When I originally signed up for the TransAm ride, I knew that, for me, the biggest challenge was going to be getting along with a group. In signing up to route lead the Pacific Coast, I wanted to take that even further. I wanted to push myself along the dimension that was most difficult: dealing with other people and getting along with others. Now that I'm route leading it's even more critical that I double down on emotional intelligence. Today, as Day 1 for all our riders, was a stressful day. A really fun and incredible day, but definitely a day full of new things. Many of our awesome riders got lost and some of us - including me - ended up riding a good bit more than we needed to. But the good news is that everyone is safe, and home, and in the end I think it was a great learning opportunity. I personally got through it all with flying colors, and I think I really helped everyone, so I'm proud of myself.
The road today was great Pacific Northwest riding: cloudy, pine trees, beautiful lakes. Once we got out of the Seattle/Bremerton area it was smooth sailing on beautiful back roads. Shelton is a cute little town with a Walmart and a Taco Bell. And my bike is still mechanically perfect.
Tomorrow I get to drive the Rest Stop Van for the first time!
