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| Day 0 - June 27 - Orientation Day
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| I wake up at 5:15am to the sound of rain drops hitting the window. I think to myself, "I'm really going to miss this bed". Cycling in the rain is tolerable but camping in the rain will take some adjustment. However, that's what I'm here for. This trip is all about endurance and the ability to cope with bad weather, tough hills and constant physical exertion for 66 days in a row. Despite all that, or perhaps because of all that, it can be a lot of fun. With a good attitude and a decent bike, any reasonably fit person can do this from start to finish.
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| The orientation session offers very detailed information about the daily grind. Breakfast is always served between 7 and 8, so if you want anything to eat before heading out (and I can't imagine why you wouldn't) you have to stick around until at least 7. I plan to get an early start most days. That will be easy to do this week especially as I am still on Atlantic time.
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| The truck is quite spacious and easily accommodates the camping gear and luggage of 25 people. We are each given two small baskets for personal items like clothes, a shower kit and a mess kit. Lunch is then served from the truck. It's a make-your-own-sandwich setup, but with no meat. Peanut butter is something we'll end up eating just about every day. It's filling, it's cheap and it's packed with protein.
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| Orientation wraps up at 4:15pm so five of us crowd into a cab and go downtown to get some last minute items at Mountain Equipment Co-op. I finally complete my bicycle maintenance kit by buying a spoke wrench.
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| Dinner is simple yet nutritious - a hefty portion of spaghetti. It will fuel us for that all-important first ride tomorrow. As for tonight, this is my last night in a real bed. But who knows, maybe my camp mattress will do the job. After all, if I'm really tired, and I mean really tired, I could probably sleep anywhere. |
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