First Day

Well, we left at 3:30 from TIpp on Thurs and took the grand tour of the Midwest to get to Richmond. I made a trip tix through AAA and it brought us through many small towns at 35 mph. Near Ironton OH we saw a beautiiful double rainbow. We hit the moutains at dark and couldn't see where we were going. Finally got into Richmond at 1:45 am Friday morning. Of course AJ woke up and decided not to got back to sleep until 4 am. After about 3 hours sleep we were up and running for the day. Exccellent buffet for breakfast at the hotel (which is another story about the room - yuck) - the staff is going out of their way to answer questions about the city. Team USA didn't have their stuff together this morning - took forever to get the "parade shirt". The team photo at the Capital Building was awesome. They had everyone yell GO TEAM USA and it echoed through the city - awesome. I have pictures and videa, but Rebecca doesn't have all the software installed for us to attach it It was extremely hot and humid for the Opening Ceremonies. All the countries lined up and it was really neat. Jeff made a new friend - guy in his age group that is a professor in TX. We have lots of video and pictures of this also. Jeff made everyone very proud.

After that everone was meeting at 2 to take one loop of the bike route - the heavens decided to open up - some rode but Jeff decided to run a couple of miles. I think they are trying again tomorrow at 8 am. So, we decided to take a nap - even Jeff did!

After eating dinner tonight we walked around the downtow section with the original cobblestone streets - the buildings are restored - people from the other counties are exremely friendly - I wish I could say the same about some of the US. I know they are here to race, but a smile goes a long way.

Tomorrow brings more political items to take care of - mandatory team meeting -issuing official passes etc. Hopefully it will be a no rain day, while Jeff rides we want to walk the other direction and see the Civil War Historical sites.

More later - night!
Goose