And We're Off

Sunday, May 10th, Pacific Ocean to Riverside CA.  78 miles.

He who deliberates fully before taking a step will spend his entire life on one leg- Chinese proverb

After what has seemed like an eternity of  training, preparing, and worrying the journey finally begins.  This morning we left the hotel in Parade fashion and cycled approximately 5 miles down to Manhattan Beach where we ceremoniously dipped our rear tires into the Ocean and started heading eastward.

As expected the ride was primarily urban sprawl.  Lots of intersections and traffic lights. Traffic was light by normal standards- Sunday morning (Mother's Day).   For much of the ride there were modest bike lanes on the road- in this regard California is way ahead of Maryland.  A couple of random impressions: seeing large concrete aqueducts is something you don't see often in Eastern cities,  Metro LA has a lot of McDonald's.  The last few miles into Riverside were the prettiest part of the ride.  Victoria Ave. has orange groves/trees.  Residences have trees with oranges laying on the ground much like apples trees.

All in all, glad to have the first day behind me- as much a mental challenge today as  physical.  Hoping to perfect my pre-ride and post-ride routines in the next few days which will be very helpful in having more time to relax.

Carrying my bike down to the ocean for "rear wheel dipping"

At Manhattan Beach

 Orange trees near Riverside CA