Day Two: The ride really begins

I left Scottie's place at 1:30pm and went to the World School to say my last goodbyes for now. 1:45 and I was on the road. I knew I needed tires but I really wanted to get started, so off to Mikes Bikes in Sausalito. Upon arrival, they didn't have the armadillo tires I was looking for (kevlar lining bead to bead--I've been riding on the same pair of Armadillos for the last 6 years and 3000 miles and only had one flat at the stem due to low tire pressure rubbing! I love them...), but their shop in San Rafael did, so off I went. I found my way easily having ridden from the city to San Rafael for Conscious Language courses with Robert Tennyson Stevens twice recently, and I found the Mike's Bikes staff to be super warm and friendly. They didn't have the exact tires I rode in on, so I got the 26x1.5 instead of 26x1.95 I had before. Apparently this means a little less cushion but also less friction, so they'll ride a bit faster. Since I'm carrying food (for a couple days), water (almost a gallon), tarp and sleeping bag, and a few changes of clothes for various weather conditions on my xtracycle, all friction reduction is welcome!

I changed my tires, picked up a new helmet thanks to Eva's advice-I didn't know bike helmet foam breaks down and is no longer safe to ride in after about 4 years! Thank you Eva, who I met on the street crossing SF on Day One. Carrying the load I'm carrying, it's easy to catch my attention and say hello, especially on uphills, and most especially since I have "Massage Therapy by donation" on laminated signs on both sides of my bike! It's been a good conversation starter so far!

From San Rafael, I rode north to Novato where I lost the bike path and went pedaling off into a beautiful residential area nestled amongst oak wooded grasslands and rolling hills--I saw 3 velvet-antlered young bucks on the side of the road! Beautiful sight. A woman trimming her lavender flowered wisteria saw my massage sign and called me over as I rode by. I circled back to her, seeing two road bikes in her garage, and we had a nice little chat. I told her a bit about my plans for my ride and my cause and she offered to get me some money so I offered her some chair massage--wonderful trade! I have officially received my first on the road donation and given my first massage-Mary redirected me back to the bike path and I road away feeling very happy with myself and my day. I love my work, and I am so grateful to the World School and all I've learned there.

I am now laying down to blog and sleep at Tammy's house in Novato. I met her at the dog park on my second "getting lost" experience of the day. I am so grateful for her kindness and support! Thank you Mike's Bikes, Mary, and Tammy in Novato for making the first riding day of my tour such a success! 30 miles today (estimated because my cycle computer reset itself mid-day).