40 Mile Tulip Ride

Team Where is Tom? at the beginning of our 40 mile ride

It's official...Leo, Hillary and I completed our first "organized" ride. I'd call it a race, but let's be honest....we weren't competing for a medal, just to finish in one day. It started off pretty rough since I had to wake up at 3:45 a.m. in order to meet Hillary in Bellevue by 5 a.m. However, once I was out of bed and we had our Starbucks in hand I was good to go. We made it to La Conner by 7ish, registered and started the ride at 7:30 a.m. We should have known it was sketchy when they told us to start whenever we wanted because there was no official Starting Time. We left, with map in hand, on our 40 mile adventure. Then the torrential downpour began. Seriously, it was suppose to be nice until noon, but of course we couldn't be so lucky. About half way through we realized we had gotten off course and had to back track a bit. Along the way we saw our first Tulip in front of the Liquor Store (see pic). I'm trying to keep this short, but sweet, so here is a brief breakdown of the ride:

1. I never fell off my bike
   
2. It rained the entire time (at some points I swear it felt like snow and hail mixed...and I pondered whether or not the world was coming to an end like The Day After Tomorrow)
3. We passed a dead cat in the road (thanks Hillary for warning me not to look...so I could avoid tears)
   
4. We passed a dead raccoon in the road
5. We had to stop and ask for directions on several occasions
6. We got lost and had to back track for about a mile
7. We met some super cool people along the way (when we were asking for directions)
8. I found the cutest town (Edison) that looked like New England...and I want to move
9. We did finally pass a Tulip Field and it was gorgeous
10. Leo's back was hurting and he may have possibly pooped his pants....he's says it was mud
    
11. We logged 42 additional miles
12. The clipless pedals definitely made me more efficient (apparently 30% more efficient)
13. My new super cool hydration pack is totally dirty...I may have to wash it
14. My bike is very dirty....I bet Hillary that I wouldn't wash it because it adds character
15. My left knee is killing me (not sure if I need to see a physical therapist or go back to Gregg's for another bike fitting....however, I think I may be overstaying my welcome at Gregg's since I have not paid for any of these additional adjustments or questions that I ask)
16. We had to be our own cheerleaders and booster club since there was no official Finish Line
    
17. I didn't fall off my bike:)

The first Tulip spotted on our ride (at the liquor store)
Of course we stopped at the liquor store!

Rain or shine it was a great day and ride with my 2 amigos. The more I ride the more I love it. Leo is even thinking of buying a rode bike after STP and continue riding. I'm also thinking I could make a career of this....a slow career, but who cares as long as I look good while doing it. Who knows maybe I'll buy a road bike too someday. I know where to go if I do....REI (just kidding...I would only shop at Gregg's in Bellevue from now on!)

Leo and Hillary's first beer after 40 minutes of driving around trying to find a place to eat (and we ended up at Red Robin out of all places)

Hillary and I at Red Robin following the ride...thank God for Coke and fried food!

I'll end with a quote as team Motivational Speaker:

I'm gonna love you like nobody's loved you
Come rain or come shine
High as a mountain, deep as a river
Come rain or come shine
-Willie Nelson