1st real day

Today was the first day of our trip. After another awesome breakfast prepared by the church, (I really think our group is starting to get spoiled), we traveled about 20 miles from Revere to Andover, home of Chris Webber, the former program director who was killed 15 months ago crossing (walking, not riding) the street in NYC.

We first traveled the few blocks to the beach in Revere, where we participated in the ceremonial wheel dipping ceremony in the Atlantic Ocean. We then rode the first 10 miles or so in neutral groups of 8. After a while we were let loose and allowed to ride at our own speed, which was a very welcome feeling after feeling somewhat trapped these first few days.

Today we will be staying at a private Middle school, and eating at the Webber's home for dinner. After arriving at Pike Middle School, I headed into town to pick up a few things from cvs, and find a post office to mail a father's day card.

The Garmin 705 that my parents bought for me is turning out to be an awesome piece of equipment that will serve me well this summer. Every morning I am able to wirelessly receive the route from Jose's Garmin, and am able to get turn by turn directions as well as a highlighted map that lets me know when upcoming turns are coming up. Perhaps the best advantage of the new Garmin is its ability to get me back to the host location after riding into town to look around as I did today.

As a totally unrelated note, the males in the group have started an unofficial mustaccio bashio and beard-off simultaneously (our excuses for not wanting to shave). In a few days my facial hair may be as long as the hair on my head which will be interesting to say the least.

Tomorrow features our first build day and I'm looking forward to physically aiding the affordable housing crisis.