We made it to Santa Monica

This is my first post about why I'm riding and why donating to Water Life Hope will save Bambi's mother.
Carol and me at the startpoint for the ride.


It was difficult to get a shower and breakfast at the KOA this morning because the campground was carpeted with minor lakes.  Hard to drain something with the relief of a table top.  Cheerful folks at the campground clubhouse helped us get pancakes and coffee, and asked about our trip.  A couple of hours down the highway I believe one of them sent a donation to the fundraiser.  Thanks!

We pulled out full, rested and happy and headed to I-10 through the continuing downpour.  The interstate was pretty low-key as we rolled through Arizona, just us and a couple of trucks.  The saguaro cactus ceased at the California line and we started to head towards blue sky.  Windmills around Palm Springs turned slowly in the spring winds.  As we came towards the Ontario airport it really started to be LA.  We joined the happy throng.

Checking into the Santa Monica Motel was more complicated than anticipated.  It was the cheapest place within shouting distance of the start of the ride, and we'd called ahead about the bus.  Nevertheless there was consternation, taking of pictures, talk of security.  Finally someone offered to move their car to accommodate "the hippie bus."  Carol scored points by speaking Japanese with some of the other guests, but I don't think it got us off the
bad list.
The advantages of bringing a spouse
cannot be overstated.


Along with the bus incident, the chaos that seems inevitable at the start of a tour befell us.  A package that Matt had sent with a few essentials went to Kent, Washington rather than Santa Monica.  We'll play that one by ear.  My front tire emerged from the bus completely deflated.  A quick call to Cathy at Bicycle South (aka the certified angel of mercy) solved it.  All kinds of things appeared to go missing.  A major reorganization effort found most of them.

We got good sushi a block away, took trip pix at the Santa Monica Pier, and went back to get organized for the ride.  Now we'll really start.  What a thought.  If I have time I'll get to cruise my old neighborhood, Venice Beach, and look for signs of a much different time.  Either way, we'll head out in the morning.  The first few days are shorter mileage to get us into the rhythm of touring.  So tomorrow night we'll just be on the eastern side of town -- LA's big.

Our route might give us the chance to ride tomorrow night with the Ovas, formerly known as the Ovarian Psychos.  This is the women's bicycle brigade out of Boyle Heights profiled in an indie movie.  The movie showed the women riding at night and chanting, "Whose streets? Our streets!".  It was so inspiring.

So tonight it's the Santa Monica Motel and happy pictures at the Santa Monica Pier.  Then adventure.

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