Day 1 ride profile...

Here's yesterday's ride profile so you get a sense of how much climbing we did.

dd

...more Day 1 pics

Day 1 Newport Beach to Thousand Palms 121.6 miles

Today was truly epic! We started with breakfast at Denny’s (see pic of Iain with Grand Slam #1)…then gathered in the parking lot to ride to the beach as a group. It was about
48, so I had most of my winter wear on…being the only one here from Fla. The ceremonial “wheel dip” was actually pretty fun. Everyone was excited to finally get started. The first 30 miles were along the Santa Ana River trail that got us a few miles east of Anaheim, with zero intersections to navigate. Next came a climb up Cajalco Rd. About ½ mile up a Bread Truck came by and opened the door. The driver said, “you’re crazy”….”you going all the way to the top?”. I replied, “not just to the top…to Boston”.
The look on his face was priceless! We stopped for lunch at miles 60. It’s really amazing how well AbB handles the logistics, especially when you realize we have people scattered over 30+ miles. Next up was a 10 mile climb up Route 79…that would ultimately lead us to a screaming downhill section into Palm Springs. With a 30 mph tailwind it was easy to do 35+ without even peddling. The lead group ended up being about 12-15 guys…pretty well matched. Some of the roads were a little dodgy and everyone was on high alert for cracks, potholes, seams and debris (it makes me crazy how much crap people throw out of their cars!). Iain is from Boston and , because of the weather, did most of his training indoor…actually, in his basement on a trainer. His coach had him doing 4 & 5 hour workouts! Now, for those of you no-cyclists…a trainer is a resistance machine that attaches to your rear wheel. The idea is to simulate the feeling of riding on the road. I have a trainer…and I HATE trainer workouts with a passion. Doing a 4 or 5 hour session would be like torture. I figure any guy who can endure that can do this ride! We rolled into Thousand Palms and were the first group into the hotel. Average speed today was 17.4 mph. The bad thing is we beat the support truck…with our luggage. Took a quick dip in the pool and then back to the room for a shower….only I had no clothes to change into. When the truck did arrive I had to retrieve my bag dressed in a towel…nice! Dinner at Casa de Pasta and a quick photo op with the local cacti! Tomorrow it’s on to Blythe 118 miles to our east. Hoping these tailwinds stay around. dd

Off we go!

Busy day yesterday...airport at 4A asleep at 9P. Had a huge dinner at Outback last night and then the first of what will likely be many trips to Denny's for breakfast!Bike arrived in good shape thanks to the "aircaddy" box. Scored a great roommate...Iaian, who is doing this ride in memory of his daughter who died late last year from a degenerative nerve disease. The weather is cool and cloudy as we get ready to head to the beach to "dip" our tires in the Pacific. We end up in the desert, so I've been stressing over the "freeze now or sweat to death later". It's hard to believe it's finally here...but off we go! Hopefully start adding in some photos after today! dd

toothpaste, shampoo...Clif Shots?

So much for making the 35 pound weight limit on my bag! About 10 pounds of it is Clif bars and now, thanks to our local Clif rep, Rocco Monoco, there'll be another 3 pounds in Clif Shot gel packs! Figuring the Clif Shots may cause a problem at the TSA screening in the morning...I'll have to find room them in my checked bag. May have to toss out some clothing...in favor of having handy nutrition on the bike. Thanks to Rocco and the folks at Clif for keeping me well fueled out there on the road!

25 Years...

Today was my 25th anniversary at Disney...(yep, one week after my 25th wedding anniversary).
My fabulous crew arranged a luncheon, complete with a most spectacular cake! Then, this huge
bunch of flowers were delivered courtesy of my Leadership Team. Thank you all!!!

this just in from the "Ride Leader"...

Hello Fast America Riders

It's about time to get started. You are probably chomping at the bit to get on the road...so are we. I just wanted to send you an email to welcome you to the ride and to remind you of a couple things that are important in our operation before you arrive. First, you should have tons of miles in those legs by now...I know you folks from the frozen tundra of the northern states probably had a tough time getting saddle time, but if you did, you'll be right at home as the weather this year seems to be more fickle than usual. Be prepared for the extremes. We'll ride in the desert and we'll ride in the lingering winter of the northern states. Not to mention, we usually have snow somewhere around Flagstaff. You'll probably find any purchases you did procuring Goretex was well worth the money. Aside from that, where ever we ride, it will be long days everyday so your preparation will be put to the test...welcome the challenge!

One other thing, don't forget the 35 pound baggage limit. If you must bring more weight than that (and for the life of me, I can't imagine why), please bring a smaller second bag for the excess. We are limited on the weight we can carry with this large a group. We have a trailer for luggage but if everyone brings 60 pounds of "stuff," we'll have to leave something in California.

We will have bike assembly, safety checks, registration, and orientation on Sunday. Please arrive as soon as you can on Sunday so we can get everyone processed and the assembly done before early afternoon. We'll start our orientation session around 3:30. We want to have everything done before we start orientation. In orientation, we'll cover how we do business on the road, how our support works, what we expect from our riders, some important info that will keep you out of trouble during the trip, and answer any questions you may have about the ride. The front desk will have info on where we'll be meeting and when.

My crew will be on the road Monday, 16 April, morning and will arrive sometime on Friday. We have lots to do to prepare for your arrival and will be pretty busy all day Friday and Saturday. We are anxious to meet you all and get started. We're looking forward to a great ride across the US...when you get through, you will be in the best shape of your life. Spend the next few days resting more than you are riding. You will be glad you did. The first week is the toughest on paper. Until we get to Tucumcari on day 9, you'll have several days above 125 and none under 115...oh, forgot Cottonwood...it's only 100...but the 11,000 feet of climbing will make up for it. :-)

Until we meet on Sunday, be safe and take care. See you soon. Mike Munk, ABB Ride Leader