SEATTLE via photos

Exploring the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks


I couldn't ask for a better view to do laundry! - at Olympic Sculpture Park


Puget Sound



Seattle Space Needle as seen from Olympic Sculpture Park



View of the Mountains from the Seattle Waterfront on the Puget Sound

SEATTLE DAY 0

On Friday, as I looked out the airplane window at the world below, I thought to myself "I am going to bike across this vast land!" Wow. I just sat there, shaking my head. Excitement abounds. But I also think I may be a little crazy :) Or as one friend stated "a cycl-opath"...

Seattle is absolutely beautiful - the outdoors - the greenery, water, mountains, abundance of cyclists, runners, kayakers... all this despite what my fellow rider Noel states as the "june gloom".

I have so enjoyed meeting my fellow riders over the past 3 days. After orientation today and meeting former BIG RIDERS, I am just ready to start cycling. After so much preparation and anticipation, the day is almost here. We head out at 7:45 PST tomorrow (Monday June 21st). The first ride is 91 miles from Seattle to Easton - over Snoqualmie Pass (3022 ft) in the Cascade Mountains. I'm sure it will be a great introduction (err, initiation) to the BIG RIDE. (MN hills are nothing compared to this climb.) Come what may!

MAIL - and yes, my second career choice would be a postal carrier!

If you would like to write to me during my Big Ride Across America, here are the addresses. It is recommended that you mail the letter at least one week before the ‘Date of Arrival’ so it makes it there on time.

I'm sure receiving a letter would be a source of encouragement and renewed energy as I pedal across the States. Thanks for your support.

Date of Arrival Address

Thursday, June 24 Riverside Station, 904 W Riverside Ave, Spokane, WA 99201

Monday, June 28 Missoula Main Office, 1100 W Kent Ave, Missoula, MT 59801

Friday, July 09 Rapid City Main Office, 500 East Blvd, Rapid City, SD 57701

Friday, July 16 New Ulm Main Office, 27 S German St, New Ulm, MN 56073

Wednesday, July 21 Madison University Station Office, 441 N Lake St, Madison, WI 53715

Thursday, July 29 Burton Main Office, 14525 Main St, Burton, OH 44021

Wednesday, August 04 Gettysburg Main Office, 115 Buford Ave, Gettysburg, PA 17325

Sample address below:

Big Ride 2010
Deidre Lindstrom
General Delivery - Riverside Station
904 W Riverside Ave
Spokane, WA 99201

"On Yer Bike"

No, this is not my bike!! Although the name "boneshaker" rocks! I'm sure anyone willing enough to test ride this bike across the grand U.S. of A. would testify the bike is true to its name. Call it like it is - Boneshaker!

A year ago, the MN Historical Society had an exhibit on the evolution of transportation here in America. Check out some of these photos -




Oh boy! I am thankful the perspective of women cycling has changed since 1895... (Sidenote: I would love to read the study that determined that cycling was the "#1 reason...")





Some may believe cycling across the United States may still be considered "reckless" or according to my cousin Dan, "insane". However, in the pursuit of this life long goal (whether it is "insane" or not), I consider myself blessed to have the opportunity to support the American Lung Association! This organization is striving to create positive change and improve the quality of life of all those living with lung disease. In addition, the ALA is working to promote clean air for all!

GENEROSITY

I am amazed by generosity! While fundraising for the American Lung Association, I have repeatedly found myself awestruck by generosity. Opening donations and simply stating "Wow. Wow. Wow." Speechless because others are so generous, selfless, and willing to help those in need. People who are seeing a void and automatically stepping forward to fill it. Thanks to you, I have raised over $7,500 to support the vital work of the American Lung Association.

RIDE BIG. DO GOOD.

The American Lung Association is committed to finding better treatments and cures for those living with lung disease. COPD is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death for both men and women. As I was working with a gentleman recently diagnosed with lung cancer at UMMC this spring, he stated how "absolutely frightening" it is to live with lung cancer. Those living with lung disease are fighting to breathe and that is why the American Lung Association is fighting for air! Because "when you can't breathe, nothing else matters!"

You can support my ride and the American Lung Association by visiting:
http://www.cleanairadventures.org/big_ride_across_america

BIG RIDE TRAINING

With 3 weeks before the BIG RIDE begins, training is in full swing! I am feeling optimistic heading into the final stretch thanks to the help of my physical therapists Paul (Institute of Athletic Medicine) & Jason (CycleFit at IAM), and the bike fit guru Chris Balser (Penn Cycle). These gentlemen have patiently worked with me and my bike to help me recover from Achilles Tendonitis. After taking 3 weeks off from training in April/May to focus on healing and strengthening, I am happy to be back in the saddle again ;)

I am in awe of the natural beauty that surrounds me. Rick McFerrin stated, "A bike gives you the freedom to go where you want to go at a pace that allows you to take things in." Exploring the Twin Cities on bicycle has been exciting as I discover new landscapes, such as the Native American burial grounds near the State Capitol or the Sculpture Garden in Downtown. I cannot even fathom the beauty of God's creation that I will be surrounded by during the course of the BIG RIDE. Excitement awaits - come what may!

"Just the knowledge that honest effort was a transforming experience...and that...love was redemptive." - It's Not About the Bike, My Journey Back to Life by Lance Armstrong

This quote stood out to me recently.

To me it means-

~ stepping forward and trying your best whether it is a new challenge or familiar routine. Regardless of the outcome, it can change you, transform you.

~ that despite how uneasy, worried, or fearful I may feel about the UNKNOWN, I can trust that it will be transformative...and when I think of transformation, it is always positive.

~ "love was redemptive" reminds me of Christ's love for me. He is always pursuing me, redeeming me, casting light into my darkness. Love is healing. Love restores!