Well, it's Sunday and I'm ready to go. I decided not to ride today, since I'd just finished doing my laundry and cleaned my bike after yesterday's wet and windy ride. I returned my rental car and had a panic attack when I realized that I am now "car-less" for the next 6 weeks. Being the ultimate control freak- this is a real test for me. I am now officially subject to how far I can ride a bicycle or beg a ride from someone else- that's a place I haven't been since I was in the 11th grade. Didn't like it then and don't like it now.
Spent some time rooting around Astoria and took a few pics of the town and some scenes of the Columbia River. The river is really busy and from what I've read, a real handful to navigate- the tides and currents make it challenging.
Tomorrow the ride begins and it's none too soon for me. The ride is about 70 miles, back to St. Helens, OR. There are a few minor climbs, I guess, but a lot of really flat roads and the weather is supposed to be nearly perfect(partly cloudy, 50-72 degrees). Hope we all make it out of town without getting tangled up. I'm sure everyone will be wound pretty tight. I plan to take 'er slow and easy, but you know how plans go. I'm guessing that we actually start riding by about 7:30AM which should get us there by 1:30PM or so?? Then the real routine begins. I hope to get into a rhythm in terms of unpacking, doing the wash, posting, eating, packing, sleeping, riding... and so on. Thank the little baby Jesus I have no room mate to deal with. I'd be planning a murder by Wednesday- this much I know for sure.
We have our orientation in an hour or so. Gonna learn the official handshake and other IMPORTANT things. We'll also cover tomorrow's route, so it will pay to be there and LEARN.
