Day 0, June 14, 2015:  We officially began today, though not in a big way.  After breakfast we took a 38 mile round trip ride out to a State Park for the ceremonial dipping of the bike wheel in the Pacific.  There was no set schedule and we were free to go when we wanted.  I rode with Richard who lives in San Francisco, but grew up in E. Lansing and still has a summer home at Port Sanilac.  It is a small world.  The beach we went to was very nice.  Of course I don’t think I have ever seen a beach that I did not like.  I declined the opportunity to dip my wheel in the ocean.  Four years ago when I did the ride across America I dipped my wheel and the ocean salt water corroded my spoke nipples and they all started breaking within a year.  Nothing like corroded nipples to ruin a good ride!

 

 

I dipped my toes in the Pacific and it was frigid!!  Hope they don't get corroded.

 

Fellow bikers gathering at the beach.  What a gorgeous day!

 

 

After returning from the ride we had a two hour orientation session and the opportunity to meet all of the people on the ride.  It is a very diverse group.  We have seasoned riders and rookies, a fair amount of retirees, 4 people from the Netherlands, 1 from Germany,  a whole bunch of bald guys and 5 women (none of whom are bald).  Average age is probably 60’ish. There are 4 husband/wife teams.  One very lucky guy is doing it with his 22 year old daughter.  It is going to be a fun group.  I also changed rooms and started rooming with my roommate Bob.  Like me he has done a cross country ride and has ridden several times with America By Bicycle.  We seem to have lots in common.  I think he will be easy to room with and I am certain that he will conclude the same about me!  Tomorrow we leave Astoria and go on down the road to St. Helens, Oregon.