The Journey Begins

By Mark Heggestad
(May1 blog posted a day late due to lack of internet/cell phone coverage.  Also note a picture was added to previous April 30 blog.)

The journey begins, the day is perfect.  We rode 66 miles today and it was everything and more than I anticipated.  Exhilarating, adrenaline pumping, humbling, exciting, fulfilling – these are just a few of the many emotions I felt today. 

The following are a few pictures from the very beginning of the journey.  Tradition dictates that when one bikes from coast to coast, the back bike tire is to be dunked in the Pacific and at the end of the journey we will dunk the front tire in the Atlantic.  Thus, we will have truly biked coast to coast across the U.S.

The official start at the Pacific Ocean

Our support - literally

My biggest supporter

 Scenery was beautiful.  After we biked away from the ocean, within a few miles we were riding along side the Siuslaw River.  We followed this river (and its tributaries) for about 45 miles of the 66 miles we rode today.  This was the scenery throughout that entire ride.  Not a bad view for a bike ride!

The Siuslaw River.  Typical scenery the first day of the journey.  Note the moss on the trees.

Finally, I would like to again thank all those who have sent me encouragement and well wishes.  And a special thanks to Jill, Pat, and Bruce, who were all there for the “dunking of our tires” and the beginning of our ride.  Standing in the Pacific Ocean anticipating what is about to begin was exciting to say the least, but that exhilaration is multiplied when surrounded by others who are equally excited for you.  You can see from the smiles in the pictures above we are all excited.
Day 1 finished.  Life is beautiful.

Comments

  1. UnknownMay 3, 2017 at 11:43 AM

    Loved the day 1 pics....especially seeing the start on the beach and pics with Brian and your support team.

    ReplyDelete

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