31 Strangers

Three days ago, 31 strangers met for the first time in Revere, MA.

Or perhaps they weren't all strangers. A few of them might have lived together, 2 or 3 might have met at a build site, but by and large, their knowledge of each other up to that point had been a picture and a paragraph. It was a strange relationship. They knew they were bound to become friends, but for months they only knew each other by a few short introductions.

Bonds were quick to form in Revere. Pictures had become flesh and blood human beings. Static paragraphs gave way to warm personalities. Though they hailed from all different backgrounds and walks of life, they quickly realized what they all had in common: they cared about more than just themselves.

The next two days were used to bring these individuals up to speed on everything they would need to know to cycle across the country: nutrition, hydration, hygiene, stretching, technique, gear, safety, and responsibilities on the road.

This morning, 31 acquaintances cycled out of Revere and headed for Andover. Their ranks were bolstered by friends, family, and sympathizers for the Cause. It was not uncommon to see 15 cyclists stopped at a red light. A few wrong turns were made, but they never strayed too far from the true path.

And now we are here at the Pike School in Andover that kindly agreed to host us. The bond between us grows with each passing hour. After we made it to the school, Sophie led us all in an 8 minute abs routine. A few of us heard that there was a lake in the area in which we could go swimming. Our thirst for life being as unquenchable as it is, we mounted our bikes again and headed out for the lake. The family of Chris Webber had our entire group over for dinner tonight. A warm summer night with good food and good company - there was nowhere I would have rather been. I look forward to a summer with these...acquaintances?

Hopefully, we will ride into Santa Barbara 31 friends.