Today, I Ride

There are many reasons I'm out there today. I ride for some who have lost the battle, like Hunter, and for those still fighting it, like my teammate Jen's daughter, Erin. I also ride for those who aren't affected, but may be someday. And finally, I ride for those that we've lost to other causes, such as my grandpa. I love you all and will think of you each 100 miles. Thanks for your support.
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Inspiration Dinner...the start

This is the place mat for our dinner. As we entered, we walked through rows of people cheering for us. It was so surprising and overwhelming. Can't even begin to explain it. This is truly awesome.
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The Team!!!!

This is everyone from the OSWIM team (Oregon, Southwest Washington, Idaho, Montana) before we head out for a morning 20mile ride. There was one climb 10 miles into the ride and well, let's just say I got my first taste of how difficult it can be to breathe at this altitude. Upside is that the other side of that climb held a lovely downhill ride for us. Yay for speed!
I have slept and feel so much better today. Kinda hungry, but we are waiting for food now, so that will be short lived.
More to come.
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Antonio & I have been reunited!

I don't know if it's because I have had any sleep or what, but I feel like I am being picked on already! We got checked in and had about 10min to get changed for a ride and meet down in the lobby. I survived that step. Yay! Then we walk over to get our bikes, slap on our pedals and head out for a short ride just to make sure that everything was working. Within 1/4mi, I dropped my chain. Wait, scratch that, I should say, I dropped my freshly lubed chain! Others from the group asked if I needed help getting it back on and I said I was fine. However, it had dropped to the inside and lubed up as it was, didn't want to cooperate. I had grease all over my hands, I was tired, and I could no longer see anyone from my team. I got the chain on, wiped my hands on my shorts and continued on with my blackened hands. I wasn't sure where my team went, but just rode around shifting and noticing there was still an issue with my front chainring, so I circled around to the Team In Training maintenance stop. A small derailleur adjustment and I was on my way. It felt good to do the short ride. Gave me a very short lived adrenaline rush.
I have now washed my hands, changed, eaten, and am about to finally go to sleep. We've an 8am ride and I want my rest. This no sleep thing is for the young ones.

Long first day. Tomorrow will be great - I just know it!

Goodnight.

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The Lake...we see it!

So, there it is. The clouds are deceiving, coming from Portland, it's super warm. Riding day conditions: 73 and sunny.

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We've arrived!

So, we had a bit of a delay getting out of Portland, but we've now landed in brown warmth and are on the charter to Tahoe...
I am sooooo tired!!!!

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Neck gets tattooed for the weekend!

Neck sponsored by Frank Maynard, McKensie's coach from Excel NW!
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