Gig Harbor Washington to Bar Harbor Maine 2001

I don't think I got any sleep last night. I wish I could think of a good excuse, but I'm sure I was just too excited. I kept trying to think peaceful sleep thoughts, but images of the bike route kept flashing through my mind. I finally surrendered about 5am and started the final packing.

The trip to Costco had been a huge mistake - I now had big bags of granola and trail mix to add to the mountain of gear. I weighed the mostly loaded trailer (BOB) a few days ago and it was exactly the same as last time - 60 pounds. I stood on the scale and picked up my mostly loaded bike and we were 10 pounds more than last time - 260, for a total of 320 pounds. Unfortunately I can't just leave the extra pounds because they're stored around my gut. At least I'm consistent in packing.

Let's get this show on the road

The weather forecast had been iffy, but the day was already outstanding - bright blue sky, few clouds and warm enough to start off in shorts. After a brief photo shoot, we took off for the official launch about 8am and weaved and wobbled to the boat launch. The local fishing fleet left for Alaska last week after the "Blessing of The Fleet" ceremony. I asked my minister, Pastor Al, to give us a similar send off. As we dipped our rear wheels in Gig Harbor bay, he prayed for a safe adventure and sent us off with a benediction. His wife, Carolanne, and my wife, Lisa, also saw us off and documented the event. It was a wonderful way to get started and I feel well protected.

Blessing of the fleet.

The Adventure Cycling Pacific Coast Route goes through Bremerton, about 20 miles from home. I made half a dozen or so training rides from home to Bremerton to find the best route and thank God I did. Some of the routes were outrageously hilly, the prettiest ones were too long, the shortest had too much traffic. Our route was a damn good compromise. However, one particularly steep hill overcame me and I barely managed to come to a graceless stop instead of falling. Garcia barely managed to stop instead of colliding with me. Gridley just powered on up the hill.

The first few miles of the official route were worse than my route. There were constant insanely steep climbs followed by similar descents and then up and down again. They were still better than the alternative of the busy highway with lousy shoulders.

The route calmed down as we approached Silverdale. We were getting really hungry and a little irritable. I satisfied my Taco Bell craving and Garcia got his fill, too. Gridley waited to munch at Safeway. As we headed there, I noticed Garcia's BOB tire had the honor of the first flat of the trip. He fixed it quickly and we moved on.

The honor of the first flat

The rest of the ride was beautiful - few hills, lots of sun and shade, mostly considerate drivers. We'd only made 48 miles when we pulled into the Kitsap Memorial Campground and it was only 3:30, but it was enough. We had considered going farther, but our muscles needed to rest and regroup. It was only the first day. Besides, my mom had given me an early birthday present - dinner at Molly Ward Gardens.

Strange fruit in the garden

We got to Molly Ward's shortly after it opened at 6pm. The waitress discovered we didn't have reservations and told us we could make one for 8pm. Our groans brought the chef/owner out and he agreed to squeeze us in. Dinner was fantastic - prime filet, sauteed prawns, pork tenderloins, cream of asparagus, followed by banana creme brulee and profiteroles(?) - little crusts around mint chocolate chip ice cream covered with warm granache (chocolate sauce). The food was made more incredible by the fact that we really should have been heating up an envelope of rice and beans over a camp stove. We know how to rough it right.

He needed his ass kicked.

We returned to the campground and wandered around admiring the sunset on the Olympic mountains and Hood Canal. We decided to get an early start for a fairly long day tomorrow and sacked by 10pm. It's now 10:30. Goodnight.

Gridley's sun salutes

Stats: elevation gain 3500 ft, riding time 4:46, average 10.3 mph, max 37.7 mph, mileage 49.8