Preparing for the Journey

Preparing is always my favorite part of any trip. But, this one is different. And weird.
I am going to Oregon on a 6-day, 5-night bicycling trip with Sojourn Cycling. Last October, I participated in a charity bicycle ride called the Wild Goose Chase, benefitting the Black Water Wildlife Refuge in Southern Maryland. The ride is sponsored by Terry Cycling, a company that sells athletic clothing for women. There was a raffle at the end of the ride and the grand prize was a Terry bicycle, which I really wanted. I wanted it because I rode my trail bike on that 65 mile ride and realized, for the first time, that there is a difference between trail bikes and road bikes! So, I needed a road bike. I didn't win :(
But, I did win the second prize -- a 6-day, 5-night bicycling trip with Sojourn Cycling.
So, why is this trip weird? Because I did not plan it -- Sojourn did. And I only have to pack for me. Bill and Jake are not going. So, the whole trip took about 5 minutes to plan.
But I am sure it is going to be great!!
I am traveling to Portland, Oregon on Saturday (round trip, direct flight from Dulles, thanks American Express!) I am spending Saturday night at the Holiday Inn and then meeting up with the group on Sunday in downtown Portland.
We are staying at the Riverplace Hotel, which looks pretty fancy! Fancy -- my favorite kind of hotel! Monday, we head East to Hood River, where we will stay for the rest of the week. There are a total of 15 people in the group, as well as 2 guides.
Now, if I can just keep up . . .