From: Jim Miller [spinnerman@t-one.net]
Sent: Sunday, July 11, 2004 8:12
PM
To: Campbell, Frank
Subject: BIKE TRIP-1st Report
Larry and Will arrived individually in Oakland on
schedule, and were greeted and spent time with Bill Schwartz and Bill
Garcia. The evening passed renewing friendships and telling "tall tales"
of the last 45 years. As Larry flew over the mountains and Nevada, he was
able to observe the formidable task ahead of them during the early part of the
trek. After enjoying the wonderful hospitality at Bill Garcia's, they were feted
to buckwheat pancakes and "real" maple syrup by chef Bill C and then hit the
road, with Bill showing them some of the "local scenery".
Larry and Will have been joined by a Swedish
couple, Hans and Inge-lill, who Larry met while cycling in Spain some
years ago. They invited him to a Cycle tour (300K) around a lake in
Sweden, on the longest day of the year, which he did shortly after his 40th
re-union trip, and mentioned that he intended to do it (the US trip) again this
year----so they have joined he and Will.
Larry still has his recognizable MA accent, and
Will, who lives in Northampton, MA speaks the same language.
Today (7/11) they did 42 miles, arriving in
Stockton, CA about 2 pm Pacific time. They described the "delta
country/garden basket" geography, crossing many irrigation canals,
passing up-scale horse farms, and dry weather in the 90 degree
range.
So far, wildlife has not been a major
attraction, with many turtles some opossums, and a coyote in an olive
grove.
Per Larry, reporting will not necessarily be daily,
but more based on interesting progress, observations, and people they
meet. He did mention that so far the other bikers and motel operators they
meet are absolutely amazed that some people actually fulfill their
fantasies---referring of course to the CROSS COUNTRY bike trip!
--------------------
Tomorrow, Dick and Susan Rogers depart the Seattle
area on a tandem bike, taking a more northerly route, and you can follow that at
www.mustardseedtutorialcenter.org.
Dick lives in CA, but is starting from Bill Toskeys north of
Seattle.
Jim Miller