Piya's Perspective

Leaving Toledo:  I don’t remember exactly what time I woke up Sunday morning, but I’m pretty sure we were at least headed downstairs around 7:30am – about the time Ari was getting on his bike again.  I spent the morning finishing up the last minute packing and going over my lists two or three times to make sure I had everything.

Lexington:  The first foodstop for Ari was 25 miles into the day’s 80 mile trip.  Ari returned my morning call as Simeon and I were starting up the car.  Although I was leaving the house at my intended time (10am), it wasn’t until the night before as I was looking at the STP route that I realized we may not be able to catch up to Ari.

St. Helens:  Between a couple of quick stops as I headed out and a short stop for lunch, we were passing Toledo when Ari made it to St. Helens.  He would be long gone before I even made it close to the city.  With only 30 miles left of riding, and St. Helens being the last major stop before Portland, I headed straight to the finish line.

Portland:  I was walking into Holladay Park when I discovered Ari had left me a message – expected time of riding left:  1hr 30min.  Called my coworker and then checked out the vendor tents.  Discovered the free sign making tent and Simeon was very happy to get ahold of some markers.  Hung around the fountains for a bit until I met up with L.  I really appreciated L’s offer to meet up with me.  It was nice to have some adult company while I waited for Ari.  L, Simeon and I grabbed a spot along the sidewalk just ahead of the finish line and kept a lookout. 

The last time Ari rode STP, J came down with me and we stood just ahead of the finish line for 20-40 minutes keeping watch.  Around 8:30pm Saturday night, the Seattle PD rode by with a police escort.  Once past the corner, the escort let the sirens wail a moment and sped off.  Our attention was diverted momentarily wondering if there really was an accident ahead.  Next thing we know, Ari is walking his bike back toward us from the finish line.

Didn’t have that problem this time around.  L and I reached the street a little before 3:30 (Ari’s expected time of arrival) and there was a mass of cyclists waiting to cross the finish line.  Ari saw us when he arrived around 4pm and came over to say hello.  Simeon, waving his sign, was very happy to see daddy.  Not so happy when daddy then left to finish walking across the finish line.  It was a good thing Ari wasn’t too tired to carry Simeon when we met up again – Simeon wasn’t about to let daddy out of his site again for a bit.

L and I then met J and M – two of the other riders in Ari’s group.  Hats off to M – 11 years old and he rode the entire 205 miles.  The guys dropped off their bikes and grabbed a change of clothes from their luggage.  Ari had wanted a shower, but didn’t really want the 45 minute wait.  R, S and Z (the rest of Ari’s group) came through a little later.  Ari and J went to greet them.

After some time sitting around, hanging out, and following Simeon, L had to leave.  I don’t think it was much later that the rest of the group needed to start loading up their bikes and boarding the bus back to Seattle.  Ari, Simeon and I grabbed Ari’s things, loaded up the car, and continued our trip.  We had another couple hours of driving ahead of us.

Astoria:  Arrived at the Crest Motel at 9pm.  Neither Ari or I were feeling that great, so I don’t think we even bothered to turn on the lights. The sun was the perfect clock – it was still a little light when we first unloaded the car and had disappeared from sight within the hour.  Simeon was a little restless and tried playing with us on the bed.  He quickly settled down when he realized it was bedtime.  Thankfully, he only lasted 30 minutes or so in bed with us.  Ari was able to transfer him to the crib without hassle and we were able to enjoy the space of a king size bed for the rest of the night.

Start Line:  Ari was at the UW parking lot with his group by 5:30am.  I was happily tucked in bed.  I did wake around 4:15 when Ari kissed me goodbye.  I even ran downstairs and opened/closed the garage to get his attention.  I failed.  Luckily, I saw the spare hanging on the key rack when I came back inside and didn’t waste any time going back to sleep.

First half of the day:  Simeon woke around 6:30.  By then, Ari was pedaling his way south.  The rough night before made it easy to convince Simeon he needed more sleep.  I just brought him into my bed and laid back down.  We finally made our way downstairs around 8:30.  Having shown no signs of stomach problems since midnight, it was oatmeal for breakfast – and half of my bowl of cheerios (we’re currently at that stage where he wants anything mommy or daddy are eating). 

(Not quite) The day’s halfway point: Item one on my list for the day – pick up Ari’s car.  Ari left it on a street near my boss’s house – down the street from a nice little playground area with a swingset.  Around 10am, Simeon climbed into the stroller and we were off to play.  As expected, Ari called on the way.  He was in Spanaway – 55 miles Puyallup – 42 miles[1] cycled and time to get some food.  Ironically, I passed his car seconds after we hung up.

Second half of the day:  After playing for a bit, it was time to head back home.  Simeon fell asleep in the car on the way and got a 1.5 – 2 hour nap.  I managed to get some rest, some lunch, some laundry, some dishes and some afternoon planning accomplished.  Ari was breaking away from his group for bit and racing to the mid-point.

STP mid-point:  After running an errand, Simeon and I picked up B&B and headed to Greenlake for some swimming.  I had wanted to take him to the wading pool the weekend before and failed.  The weather was gorgeous and B&B were wonderful company.  Ari called as we were unloading the car.  102 miles and he had made it to Centralia.  He was in line for food (or bathroom), sounded great and had plenty of time to relax.  Unfortunately it was 20-20 hindsight that told him he should have gotten a massage – his thighs burned the next couple days.

Simeon just loved the wading pool!  The weekend before we had gone to the gym pool and finally dunked him under.  This weekend he just had a blast in the water, splashing and running around.  He was also being a great little boy.  A girl brought a toy over to him that had been floating in the water.  When she came back for it, I expected Simeon to have a fit.  Instead he gave it right back and didn’t make a fuss when she left to return it to the rightful owner.  It was also easier than I expected to leave the pool.  He was ready to come out on his own about the same time that B&B and I were starting to think about packing up.  We rested and noshed a bit before heading to dinner.

End of Day 1:  Dinner was unfortunately cut short.  Simeon had absolutely no interest in it, which meant I didn’t either.  Thankfully, B&B were extremely helpful and understanding.  Simeon fell asleep around 7pm as we were on our way to drop B&B back home.  I expected he’d wake up when we got home, but he actually slept the rest of the night.  I called Ari at one point , expecting he was resting in Toledo (120 miles into the ride and the night’s stop).  Luckily my question was quick, he didn’t have much time.  I found out later they still had a few miles to go, but my good timing had caught them when they had momentarily stopped.

The rest of the night was spent packing and doing a last load of laundry.  By the time I crawled into bed it was the end of Day 1…for everybody. 

[1] Correction after reading the first part of R’s story of the ride.