"rolling" hills

Did anyone ever mention to me that New York was a ridiculous state in which mother nature got mad and placed significant, steep hills in every possible location? No they did not. this ambiguous "they" also failed to mention that the brilliant city planners (where there any?) of New York state did not think about the problems of building roads over the hills (or the possibility that people might try to bike on those roads . . .) and thus just when right over the top.... basically, what I'm trying to say is that yesterday, i spent 88.6 miles going over hills labeled "9% grade, next 2 miles." These are hills, not mountains! they aren't even two miles up!!!! How did they possibly design roads that steep and long???? All i have to say is that by the end of the day, though I was standing on the side of the road in 98 degree heat, i was totally convinced i was in the shower, because of the amount of sweat pouring off my body.

all in all, though, it has been a beautiful day, wonderful people and lots of fun. Every night, when we get to the place that we are staying, i (with three others) give a slideshow to tell our hosts about the program. Its been quite fun . . . the rest of the group comes up with a challenge word that we are to incorperate without the host knowing. thus far, our words have been "nimbly bimbly," "limeric" and "kankels." very silly.

today is our first build day... i'm looking forward to it.

New Haven

In the air I'm nervous. This is a first for me. I feel suddenly like a small town girl, entirely out of her element. The clouds and their shadows patchwork the sea, as we glide over endless green to a safe landing. I assemble my bike, go for a run, and enjoy my fellow rider's sheik, Ivy League style. Being from the West, I'm a novelty. They are curious, but I'm preoccupied with the task ahead. Is it possible? Will we actually make it to Seattle? I can't wait to get on my bike and start the ride, tires dipped in the Atlantic.

Small Beginnings

I've boxed my bike and am headed to the airport in a few short hours... Somehow I can't believe I'm actually on my way. A little intimidated, daunted perhaps, but also ecstatic. First stop, New Haven!

For details, please check out the website for the trip: www.yale.edu/habitat