This morning, the three hour time change was a welcome perk. Yesterday’s flights being uneventful, a good night’s sleep ended with a cool, cloudy and drizzly morning. The bike room opened at 10:00 affirming that our trusty mounts for the next 3,400 miles had indeed weathered FedEx. Mingling with most of the fellow riders and crew ensued as the tour mechanic gave the bikes one last check. After lunch we did a shake-down ride along the El Segundo Beach bike path. People in California really do skate, bike, run, and play sand volleyball on the beach. And they do this while looking far more attractive than a bicyclist from the Midwest. Must give the photo credit here to Tom Giere because the author’s smart phone out-smarted the author, yet again. Feeling pretty cocky, but then the desert is still 5 days away.

My name is Greg Bell and I will ride across the United States starting on May 11, 2019. I will be joining 17 other optimistic souls gathered together by Paula Farmer of CrossRoads Cycling Adventures. crossroadscycling.com/ We will start pedaling in Los Angeles and over a seven week period ride the 3,400 miles to Boston. The plan is to give very brief updates daily, and a more comprehensive picture each week – or so. My goal is to inform, entertain, and hopefully never bore those of you who wish follow along.