Welcome to LA!

On wednesday May 7th, I flew to LA. My flight was changed from connection in Phily to a stop in Las Vegas, so it was simpler and I was in the city of the angels at 1:15 local time. My bike box was wheeled out before any of the luggage appeared on the carousel. (Note: when was the last time any one was checking that people take the correct bags? Here I am with a several thousand dollar bicycle and nothing!)

Hotel shuttle to the airport and by 3pm I was removing my bike from the box, and putting it together. Here is what the inside of the shipping case looks like:
I will be working on the focus thing soon!

Went to Il Fornaio for a nice dinner, and then back to the Courtyard for a welcome rest after a long day.

In the morning I started to work out my morning routine with a hot shower, in room coffee, some yoga and then into the cycling kit and down to breakfast. I met up with a couple of other early arrivers and veterans of past years tours who were going for a ride. So I joined them for a ride down to Manhattan Beach and along the bike path.

This is the pier closest to where we reached the beach. This is where we will start out on Sunday.

For an east coast boy, ten miles of wide white sand beach with dozens of volleyball courts, houses along the beach, surfers, etc was pretty impressive. And it was overcast! Wait till the sun comes out.

The combined wisdom of my fellow riders is that sunday we have route with 40 plus traffic lights. But they were encouraging about what we have in front of us.

I'm so glad to be done with prep and packing and moving on to the journey. Today I will spend with one old friend, and tomorrow with another. A perfect way to get ready for the road.