Sunday, June 22, 2008

Seattle Experience

The last few days here in Seattle have been a wonderful prelude to the Big Ride. Mike, a 2006 Big Ride alumni and his wife Gail, opened their doors to me and a couple of other ride participants. Mike’s stories of his cross-country experience entertained us and heightened our excitement for the adventure ahead.

I’ve had a chance to explore the Seattle area by foot, bicycle, and automobile – not only are there a LOT of hills but there is not a straight street anywhere! Getting lost when you have no place to be and no time to be there has been a major form of entertainment. During these wanderings I have “discovered” unique neighborhoods, restaurants, unusual sights, and great people.

The ride begins tomorrow - I can't wait!

6 comments:

Marty Minkoff said...

Go Jim,

It was great to meet you at the orientation and on Day 1. I'm looking forward to following your blog and "re-living" the Ride vicariously.

All the best to you on a fantastic Ride!!

Take care,

Marty Minkoff, Bainbridge Island, WA
(Big Ride 2007)

Bob Williams said...

Jim, you will love your adventure.

This is Bob Williams from the Arlington Trotters. If you remember, I would come into the bike shop and talk to you about long distance riding. Well, from 1996 to 2001 I spent 2 or 3 weeks a summer riding across America by the "connect the dot" method. I rode with Cycle America, a tour company that takes people from Seattle to Boston in 9 weeks. I will be looking forward to reliving my ride through your words about your ride.

Enjoy and stop and have a piece of pie each day.

Bob Williams - Huntley, IL.

George said...

Hi, Jim,

WOW! 3300 miles in 48 days! And to think I delude myself into thinking that I'm getting good cardiovascular exercise biking 10-20 miles a couple days a week.
Your website is at the top of my bookmarks, Jim. Safe pedaling!

Enjoy,
George

Steve and Donna said...

Jim,

I hope you have as great an adventure as we had crossing Colorado in '93. Keep the rubber side down.

Steve B.

Unknown said...

Dad,

I just flew in from seeing you off on the start of your gargantuan ride. It was great meeting up with you and Mom in Seattle. I will be thinking of you every day.

Keep this blog updated so I can live this adventure along with you!

Brad

markhahn1 said...

Good luck Jim! Can't wait to hear all about it this summer!