IDAHO!

THANK YOU TO THE MOST AMAZING DANIELLE SCHINDLER FOR SPONSORING MY RIDE THROUGH THIS STATE!!!

Gravel, and Tunnels, and Resorts, OH MY!

Shavua tov!

***NEW BLOG FEATURE: Track my every move with Google Latitude! Look on the right sidebar for details. 

One week down and 9 to go...

I wanted to write a much longer update, but that will have to wait until later this week after we complete 85 miles tomorrow, 60 the next day, and 106 MILES on Tuesday!

We are coming off of a very exciting first week that included: 

• A beautiful launch ceremony in Seattle
• Lots of (unexpected) gravel paths
• Passing through the Cascades in the country's longest pedestrian/bike tunnel, which is unlit
• Many more uphills...for some reason every uphill in Washington plateaus, just to climb another one, and then once a day you get a nice long downhill
• A couple sightings of Mt. Rainier!
• Touring inside a wind turbine
• Camping with 35mph winds...nearly impossible
• Ghost towns
• HUGE Rolling wheat farms
• Losing my glasses already :( Hence my funny looking spectacles in some of the recent pics. But, thanks to my AMAZING mother, a new pair is already in the mail.
• A couple nights at "Resorts"

We were able to rest this Shabbat in Spokane, hosted by some great families from Temple Beth Shalom. Thank you to them for their wonderful hospitality.

Just as a reminder:

• For constant, on the road updates follow: http://hazoncrossusa.tumblr.com/
• My web album (right) has new pictures more often than I post on the blog. Captions for recent pictures coming soon.

Here is what we did on Friday:

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY to one and all!

Dad, I can't wait for you to join us in Pittsburgh, so we can share this journey together!

We start this week by leaving WA and entering Idaho halfway through Sunday's long ride.

More to come soon...

AYS

P.S. The picture at the top of the post is from our small coverage in the Ellensburg Daily Record:

http://www.dailyrecordnews.com/news/hazon-bike-ride/image_e2a7829c-b56d-11e1-a700-0019bb2963f4.html   

Pre-Departure Post

In normal Adi fashion, I did not have time to write before I left home, because I was packing until 2AM (which was early in my book, thanks to Danielle’s expeditious help) and had to be up by 5:45 this morning. Thus, I began writing this post at 35,000 feet above our beautiful country. There is A LOT of farmland out there, and so perfectly shaped as well. We encountered some turbulence over Gillette, WY, but had smooth sailing after that.   

I am now somewhat settled at Bastyr University in Kenmore, WA, about 30 mins northeast of Seattle. Although the weather has been a bit dreary it is a beautiful campus. I have met my core group for the next TEN WEEKS and all is well. Everyone seems to be in very high spirits and excited to hit the road. There are only 12 of us, so let’s hope for the best. While the interesting mix of people - from college student, to post-college, to young doctor, to CFO, to retiree – could lead to slight trepidation, I am actually feeling quite positive about the group after spending the day with them. I am sure certain dynamics will develop as we get to know each other and as the Ride progresses. For now, I will withhold further comments about the group and various personalities.

Before I set out I would like to thank:

• All of my donors who have made this ride possible. 
• My parents who have provided additional funds, without which I would have half as much gear. More importantly, their unconditional love and support for me and all of my endeavors have allowed me to ACTUALLY do this. (Can’t wait to see Dad in Pittsburgh for the home stretch.)
•  My sibs, grandmothers, and the rest of the family for always cheering me on!
• Danielle. Enough said. But really… for her endless support and love. And yes, she too is crazy enough to do a third of this trip. I can’t wait until we reunite in Chicago!

There are two people without whom I would not have a bike:

• Former Rosh Al Hagova and semi-professional cyclist, Josh Friedman. He spent HOURS with me on the phone, video chat, and e-mailing until we selected the best bike for me on this journey. We took a lot of factors into consideration (price, terrain, amount of “cargo,” etc.) and decided that a properly outfitted Cannondale CAAD8 Tiagra was the best choice. This is the third Cannondale in my growing collection! Thank you, Josh!
  
• Sal Lilienthal is THE MAN!
  
  He provided Danielle and me with our bikes at a price you can’t beat. Sal didn’t just order and build the bikes. He added the best components and gave us all the time in the world to ensure that we will be SAFE and comfortable on this Ride. In honor of his great service, we have named our bikes Sal and Sally, respectively. I HIGHLY recommended Sal and The Bicycle Tour Company for all your cycling needs. The ride to Kent, CT is both beautiful and completely worth it.  

I am excited, nervous, and scared. This trip is a dream come true! Every day is going to be a new, amazing adventure as I physically move myself across the country. The people I meet, the sights I see, and the random things I do and learn will undoubtedly (and positively) shape who I am. Yet, cycling is inherently dangerous. I have promised my parents I am committed to not just returning in the same condition, but in better shape than I left. I promise all of you that I will exercise every caution and ride with due regard. While FUN, adventure, and traversing the country are the goals; SAFETY is the top priority. As a wise man once taught me and as I have passed on to the next generation, we must always live by the 7 P’s: Proper Prior Planning, Prevents Piss Poor Performance.

Thank you again for all your support and I look forward to keeping you posted along the way!

With much love and excitement,

Adi

P.S. For constant updates follow us at hazoncrossusa.tumblr.com/

P.P.S. If you would still like to support my ride, please visit: http://hazon.kintera.org/2012usa/adi

Befuddlements to come…