Thursday, 5-May-2022

Days until beginning of tour: 2

Today’s inspirational quote: “GET UP AND GO. Take the risk, take the gamble, take the first step. Take action. And don’t let another day slip by.” — Jocko Willink

Today’s tidbit of levity: “Why is everyone at the gym asking me why I’m sitting still on the stationary bike? I’m going downhill, dude, mind your own business.”

Team Freeland is once again together, this time on the west coast of our great fruited plain. The travel out here was fairly uneventful, just a trip to Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson airport in Atlanta traffic, followed by a 4 1/2 hour plane ride, then taking the hotel’s shuttle from LAX to our home for the next few nights – in Los Angeles traffic. This time however, someone else was driving. Life is good.

Arrived at the hotel and got checked in, dumped my stuff in my room, and headed over to the meeting room where the bikes had been delivered from the bike shop. I had the opportunity to meet the husband and wife owners of the tour company, Paula and Dana Farmer, and some of the CrossRoads staff who’ll be supporting us. Seem like great people. Also signed up for the mandatory “bike check” this evening, so I can get the official “okie dokie” to ride with the group. My road bike has been re-assembled and appears to be in good shape.

The only glitch is I’d sent a box with my cycling shoes and a few miscellaneous items via the U.S. Postal System (tried to avoid carrying to much with me). Turns out their 2-day delivery is actually going to take 4 days. Per their website’s tracking system, it is supposed to arrive Saturday, no later than 9pm. Finger’s crossed……

Yesterday when I picked up our son from his day program (The Exceptional Foundation of Atlanta, efatl.org), the participants and leaders were all out in the parking lot to greet me. Really warmed my heart to see their smiling faces and hear their words of encouragement. Thanks gang!

And, the last 2 days we’ve had some neighbors put some signs up in our yard, providing some support and encouragement. Has been really good to see! Thank you!