In 4 the long haul - x-country biking adventure: Day 2

Second day of orientation - wahoo! The day was pretty relaxed, we learned how to deal with some bike issues (i.e. change a flat tire, proper bike maintenance etc...). My friend Sam let me change his tire for him (which was very nice, I thought, considering my (total lack of) experience - although he did walk me through the process) since my tires are tubeless, so I can't change them (they have this foam stuff that supposedly seals itself if the tire goes flat, which they aren't supposed to do. Who knows?!)

Everyone also went on a 'shakedown' ride around town -i.e. a 10 mile practice ride to get the hang of biking. I, however, did not go. I forgot to get my med forms signed by my physician, so I wasn't allowed to go. Yep, typical me - a little too last minute : ). But, it didn't really matter b/c my father and his friend took me riding the day before I left for the trip anyway (which, by the way, was a very good thing b/c before that ride I was not able to stop - a skill I have learned is most crucial...)

Below are pictures of our van / trailer. One (of our four) leaders drives the van each day and s/he provides all necessary support (i.e. lunch stop @ the halfway mark (PB and J - slash, I like open-faced PB w/ a little bit of honey and cereal (any kind) on top) - transports our gear, etc...). We all painted it together - well, considering my artistic expertise I left most of the work for the studio art majors, but I was a dedicated 'watcher'. Check out the group Canadian pride - and, that had nothing to do with me, no joke.

Side of trailer. Outlined in white is our route across the northern US. I didn't realize quite how long / large our route really was until I looked at wall map of the US - slightly overwhelming to say the least (especially considering the most I have ever biked before this trip was 12 miles, and that was only the day before I left on the plane to come here). The man at the bike shop who sold me my gear told me that biking 4000 miles, with my experience, was 'agressive'. I figured that sounded just about right...hmmmmm : ).