1st Post
HI All! Finally, I have time to post. Life is good in the Pacific Northwest. Our cousins Mike & Diana Marriott (See photo) hosted me for my first two nights and gave me unique, beautiful, and educational tour of the area. Both Mike & Diana work for Boeing. Mark was able to provide me an up close and personal tour of Boeing building 787, 777, 767, 747, and 737 aircraft in the largest building in the world (under one ceiling enough space to hold all of Disneyworld!). As soon as I walked into the factory, the smells brought back memories of my days in the 1960’s as an engineer at General Motors. Standing in the cockpit of one of the first 787s to be produced was an amazing experience. Today’s science of making a $300 million item was fascinating.
Mark followed up by taking me into the Cascades so I could preview my biking terrain for this week. The beauty of the mountains combined with perfect sunny weather for a great showing (photo). The day ended with and art show and dinner in Edmonds, a perfect day.
The weather on Saturday didn’t match the perfect weather on Friday and was more what we imagine as easterners (overcast and drizzle). Nevertheless, we toured the islands in the Sound on the way to the hotel where my bike trip More natural beauty, quaint art towns (La Conner), and Desolation Pass (photo). Thank you Mark & Diane!!!
Last night I met and had dinner with my first traveling companion, Robert, from Carmel, CA. While Robert was a joy to meet, my competitive spirit was damaged as he looks just like the slim and fit bikers that quickly pass me as I bike Chester County. When he told me that he cycled some of the Tour de France routes and bikes 25 hours every week I know who I would be drafting for the next two months. I am just hoping that the next traveling companion I meet has training wheels on his bike.
Today I unpacked and put together my bicycle. After a couple of scary moments when I could not get my rear deraillier to fit and the electronic shifters to work (both fixed thanks to the internet), I went for a ride (in the drizzle). I am ready to start for Freeport.
The rest of the riders arrive this afternoon. Tonight we meet and get oriented. Tomorrow morning we dip our front tires in the Pacific Ocean near our hotel (photo) and head out (probably in the rain for the next two days). If you enjoy in the heat on the Delaware Valley, I’ll enjoy the drizzle in the Cascades. Biker Steve
Steve Prichard's 2012 Cross Country Bike Tour 
Good luck tomorrow honey!
June 17, 2012 at 10:18 pm
It’s always a pain not getting my rear deraillier to fit! It happens to me EVERY morning, it seems. Ha ha! You look terrific. So proud and amazed with this latest challenge of yours. xo, lUcy
June 19, 2012 at 10:14 pm
America-by-bike really shone when it came to the mechanical support. They had a team of 3 mechanics working non-stop putting together everyone’s bikes. In the end I think they did this more because they didn’t think we could put our bikes together rather than it being a high class ‘service’. I think it is nice that you got to be in touch with your bike by assembling it. It will help you know it more intimately and be prepared to make adjustments and repairs if needed. Best of luck! Hoping you have the ride of your life! (Al Stiles)
June 20, 2012 at 7:35 pm