The tour has officially started, almost

The trip is officially underway! Well, at the very least we are now midway through orienting oursevles to one another; the city on the other hand is still proving a little difficult to navigate for a few people. Day one was a nice mix of time to chat about our concerns and feelings towards the ride and practical riding tips. We also had a great picnic lunch with the local Bahi group who came to wish us well on our trip. I think they really managed to inspire some of the group and it was the perfect way to start the adventure we are getting ready to fully embark on tomorrow.

I would also like to say that I become the first person to get a flat tire. Yes, that's right, I actually managed to get a flat tire BEFORE the tour even started. Apparently I was a little over zealous with my pumping and I ripped the valve right off. I then had to change it another time because I put in the wrong tube, so I think that means I get to help lead the tire changing session we are doing tonight.

As for the last couple days they have been a blur. I finally managed to get a full night's sleep for the first time - previous to that I got 2, 6, and 4 hours respectively. I actually didn't get out to do many of the "tourist" activities in the city. Instead I spent most of my days meandering the streets on foot or by bike. It really was a nice city to just wander around in, taking in the way of life.

I will say that I love that bikes are the dominant method of transportation here. They say there are more bikes than people in the Netherlands and I think in Amsterdam specifically the ratio must be 4 or 5 to 1. It makes me wish that Vancouver was more bike friendly, and I thought we were doing pretty well before I got here.

I think that's about all I've got for now, Internet is short and I'm a little sunburned - it's been smoking hot - so my brain feels like mush. I'll try and upload more pictures at a later date when we get more than a 20 minute bursts.