September 12, 2010 / jslipschultz

Day 1: Santa Barbara to Santa Barbara

Morning update:

Dang that time zone thing. I was up early today and of course there’s no going back to sleep knowing today’s the start of a little journey across the United States of America. Everyone on State St. was sleeping though. Took a pic on the walk to, where else, iHOP. A few hours til I transfer over to the hotel where we will meet, have lunch, get our orientation, and go for a ride. Apparently there will be 11 (not 9) riders all the way to Taos. Two will “call it a day” (or a few weeks) there, and we’ll be down to nine.

Here’s some last thoughts on video before this madness begins (and yes, I’m stir crazy right now):

Afternoon update:

Yaaaaahoooooooo! Finally riding! We had our meet and greet, lunch in the parking lot (get used to it), and we took off. Dave and Karl were the guides today and Marquette drove the van. It was fun to be climbing again. Up a mountainside, not little Texas hills. And feathering the brakes for the descent. Lots of great views and even a goofy biker mailbox (can you tell who is ahead?). Unfortunately, one of us got a flat (way in the back of picture–no, not me, yet), but Karl, our wrench, fixed it in a few minutes–next time I’m watching closely and timing him–amazing. Included a pic of us at one of the high points–I’m next to pole and Dave is to the left of the pole. Next to him is Joseph (see the camera on his helmet–I should be sending links to his videos soon I hope). There’s video below from same spot (the long blond hair dude is Karl and Dave is the one drinking from water bottle). There’s a also a pic of the Fess Parker Doubletree we’re staying at tonight. Swanky. Best not get used to that–tomorrow is probably Holiday Inn Express!