Share The Road - On the road - Day 1

			DAY ONE  San Diego to Live Oaks Springs, CA  (Above linked route is approximated, not actual) Total Mileage: 70.97  Sunday, June 26th It is beautiful being out on the road. I am free of my thoughts of the daily grind and can release myself to being present to everything that's going on all around me. It was hard to say goodbye to my lovely Annamaria, certainly. Being apart for an extended period of time (again) is not either of our favorite things - but this is an adventure that will add more to our lives. San Diego (where the trip started and where Annamaria and I said goodbye for now) seems like it’s a million miles away at this point. This is a very different kid of feeling than last year on the Boys of Summer tour as I am not producing -- I'm here to ride, document and participate in whatever manner Gary sees fit. Today's ride was approximately 70 miles. Lots of climbing. Tough stuff at times, I must say. The hydration is so key -- but so is the good food. And, too, is a good heart. It was wonderful to hear from Annamaria this morning that my heart sounded strong. It feels strong. My body feels strong. Though I pride myself in being an athlete and staying in some kind of shape, I've never been this fit before. I've never attempted an endurance sport before. This is (I think) a good transition for me as a lot of my workouts in the past have been geared toward the shorter, more explosive activities (like basketball). I know, as I get older (gulp), that I won't be doing my body any favors to continue playing like I'm younger than I am. I also know that's no excuse not to be active -- it's about being realistic about my age and what I'm capable of. I will continue to explore new ways of working out and engaging my body. I have one concern -- my knee is aching. It’s a pain I had once before -- a few weeks back on my birthday. It’s nothing I can’t get past, certainly. I do remember David Lee Roth and his story about his knee vs. Motrin: basically, he and Van Halen had finally arrived on the big stages and as a major act. His knee started acting up and he had a conversation with it that went something like: Knee - I don't think I can do this. I hurt too bad. Dave - Yes, you can. Knee - I don't think so. Let's call of the show. Dave - F*#@ you. I have Motrin. As for me, I remain present as possible. Tomorrow’s ride will be upon us in no time at all. So I do now. I breathe. I enjoy. I experience. I love. Thank you for this moment. Stayed at Golden Acorn Casino. Breakfast: Fruit, Oatmeal Lunch: PB&Banana Dinner: beans/rice, Caesars Salad, avocado Extras: 4 Clif Bars, 5 Gu's, 10 Ultima bottles 4 Green Tea Tabs