Day 0 - 31 May 2014 Arrival in San Francisco

Day 0 – What a start to an adventure! (My work computer does not allow me to compose blogs or add pictures. It does allow me to add plain html, witch allows me to add this unformatted text. It is awesome that the GTI app allows me to send pictures right to the map without going through this. HTML compresses all spaces and returns into a single space too.) .............................................I wish you all could be with me! The Bay Area is so picturesque! Not only is it cool, it is cold too! The high temperature today was in the 60’s. It will be wonderful riding weather tomorrow. Check in was smooth, and the mechanic is ‘top drawer’. While assembling the bike he mentioned that my bike shop (Madison Cycles) obviously knew what they were doing too. FedEx delivered the bike on time and uninjured, but it box it came in sure did look like it went through a war zone. I was worried at first when I carried the shipping crate up to the reassembly room. ......................................A good third of the people on the ride are from outside the USA, with five from the Netherlands. Most are men, as promised, but most are in their late sixty’s (but look like late 40’s). I couldn’t believe what a small world this is! My roommate and I have several common acquaintances from when we both worked in the DC area! What made my day was unpacking tonight – I found a note of encouragement from my dear wife. ................................... I have yet to start a trip without forgetting something, and this time it was something important! Everything had been transferred in my packing last night to my ‘riding wallet’… except my credit cards. Well – thanks to my daughter’s driving they made it home and back to the airport before they shut the door on the plane! I need to mention that the TSA agents were very helpful. They deserve kudo’s for their helpfulness. ......................................Today I had a lot of extra time to reflect on my upcoming adventure thanks to American Airlines. The delays in flights and late luggage delivery got me to the hotel a half hour past check in instead of two hours early. I was the last to check in. 80% of the folks came in a day early and enjoyed the Bay Area for an extra day. Bottom line: All is good and tomorrow the adventure begins!