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!