Big Ride Day 1 Seattle to Easton
June 21, 2010
Day 1: Dedicated to Tom Oviatt (asthma) & his daughter Payton, Grandma (emphysema) & Grandpa Scott (Black Lung)
Seattle, WA to Easton, WA
91.1 miles (on the cue sheet)
Excitement, anticipation and nervousness filled the air prior to the departure for our ride. Big Ride Alumni along with the new incoming American Lung Association President in the Northwest were present and giving us advices and encouragement. Talking with Big Ride Alum really helped put the nerves at ease - but just made me want to get on my bike and roll!
Group photos and a check presentation were made. Our group of 25 riders have collectively raised over $175,000 for the American Lung Association!!
Noel, a local Seattle resident and our oldest Big Rider at the age of 67 led us out of Seattle onto the Burke Gilman trail for the first 25 miles into our first check point area. The trail was smooth with gorgeous scenic views. It wasn't long until Izzy, the youngest rider - 17, had a his second flat tire, yes, I said second. The day before a group of us went to the Space Needle - where Izzy received his first flat tire. Tim and I held back to help out. I took the pictures, Tim helped change the tire and we all joked the second flat.
Rolling out of the first check point was kind of funny. The first 25 miles were easy - we were on one trails and following a local - no way we could get lost. After the check point, it was open road. We all had our cue sheets, we knew the roads weren't marked, and none of us seemed to really want to become the navigator. lol. Once we got going all was well. Mike helped navigate us. With my adrenaline pumping I moved to the front of a pack of riders to do the pulling while Mike did the navigating. I'm not sure how long I pulled - but am pretty sure it was at least for over half of the ride. I had the legs and certainly had the heart in it.
A lot of our trip was on I-90 - which was a little nerve wracking to say the least. Heavy FAST traffic, riding on the shoulder of the interstate...I just kept my focus ahead, legs churning, and thinking how blessed I am to be able to be doing such and amazing ride! At mile 75 we did get off of I-90 and had to be shuttle by cars 8 miles around construction where cyclists were not allowed to ride.
Being the first riders into camp, we had to help unload the gear truck with everyone's luggage...now I know why they said pack light
Although I can't say much as my tent and fuel are heavy making my bag heavy. We set up our tents, got showers, and fed fajitas from Big Ride Alumni! We were reminded we would not eat this well for the rest of the trip.
Body aching and tired from the days ride and lack of sleep the priors day - it was time to go to bed. My first night in the tent..
Click here for First day pictures
Click here for video from check presentation and interesting facts.
-Kristin
Day 1: Dedicated to Tom Oviatt (asthma) & his daughter Payton, Grandma (emphysema) & Grandpa Scott (Black Lung)
Seattle, WA to Easton, WA
91.1 miles (on the cue sheet)
Excitement, anticipation and nervousness filled the air prior to the departure for our ride. Big Ride Alumni along with the new incoming American Lung Association President in the Northwest were present and giving us advices and encouragement. Talking with Big Ride Alum really helped put the nerves at ease - but just made me want to get on my bike and roll! Group photos and a check presentation were made. Our group of 25 riders have collectively raised over $175,000 for the American Lung Association!!
Noel, a local Seattle resident and our oldest Big Rider at the age of 67 led us out of Seattle onto the Burke Gilman trail for the first 25 miles into our first check point area. The trail was smooth with gorgeous scenic views. It wasn't long until Izzy, the youngest rider - 17, had a his second flat tire, yes, I said second. The day before a group of us went to the Space Needle - where Izzy received his first flat tire. Tim and I held back to help out. I took the pictures, Tim helped change the tire and we all joked the second flat.
Rolling out of the first check point was kind of funny. The first 25 miles were easy - we were on one trails and following a local - no way we could get lost. After the check point, it was open road. We all had our cue sheets, we knew the roads weren't marked, and none of us seemed to really want to become the navigator. lol. Once we got going all was well. Mike helped navigate us. With my adrenaline pumping I moved to the front of a pack of riders to do the pulling while Mike did the navigating. I'm not sure how long I pulled - but am pretty sure it was at least for over half of the ride. I had the legs and certainly had the heart in it.
A lot of our trip was on I-90 - which was a little nerve wracking to say the least. Heavy FAST traffic, riding on the shoulder of the interstate...I just kept my focus ahead, legs churning, and thinking how blessed I am to be able to be doing such and amazing ride! At mile 75 we did get off of I-90 and had to be shuttle by cars 8 miles around construction where cyclists were not allowed to ride.
Being the first riders into camp, we had to help unload the gear truck with everyone's luggage...now I know why they said pack light
Although I can't say much as my tent and fuel are heavy making my bag heavy. We set up our tents, got showers, and fed fajitas from Big Ride Alumni! We were reminded we would not eat this well for the rest of the trip.Body aching and tired from the days ride and lack of sleep the priors day - it was time to go to bed. My first night in the tent..
Click here for First day pictures
Click here for video from check presentation and interesting facts.
-Kristin
Posted by Kristin Snyder's Fight 4 Air at 6/29/2010 2:25 PM 
Categories: Big Ride Across America, American Lung Association
Categories: Big Ride Across America, American Lung Association
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