Raising Unawareness Day 1-- San Francisco to Pigeon Point

Traveling down the California Pacific Highway my tour will begin. I cannot tell you how excited I am. I am equally scared.

I've had tremendous luck finding a riding partner, Marcus from England. He is to arrive here in SF in just a few hours. We have so many preparations to make. This includes purchasing a bike for him and all the accoutrement. My bike will be fitted with rear panniers, changes of clothing, sleeping bag, tent, GPS, water, and my blue blazer (in case I am invited out for drinks at the Barstow Country Club, one never knows and I'd hate to be under dressed).

I've loaded my ipod with This American Life episodes, the entire Delibes opera Lakme, Nina Simone, Phillip Glass and George Jones. As for reading I will pack Under the Volcano by Malcolm Lowry.

Admittedly, I am unprepared for this journey. I have not been on a bicycle in months. Instead, while lounging around reading I've been smoking, drinking and eating-- like it was my job. Last week I did take the bike from 18th Ave to the bar at 11th Ave.

The route takes us down the California coast, across Route 66, finally dropping down in Arkansas, Mississippi and Alabama. Arriving home approximately 34 days from the start. Big Sur, The Cadillac Ranch, Grand Canyon and various scenes from Pee Wee's Big Adventure here I come.