Hello from Winatche, WA! Our ride has kicked off and after two days in the saddle (that's cyclist for 'seat') I am tired and sore, but excited for tomorrow.

Here's an abbreviated account of what I've been up to since arriving in Seattle just four days ago.

The cyclists were greated by crew members at the Seattle airport and shuttled to the Quality Inn a few blocks from the Space Needle. We had a host of awkward introductions that began with the usual - name, hometown, and major - followed by, "so I guess we're going to bike across the country together." We changed into our 'JOH tuxedo' (Push America t-shirt and khaki shorts) and had our first friendship visit with members of the Arc of King Country at nearby Gas Works Park.

The next two days were spent drilling the Cycling Rules of the Road, as my mother has happy to learn, at the nation's first REI! The builing had it's own waterfall and looked like the bunker in Jurassic Park. Very cool. We also did a "skills assesment" on the bike where we had to demonstrate our ability or inability to ride by and pick up a water bottle, check over our shoulder to check for obstacles, and ride in a paceline. Luckily for me the obstacle course was shut down before I could try it. I'm sure if would have gone poorly.

On the third full day we took a short ride around a lake outside of Seattle so we could practice pacelining, stopping in a crew rest stops, and avoiding obstacles on the road (of which there were many). It went well and assuaged many, but not all, of my fears about riding in a group. The evening we had our kick-off dinner at Buca di Beppo in Seattle where we were served hearping bowls of salad, garlic bread and pasta. Rest assured there were no left overs.

The first day of riding took us 70 miles east to Skykomish where the team doubled the town's population. The sights along the way were breathtaking, as was the town. I had no trouble sleeping until the train whizzed by next to the school we were staying at around 2:30am, or maybe it was 8:30pm - it was a early night.

Today's ride has brought us another 75 miles to Winatche, but you already know that. The ride involved a 17 miles climb up almost 4,000 feet. It went well until the last 3 miles where I felt like breakfast was making a comeback. Me and one other person racked our bike to the top of the mountain and rode back down at a scary pace. Except for a breif encounter with the rumble strip, I'd say it went rather well.

We're fortunate for these first two days of riding to have professional cycling coach, Dean Peterson riding with the team. He's been between groups giving us all tips and being increadibly supportive. Today I was one of two 'sweeps' meaning I rode at the back of the pack and waited with any cyclists with an injury or flat tire. I also got to wear a great vest that said 'Cyclists Ahead.' At one point at the aforementioned 17 mile climb we spotted Coach Peterson rounding a corner underneath a group we had stopped to wait with. It took us about 20 minutes to cycle the sam distance he took in what seemed like the blink of an eye. He moves much like the Dread Pirate Roberts in the beginning of the Pricess Bride (who we later realize is the farmboy - Wesley).

All in all, it has been tiring, and I feel like I have been on the road for a month I am enjoying myself and my company. I admit I was worried that many team members were in this just for the glory of cycling cross-country, but I've found that not to be the case. They are a truly wonderful group of men who care about combating the neagitive connotations that surround people with disabilities and fraternitites. They inspire me to be a better person and cyclist each day.

Thank you for your continued support and keep me and my team in your prayers.

Mike