While I generally hate all things associated with orientations (think name games, ice breakers and awkward silences, I have to say that the Bike & Build orientation has so far been enjoyable! Yes, there have been the standard orientation activities, but everyone here is just so seemingly cool, fun, down to earth crew with us this summer. It is really refreshing to do something with a group of people who are all as passionate and dedicated to a cause as much as you are. I am so looking forward to getting to know everyone better!
So when I packed for Bike & Build I filled an 18 gallon container with my sleeping bag, thermarest, clothes and bike gear for the summer. After day one, I weeded out most of the unnecessary items, and now, all of my clothes (including bike clothes!) fit in 2, two gallon zip lock bags. This is a big feat for me...I am sure I will be sending some more home, get ready mom and dad!
Today (Saturday - I am updating a bit delayed because of computer access), we had our shake down ride. It was too funny, for all you NA people out there we rode through East Providence, into Rumford and then Rehobeth. It was beautiful but it absolutely POURED which made for a tough first go at it! I am proud to report that I indeed had the first fall of the trip (surprised anyone?) but it was quite minor and two others soon followed (unrelated to my fall...haha). Rather get the falls out of the way sooner rather than later right? :)
One of the guys on our trip, (very) unfortunately, had his bike stolen while riding the Grey Hound from Kentucky to Providence. It was fully boxed, down below and someone just snagged it along one of the stops. Everyone has been trying their best to contact Bike & Build alumni to see if anyone has a bike for him to use for the summer. It is so terrible! I just hope he finds one in time...The kicker? The maximum amount you can claim from Grey Hound is $250 and the value of the bike is about 5 times that! It is so so lame. He is handling it well and I am sure we will all be able to figure something out so that he is able to start riding with us day 1!
We have some pretty interesting people with us on our route which is cool...a bee keeper, an international champion jump roper, the former bassist for Passion Pit (cool!)We ahave already met some really cool people too... The hosts we have in Providence have been absolutely amazing. They have thrown us a BBQ and have made us breakfast a few times! They are seemingly just as excited about our trip as we are! (Well...maybe...)
Mara, a girl on my trip (her name is Bree) went to high school with Abby on the crew team at Conn - Small world! Also there are two g-free girls along on the ride and they were excited to find out that I knew all about celiacs!
Adam - I met a lady in East Providence (she was at the host cook out) and she is the owner of the honey shop on Block Island that you love so much! Too funny! She was so excited that I knew about it and I told her how much you love it (I hope its the same honey?) Haha...
AHh! My computer is timing out in 8 minutes! Sorry for the modge-podge of a post...I will try and write more interesting things soon! I am going to try and update as much as possible, though it will be difficult because we are not garaunteed internet access all the time!
Much love!
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I am so excited for you and no, I am not surprised you took the first fall. If you can fall off your chair at the dinner table, it is understandable that you can fall off your bike when your shoes are locked in, right?
ReplyDeleteMy heart is with you, every pedal of the way and I love you dearly. Mom
Erica fell off the booth at dinner in St.Thomas too!
ReplyDeleteRica, I miss you so much already. I cant wait till you pedal your little legs out to SF (nevermind, they will be massive by the time you get here).
Keep up the great work girlie!!!