Tomorrow our adventure begins. The day starts at 5:30am, and after suiting up in our Bike and Build jerseys, bike shorts and helmets we will set out for the Atlantic Sea (just three miles in the wrong direction). We dip our wheels into the ocean and then off we go! 75 miles for the first day, and we sleep in Concord, NH. Everyone is anxious to get going. After three days in one spot, only a little riding and plenty of talking, it's time to start biking.
Today we spent the day building at a Habitat for Humanity site with three newly built homes in Farmington, NH. We spread loam for a lawn and started a shed. I worked on the lawn, and I got to meet the home's owners; they have two sets of twins under three (the older set turns three in August) and they will soon get a dog. Although they moved in just two weeks ago, the home looks lovely and there are no boxes to be seen. Much better than my family does when we move!
The three houses sit at the end of a quiet street where big, leafy trees provide shade, and there's space for kids to play. When the three families have all moved in, there will be 14 kids! One of the finished houses has cheerful flower boxes and hanging baskets that brighten the front porch. It's a beautiful spot and the Habitat group has done a lovely job.
After finishing up in the afternoon, we picked up a last few bike parts and painted the van that will carry all of our gear, belongings and one trip leader.
Yesterday, we had our first group ride- an easy ten miles on flat ground. No casualties, and we all made it back in high spirits. I did notice though that my cycling computer isn't working, my front derailer does not shift the gears, and my seat is adjusted incorrectly. I still havn't had the chance to fix those, so plenty to do before tomorrow morning!
My emotions are mixed as I get ready for a good night's sleep after bike work and packing- excitement about the start of the ride, nervousness about the physical challenge and curiosity about what the next few weeks will bring. Onwards!
Photos: Getting the bikes ready for the first day. Safety is Sexy! We had a talk on bike safety from a great guy called Mike.
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