Today was the big day. The day we set out from Stinson Beach, California to embark on our 3,800 cycling trip to Virginia Beach, Virginia.
We began the day with a wonderful send off ceremony with support from all over the Bay Area. We were joined by numerous scouts, Troop 12's talented Drum and Bugle Corps, and even a photographer from Boys Life Magizine. After numerous pictures, the national anthem, and a ceremonious dipping of the tires in the Pacific Ocean, we set off on our first day's ride.
We began the day with a wonderful send off ceremony with support from all over the Bay Area. We were joined by numerous scouts, Troop 12's talented Drum and Bugle Corps, and even a photographer from Boys Life Magizine. After numerous pictures, the national anthem, and a ceremonious dipping of the tires in the Pacific Ocean, we set off on our first day's ride.
BACK tires in the Pacific.
Robert Atkinson, "Wild Bill" Kurz, and Jerry Gerard
Alicia Prevost and Candace Everts
Immediately upon departure from Stinson Beach we were faced with a long and treacherous hill. To make matters worse, my shifter cable broke less than a mile into the ride, preventing me from changing gears. Luckily, my teammates Michael Combs and Mr. Kurz helped me manually shift into a decent hill-climbing gear, and stayed with me as I slowly spun my way up the hill.
Despite the mechanical issues, we were blessed with beautiful weather and breathtaking views. I also got very lucky in that there was a bike shop about 12 miles into our route who replaced my cable and allowed me to go on.
Despite the mechanical issues, we were blessed with beautiful weather and breathtaking views. I also got very lucky in that there was a bike shop about 12 miles into our route who replaced my cable and allowed me to go on.
Climbing out of Stinson Beach
Fixing my shifter cable at Mikes Bikes in Sausilito just a few miles into the ride
We then climbed up to the Golden Gate Bridge where we fought through the Saturday bike traffic. Upon entering the city we made a stop at Mexican restaurant, then continued down to the coast and followed it to Burlingame. We then desended to the bay and followed a waterside bike path to Foster City, passing a huge group of windsurfers on the way.
Our first nights lodging in Foster City
All in all it was a great 52 miles. I can't wait to see what the rest of the country has to offer.