Training update 5/27/11

Weather this Spring has been pretty miserable -- wet, cold....  Today was no exception, with temps in the 40s & 50s, and rain squalls moving through.

Noel Gilbrough (fellow Big Rider), Steve Foster (riding buddy) & I rode from Enumclaw east on SR-410 to Mud Mountain Road, then west to SR-410 south of Enumclaw.  From there, south through Buckley, Wilkeson, and Carbonado toward the Carbon River entrance to Mt. Rainier NP.

Noel & Steve both flatted about a mile short of the Carbon River Ranger Station.  After fixing tires, we decided to head back downhill.  Thankfully, we had discovered a country restaurant in Wilkeson with hot soup, biscuits, cookies, hot apple pie ala mode, and COFFEE!

We made it back to Enumclaw after 56 miles on the road, 4,000' net elevation gain, and soaked.  We figured that if we could deal with this kind of day, the Big Ride wouldn't throw us anything we can't handle.

Training update

Just finished 2,000 miles of training since January.  About 900 to do before the start.

A big "thank you" to all of my supporters, who have donated over $10,000 to the American Lung Association.

American Lung Association's "Big Ride across America" -- 2011

Why?  To raise awareness and money for the ALA's advocacy and research programs to improve respiratory health.

So, some stats on the Ride....

• Seattle, WA to Washington, DC by bicycle
• 3,300 miles
• 48 days
• through 12 states
• 29 riders
• Departure date -- Jun 20
• Arrival date -- Aug 6

Learn more at:  http://action.lungusa.org/site/TR/BikeTrek/ALAMP_Mountain_Pacific?pg=entry&fr_id=2541

I'll be reporting in from the trip as time and connections permit.  So, follow along!