June 4 - 'Twas the Night Before...

I've had three great days in San Francisco awaiting the start of The Cross Country Challenge. I have walked miles in this great city seeing once again the "sights" that draw so many tourists here and make it for many Americans their second favorite city (second only to their home town). Not much has changed from the recent past when I visited so often on business. Well, maybe more homeless people (unfortunately), but it still has a certain charm, a uniqueness that sets it apart.

It remains very foggy most mornings, still windy and COOL all day, but by mid-afternoon it is sunny and brighter and pleasant.

After a nostalgic ferry ride to Sausalito for lunch yesterday...and a chance to take some pictures, I had a very enjoyable dinner with Louie Mettler--a good friend from Naples--and her sister Susie, who happens to be a leader of the San Francisco chapter of the American Cancer Society. I learned so much about the good works of the organization that my ride takes on ever more meaning. The ACS is without question one of America's truly great charties in terms of really helping people.

Today I took the "City Tour" to see again where Joe Dimaggio first played baseball, Fisherman's Wharf, and where Michael Douglas and Robin Williams live, but also to see the beach at Golden Gate Park where we begin our journey, and the Presido and the "bridge" we cross heading for Fairfield, CA on our first day, Sunday. It is not surprising that we encountered many cyclists today...as it is certainly a beautiful place to ride.

I had my "last supper" at Morton's steakhouse tonight, which is located just off Union Sq., and which provided a terrific meal in advance of my next "52 buffets" gratiously provided by the Holiday Inns and Best Westerns as we come across America.

Tomorrow, I meet the group for bike assembly, orientation, and some sort of social gathering at dinner.

Sunday morning it's back on the bike and we are UNDERWAY!

Of course, I have some "anxious anticipation" as one would have before any long term undertaking, but I really WANT to do this, so I will take it as it comes and make the best of this once in a lifetime adventure.

I'll keep you informed of all the wonderful things we see and do as we go across the country together.

         - Bill

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