A little impulsive decision

I think, at least from my perspective, I am starting this log so that we can have a memory of this journey that began just a few weeks ago- not because I am silly enough to think anyone out there might read it. We very well might have three lone readers- myself (Hillary), Jocelyn, and Leo- and that is fine. We are afterall, Team- Where is Tom? 

The thing is Leo still might not realize this is our team name, but I do believe he is outnumbered being on a team with three women, so he will just have to get used to it.  Now I shall venture back to where it all began from my perspective.

I got a phone call several weeks back from my best friend, Jocelyn, out of the blue asking, no begging me to do the Seattle To Portland bike ride with her. STP Bike Ride July 2010 Upon huge deliberation that took less than one hour, I said "sounds fun, sign me up." So we did. Leo was already registered and then after a few mouse clicks and a lil' deposit, a team we became. 

I signed up just in time to scurry off on a family vacation to Hawaii and thus I stewed over this decisision. This impulsive decision.

After all the STP is:
-expensive, hot dam expensive
-far- about 210  miles
- HUGE...

The last couple weeks have been spent mentally preparing my wallet and head for this venture and after much help from our team coach- Jason Rowley and too much advice from too many random folk we sought out to buy the perfect bike.  The general consensus was that while a ROAD BIKE would be ideal (though super pricey- a grand minimum) a HYBRID might be better in the long run, as who am I kidding, I am not planning on towing my 3 year old and 9 month old around the block on a road bike. So I convinced Joc and we bought HYBRID Trek's.  http://www.trekbikes.com/

Which takes me to Gregg's Greenlake Cycle Gregg's Greenlake Cycle and Kirk. Ah Kirk. I went in with zero knowledge, zero know-how, and honestly a SUCKER sign on my forehead and my humble bicycle guru and street racer Kirk shopped, taught and helped me buy my bike, which I must say i LOVE. 

This was the letter of gratitude I sent to Gregg's Greenlake Cycle after my initial visit with Kirk. Keep in mind this is all pre-Tom.....

Hi There!
I have a rave review about one of your employees....Kirk. I walked in today at noon, having left work early to buy a bike for the STP. I signed up with some friends- even though I am not a biker but am quite adventurous and well... need a new goal. I met Kirk. He was Amazing. He spent the afternoon with me- it was quiet in the shop. He walked me through my options, eased my fears (well as much as he could) and then taught me everything I wanted to know about biking 101. He was more than knowledgeable, quite candid, personable, damn funny and made me feel comfortable. I have been bike shopping for a few weeks and until today I left each shop feeling out of place and almost silly- Kirk really eased my fears and taught me how to ride.


I know this all sounds cheesy- but he was fantastic and I have raved to everyone I know about him- so I thought I should tell one of his bosses.
I teach middle school and really appreciate some good service- so thanks and thanks to Kirk.... NOw if I can convince him to actually do the STP I would feel much better!


- Hillary Nadell


So why not name us Team. Where is Kirk?  Well I think the rest is best told by Jocelyn.....