European Tour – The tour has offically almost started (Written by Chris)

The trip is officially underway! Well, at the very least we are now midway through orienting ourselves 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 full 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 nights 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” actives 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 taking in the way of life.

I will say I love that bikes are the dominate 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 sunburnt – 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.