Day 1

*so you know...these entries are abridged and/or expanded from my journal entries each night* and *i'll post photos some day* :)


we got to the set-off point this morning and i htink both of our (meaning liz and i) stomachs were flip-flopping a little. there was a little ceremony thing with a big $350,000 check and a few words from an ALAW rep and then we were off. we followed BR alumni out of seattle. even they had trouble with the directions and a few people put in some "bonus" miles. as if 77 weren't enough! eventually we got out of seattle and mountains popped up in front of us--apparently the ENORMOUS hills we'd already done were our warm-up. but on the bright side--the climbing wasn't steep and i was able to spin and enjoy myself. the cascades were beautiful and i really enjoyed the scenery. (despite the semis flying by me--we rode 20+ miles on i-90!)

all in all a great first day. i can tell i'm on my way to having a jolly 52-member adopted family.