Today was the first day of riding! The day began with a wheel dip at Manhattan Beach, and ended 70-some miles later in Riverside. The group is about 3 dozen strong, roughly two-thirds male. Mom's roommate, with whom she is pretty evenly matched in cycling ability, is from Chicago. The riders apparently made quite a sight going down the road with their group jerseys and orange flags. They had been told yesterday at orientation that there would be steep climb right out of the box. Everything is relative, because our "goat girl" had no difficulty with it! Part of the route was in fairly heavy traffic, but later followed a path lined with rose bushes and orange trees! Riot of fragrance, I'm sure. She says everyone is really nice. The tour organizers have been literally cheering them on, waiting on the side of the road to offer encouragement. Happy Mother's Day! 48 days to Boston! (Sorry for the low resolution photos- they were taken on Mom's cellphone...)