Well, the show is finally on the road. We gathered at Holiday Inn Express just beside San Francisco Airport in mid afternoon.....windy and a cool 60 degrees. In the lobby I look around and think 'These are to be my close companions for the next 2 months as we slowly move across this country'. Glancing about I think that they are not all young flyers and that I'll fit in and hold my own. The bike and helmet are given a safety-check by Gerard, the tour mechanic and gets the A-OK. Michelle helps me through the registration process and furnishes me with further documentation.
At this stage, it was time to say goodbye to Margaret, Sinead, Barrie and our grand-daughter Saoirse....they all have been so supportive of me in the long preparation for this venture.
At the orientation session the tour staff, Andy, Michelle, Christine and Gerard cover all areas especially safety and typical daily routine before and after cycling. We all introduce ourselves, where we're from and why we undertake this challenge. There are 35 going the whole way and 19 more who will drop in and drop out for various stages. (6 stages in all). Most are American, with 2 from Netherlands, 1 from England, 1 from Wales, 2 from Germany, 2 from Australia, 1 from New Zeland, 1 from Trinidad, myself from Ireland and interestingly enough a lady from Golden. One American doing the first 2 stages is called Charles Higgins ..... haven't been chatting to him yet. So many of them have recently retired (early) and in my introduction I proudly stated how I was doing this cycle for Providence School, Shillong and that I would be going on that bit extra to Providence RI.
Familiarisation continued afterwards during dinner and I met quite a few who had been to Ireland cycling in Kerry and Conemara and who had enjoyed the scenery and the people so much.
Route Rap after dinner covered the details of tomorrows route ... one of the most demanding from a navigation aspect. Cue sheets with distances, turns, stops, etc were given to all. I have every confidence in our staff...they have years of experience behind each one of them and very concerned for the safety of all while insisting that we have an enjoyable trip.
At this stage everyone is just so keen to get on the road....it's likely that adrenaline will make sleep difficult tonight.
No pictures today......one hotel is just like the other.
20080531
20080530
2 days to go.
Have finally arrived in San Francisco and the bike also arrived safely. Temperatures not as high as they were last week. They are in the high 60's with a fresh breeze. The body-clock is gradually acclimatising and all should be fine for the 'off' on Sunday morning. Re-assembled the bike yesterday and took it for a 26 mile spin this morning just south of San Jose into the hills just to loosen out the legs. Am feeling great with an appetite now for the open road.
On Wednesday I made a presentation on the Abbey India Project and the Providence Cycle to the staff of Xilinx (the world's leading supplier of programmable logic solutions) and it was well received and appreciated.
The nerves and apprehension that I experienced over the last few weeks are all gone now and feeling more relaxed.....no muscular strains or tensions.
20080524
Saturday , May 24. Tipperary
May 24
The movement to the starting line is under way. Last evening the bike, tu
cked safely into its box, started on the first leg of the journey to San Francisco. After re-assembly it will have a relatively quiet week before the long 4000 mile haul begins. This journey will be as much a challenge for the bike as it will be for me. But, I think we can do it together.
Got a few greeting cards today and the messages were encouraging. ‘Wishing you good luck. You can do it!’ and ‘When the hills and heat get tricky, just think of all the children’s’ lives you are changing.’ ' Dig deep... No pressure; pressure is only for tyres. We are all proud of you' These messages of goodwill from people I am very proud of, do make a great difference and the cumulative effect is one of mighty encouragement . I'll bring copies of those messages with me and look to them for that extra bit of energy during the dog days.
I paid my final visit to the physio yesterday and received a clean bill of health. ‘You’re in excellent shape and the muscles are all ready for the journey’
Got an encouraging send-off by the Abbey students and staff at the end of the annual Abbey Sports Day, a unique day in our school. All the staff have been very supportive (to me and to Providence) during the long preparation.
The movement to the starting line is under way. Last evening the bike, tu
cked safely into its box, started on the first leg of the journey to San Francisco. After re-assembly it will have a relatively quiet week before the long 4000 mile haul begins. This journey will be as much a challenge for the bike as it will be for me. But, I think we can do it together.Got a few greeting cards today and the messages were encouraging. ‘Wishing you good luck. You can do it!’ and ‘When the hills and heat get tricky, just think of all the children’s’ lives you are changing.’ ' Dig deep... No pressure; pressure is only for tyres. We are all proud of you' These messages of goodwill from people I am very proud of, do make a great difference and the cumulative effect is one of mighty encouragement . I'll bring copies of those messages with me and look to them for that extra bit of energy during the dog days.
I paid my final visit to the physio yesterday and received a clean bill of health. ‘You’re in excellent shape and the muscles are all ready for the journey’
Got an encouraging send-off by the Abbey students and staff at the end of the annual Abbey Sports Day, a unique day in our school. All the staff have been very supportive (to me and to Providence) during the long preparation.
20080507
May 4
May Bank Holiday weekend was a great opportunity to string a few long cycles together. Saturday it was off to Cork (120km) for the Munster v Ulster Junior Interprovincial in Ballincollig. Facing into the wind all the way down….as good as an extra 30km.
Sunday and it was off on a 120km circuit through the south of the county. Lovely warm weather; the first day of summer cycling. I sense that the second swallow has arrived. (Maybe, I shouldn't have said that.)
Monday and it was over the hills through Hollyford to visit friends in Dolla and continue around the Silvermines Mountains; another 125km. Returned home, mowed the lawn and still felt
fine and free of stiffness.
And the three days yielded an aggregate ascent of 8000 feet.
The cycling tops arrived in the post and I must say that I am very pleased with the colours and the clear message. I got to wear these with pride and passion.
May Bank Holiday weekend was a great opportunity to string a few long cycles together. Saturday it was off to Cork (120km) for the Munster v Ulster Junior Interprovincial in Ballincollig. Facing into the wind all the way down….as good as an extra 30km.
Sunday and it was off on a 120km circuit through the south of the county. Lovely warm weather; the first day of summer cycling. I sense that the second swallow has arrived. (Maybe, I shouldn't have said that.)
Monday and it was over the hills through Hollyford to visit friends in Dolla and continue around the Silvermines Mountains; another 125km. Returned home, mowed the lawn and still felt
fine and free of stiffness.And the three days yielded an aggregate ascent of 8000 feet.
The cycling tops arrived in the post and I must say that I am very pleased with the colours and the clear message. I got to wear these with pride and passion.
April 28
4 weeks to go
Now getting in 3 long cycles per week and still feeling good. Left my bike into Cycleways yesterday for a good service and replacement of chain, casette and tyres. Will be ready by next Wednesday, I’m told.
Today was the first day warm enough to cycle without full leggings. I need to get a bit weather-beaten before June. Very pleasant and sunny setting out but heavy clouds moved in and got soaked over the last few kms. Didn’t mind getting wet except for the feet…they get very cold when wet. The winter isn't over yet...don't get carried away by the one swallow.
Still keeping free of injury and strains, thank God.
4 weeks to go
Now getting in 3 long cycles per week and still feeling good. Left my bike into Cycleways yesterday for a good service and replacement of chain, casette and tyres. Will be ready by next Wednesday, I’m told.
Today was the first day warm enough to cycle without full leggings. I need to get a bit weather-beaten before June. Very pleasant and sunny setting out but heavy clouds moved in and got soaked over the last few kms. Didn’t mind getting wet except for the feet…they get very cold when wet. The winter isn't over yet...don't get carried away by the one swallow.
Still keeping free of injury and strains, thank God.
April 21
5 weeks to go.
I received all the final details re motels etc and it did excite, I must confess. I suppose the fact that a warm sun is shining outside even now at 7pm does help. Back in November and January it took an act of faith to believe that cycling that distance (130km) each day was possible.
Please God there will be no strains, bruises or injuries over the next few weeks.
Really looking forward to D-day but meanwhile much schoolwork and revision has to be done as the academic year reaches a climax for my students with their eyes on Junior and Leaving Certs.
5 weeks to go.
I received all the final details re motels etc and it did excite, I must confess. I suppose the fact that a warm sun is shining outside even now at 7pm does help. Back in November and January it took an act of faith to believe that cycling that distance (130km) each day was possible.
Please God there will be no strains, bruises or injuries over the next few weeks.
Really looking forward to D-day but meanwhile much schoolwork and revision has to be done as the academic year reaches a climax for my students with their eyes on Junior and Leaving Certs.
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