Today is the last day before we get on the road. Both Lucas and I are getting really antsy and ready to get riding. Yesterday we did some final prep for the take off. We finalized what we were taking with us, packed, and also decided what food we would carry with us for the first few days. We also looked into where we will be staying the first night and ironically it is Fairfield, CA, named by a ship captain from Fairfield, CT.  We called around and had some trouble finding a camp ground, so I ended up calling Solano Community College, just outside Fairfield, and they were nice enough to let us pop tent on their campus for the first night. Our bikes are ready to go, and we finally think we have all the needed accessories, big thanks to Bay Area Bikes, Glenda and Clay, and all the guys at the shop, Dale, John, and Matthew, for helping us get what we need and letting us take over their shop to put it all together. Donations for Simply Smiles and CT Challenge are starting to roll in, thanks to all who have helped out, and if you still want to donate visit our Simply Smiles page or our CT Challenge page. Be sure to come see us off tomorrow if your in the Bay Area, at 2424 Webster St. Oakland, CA 94612, we will be having breakfast provided by Farley's at 9am-10am and will start riding at 10am sharp, along with anyone who wants to join for the first few miles.

Following a hilly day of riding we arrived back at our friend's apartment in San Francisco slightly exhausted and chilled from the fog, our spirits soared when we spotted a UPS package from Health Warrior! (http://healthwarrior.com) Inside were six glorious pounds of Chia seeds. If you are unfamiliar with Chia seeds picture a more refined silky poppy seed, if that doesn't conjure an appropriate mental image reminisce back to the days of Chia pets- they are in fact the same seeds. If you are not yet at the same excitement level as us this might be the time to point out the plethora of nutritional benefits stemming from the seed. The seeds are packed with omega 3's, calcium, fiber, magnesium, antioxidants, and protein, all great for energy and endurance. In fact the seeds are the favored food source of the Tarahumara indians who are considered the best long distance runners in the world, and have since been championed by countless endurance athletes from all different disciplines. Although my personal favorite attribute is the seeds amazing ability to absorb 10X their size in water which makes them a tour de force in hydration methods. Did I mention that you can add them to virtually anything- think smoothies to salads.  You get the picture, they will be perfect for our trip and we are excited!

After quite the travel ordeal I arrived in San Francisco late last night and couldn't wait to get up this morning and try out the new bike. After a few adjustments we headed off into the city, right away I was impressed with how smooth and surprisingly fast the bike felt. We rode across the golden gate bridge and into the Marin Highlands where we tested the bikes on some decent climbs. I was pleasantly surprised with the gearing as the climbs were far easier then I had anticipated. Riding with Joe for the first time was great and I can't wait to start our crossing. Luckily we have a lot to keep us occupied the next few days as otherwise I fear I might get a little stir crazy in anticipation for the start.
In other exciting news I met the partners of the company Health Warrior at the CT challenge and they have offered to fuel us with some of their products. From the sample I tried at the CT Challenge I am quite sure this will have a very positive impact on our trip. Check them out at http://healthwarrior.com While on the topic of the CT Challenge we will proudly be wearing their jerseys coast to coast to help promote their mission of empowering cancer survivors. You can check them out at http://ctchallenge.org as well you can donate through the following link http://2011ctchallenge.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/mobileDonorPledge.asp?ievent=454854&lis=1&kntae454854=93414105AAD3469886AAB549A7AD19D3&supId=328633481&team=0&scWidth=320 - Lucas

Its final! We are leaving Bay Area Bikes at 10am on Sunday August 7th. Lucas and I will be getting on the bike a bit earlier in order to ride down to the ocean to dip our tires in the Pacific, then head over to the shop. The send off party starts at 9am and there will be free breakfast provided by Farley's a local coffee shop. Then at 10am, we will begin our ride along with anyone who wants to join us on the first few mile ride along. If your in town come out to the shop and see us off. Below is a picture of where we will start at the ocean that I took yesterday on my ride around the city.

Yesterday I spent the day at Bay Area Bikes getting my bike outfitted with everything we will need for the trip, so when I got home I did some preliminary packing. Everything we are going to need fits really well, with plenty of room to spare. Today Ill head up to Oakland to learn a little bit from Clay about fixing the bike on the road. Im having a great time cruising around San Francisco, except for yesterday when I rode up California Street, with a fully loaded bike and about 40 pounds of extra gear (which Im shipping home). I had to stop once on the way up, fortunately there isn't going to be many climbs like that on our trip.

We also are starting to get donations for Simply Smiles, if you want to check out out donation page, check it out here. All donations go directly to Simply Smiles.

Got into San Francisco today and headed straight over to Bay Area Bikes in Oakland, where Clay and Glenda met me with a brand new Surly Long Haul Trucker. The bike looks great! And after a bit of tuning and gearing up we all went for the first ride to drop me off at the Bart. Great to finally meet Clay and see the shop, which was way bigger than expected.