs, which is not looking like its gonna be the same ride.

Day 7: 12/8
Litchfield Park-Peoria (North Phoenix)

After meeting with my massage therapist friend Wendy and going to Sports Chalet for cold weather gear, a solo tent and a 20 degree mummy bag.  Parting ways with Wendy, I soaked in the brilliant Phoenix desert sunset.  The sky was even better naturally without all the LA smog I’m used to adding to the colors.

My next stop took me to the house of Alan Havir, a bike coach and great cook amongst his many other talents.  I couldnt possibly express how great their family treated with me, as I was encouraged and reenergized to take on this task.  Many thanks to the Havirs for their consistent inspiration.

…

Reflecting on Week 1 seems like a blur.  I must also mention the chance interactions I’ve had that given me the inspiration to know i’m on the right path.  One instance was bumping into my high school friend Nina at the transit station in San Diego.  I was on my way to Ocean Beach, she was heading to the Chargers game.  I remember that one of the first insights in the Celestine Prophecy was that there are no coincidences.  Everything happens for a reason.  I cant wait to see who else I’ll meet on this journey…