I looked out of the window of row 2 on United flight 564, I saw orange and white lights painting cobwebs across the dark evening land as we chase the last of the sun westwards. We had another 2 hours to fly to Los Angeles over 1,100 miles away. It struck me then, as I looked out across the dark land below, that over the next 7 weeks I will be crossing this land at a far more sedate pace on a bicycle heading the other way. Traveling at over 400 miles an hour at 37,000 feet the terrain below was flattened, however it did give me a sense of how far I will by riding. I am now in the city of Angels and it only took around 5 hours to get here. Funny how its going to take me just under 50 days to get back east!
I am feeling very relaxed about the adventure ahead, happy to just let it unfold day by day. Not thinking ahead at all I really am just enjoying the present. People have been incredibly kind and supportive which blows me away in all honesty. I found a small box waiting for me at he hotel, business cards (blog cards to be more accurate) from ‘Big Ric’ at Northern Print back in England. Thanks Ric – they are perfect.
Today I also got some really kind words of encouragement and support from the IWMF (International Waldenstrom’s Macroglobulinemia Foundation) and The Fox Club. Irma (my bike) is apparently having a sleepover at Helen’s Bike Shop. I’ll pick her up in the morning and take her out for a spin to make sure she is ready to go on Sunday.