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June 29, 2005
Leaving Home - Shepherdsville
Hurried. That's really the only word that can describe it. I didn't think that unraveling my life would be this difficult. Anxious is another appropriate word and not just because of all the caffeine I have been consuming.
Note: Ride starts at 9am from Bernheim Forest from in front of the new visitor's center. Just mention that you are there to see the WorldCyclist off and you get in for free.
I spent the day turning in my government goodies. My RSA key keeps changing it's six digit code about once every minute. It's used to access secured government computers. I checked back in my hazardous materials suit and it was then I concluded that this just isn't normal. It's not normal working in a place that requires that you know how to don a HazMat suit in case of some terror attack. I'm a programmer for crying out loud, I just sling bytes all day.
It's not normal in general to spend eight hours a day in a cubicle. I'm going from dwelling in a veal fattening pen cubicle to being a free range human now. Yeah that feels right. It doesn't feel hurried.
Posted by Julian Cook at June 29, 2005 06:59 PM
I'm reading this while sitting in just such a cube - and green with envy. I wanna be a free range human some day. But at least through this incredible website I'll be able to experience a little of it vicariously through you.
I'm still awestruck by what you're doing. I feel so fortunate to know you. I keep sending more people to your website and they all say the same thing - WOW!
Love and Laughter, Terri
Posted by: Terri Shofner at June 29, 2005 11:47 PM
How appropriate that I get messages from folks I grew up with in Kentucky.
I am really thrilled now that I am leaving my house one last time.
Posted by: Julian Cook at June 30, 2005 09:11 AM
Posted by: Maren at June 30, 2005 09:14 AM
Hi Julian! I, too, am reading this from a cube-farm and I, too, am many shades of green. This has been a long time in the planning stages...can you believe the time has come? The first days of living your dream! I wish I could be among your friends joining you for Monday's kick-off leg, but know that you'll be in my thoughts! I think I'll head out for a bike ride that morning, kind of join you in spirit. Enjoy your travels, stay in the moment, and gather up some wonderful memories to share with us! Happy Trails!!
- Jules
Posted by: Julie Whittum at June 30, 2005 02:03 PM
We will be following you along with some other homeschoolers. Good Luck!! The Mooney's
Posted by: melissa at June 30, 2005 09:06 PM
What time will you be at Bernheim and what time will you be leaving?
Posted by: Billy Martin at July 1, 2005 11:08 PM
I remember when this was all just a dream - and I'm absolutely thrilled, stunned, impressed, envious, and excited that the rubber is going to meet the road.
The website is beautiful.
Not that you need to add any more code but I thought this might interest you: http://www.audioblog.com/
Posted by: Jennifer Chang at July 1, 2005 11:38 PM
Oh, man, you're rekindling my old wanderlust... especially having come from Louisville and pedaled 17000 miles myself. (My tires itch!)
I wish you friendly drivers, passive dogs, awesome tailwinds, wonderful new friends, glass-free shoulders, all-you-can eat restaurants, exuberant downhills, welcoming locals, quiet campsites, and most of all... the adventure of a lifetime!
Warmly,
Steve
Posted by: Steven Roberts at July 2, 2005 02:32 PM
Joining Julian in spirit on The First Morning is a great idea. I'll be there too, on my bike on my roads. I like following the trip, keeping in touch with a friend from work whom I'll miss, but feel great for. Julian, thanks for sharing this part of your life with us, and creating a great web site.
Posted by: Don MacLeod at July 2, 2005 08:26 PM
Thanks everyone! It feels so good having such wonderful friends encouraging me especially the programmers I admire, like Don and adventurers I admire like Steven Roberts (who is also a programmer I admire). Until I get my adventure documented and out there for general consumption I recommend that you folks take a look at Steven Roberts site at http://microship.com
He also wrote Computing Across America which details his ride on a recumbent where he was connected in almost every aspect. (Even a CB radio! Can you imagine?)
He pushes technology and biking to insane levels and is one of my inspirations and I am happy to have him here.
Julian
Posted by: Julian Cook at July 2, 2005 10:20 PM
Wow, Julian! Your moment of truth has finally arrived. Your dream is about to be realized. The magnitude of it all just takes my breath away. I hope your reality is even better than the fantasy.
Posted by: bonita at July 4, 2005 12:11 AM
Godspeed Julian. My 6 year old daughter, Lorin, and I where fortunate to meet you this morning before you embarked on your journey. She thinks you are way cool!. We will be following you on your journey via the internet ( ain't technology great?)and keeping you in our prayers.
Posted by: Robert Bridges & Lorin at July 4, 2005 04:48 PM
You make me smile Julian. . . if only I could be that free range spirit!!! I guess I'll just have to live it through you for awhile - someday my time will come!!!
Cheers,
Leanne
Posted by: Leanne Layne at July 5, 2005 07:14 AM
Hola Julian!!!!!! I want to wish you "MUY BUENA SUERTE" in this great adventure, God bless you......you'll be in my thoughts, big kiss,
Maria Eugenia.
Posted by: Maria Eugenia Silva at July 5, 2005 02:25 PM
Hey Julian, It's day 2 and I don't see any stats. We need real time updates, tps reports or something, heh heh. Enjoy!
-J
Posted by: John Salamon at July 5, 2005 05:08 PM
hey!you finally done it, you have talk about it alot and you finally made it.remember i will always keep up with you on the computer.mom fine.love you littlebrother susietarrence july10 10:50pm
Posted by: susie tarrence at July 10, 2005 10:50 PM
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