Fellow Migrators,

Since we parted it's been a wonderful trip. I was having an amazing time in Chico, but I had to heed my warnings and not get sucked in too fast. I have too much to fulfill here in Santa Cruz to be trying to integrate myself in another community... for now. And I had another calling to finish off some other Karma. So I rode two hundred thirty miles in three days, up over mount Lassen at 8,511 feet, and to Headwaters in Mt. Shasta. The Outdoor school there has brought me a long way, but during my time there this month it was clear to me that I must seek out other teachers, experiences and friends and visions in this life.

While a part of me wanted to ride another 500 miles over the mountains and down the coast to my home, I was tired of touring alone. Highway 89 was nothing short of terrifying, with a 20 miles section of no change in scenery, no bike lane, and semi trucks passing at 70 mph. I missed the camaraderie we had on the ride, I missed having to stop for no particular reason, and I missed the random acts of complete ridiculousness that seemed to occur around every bend in the road. When I tour alone I wake up in the morning and can't think of anything to do other than ride 80 miles through 95 degree heat. It just wasn't quite as much fun. It was a good experience for sure, but it only enforced the notion that I cannot do this alone.

I hitched a ride back to Santa Cruz and arrived on the 17th. Since then I have built three gardens. I've gotten so much done and been so purposefully inspired that I can't even comprehend it. Massive shopping trips, cleaning, organizing, smoking, drinking, talking, thinking. Inspired by conversations I've had with all of you I'm thinking of ways to reduce my waste, to be the change I want to see in the world.

The Cabrillo College Bicycle Co-op is starting a week from today. Currently the shop consists of three donated bikes, some shelves, some tools, inner tubes and u-locks, a few stands, and a few people. I'm going to be building workbenches and organizing the space over the next week. Over the semester I'll be helping to run the shop, and teach people that YES, they CAN commute by bicycle and be happy, and that they can also repair and maintain their wonderful machines. Turning the vision and inspiration I gained during Wheeled Migration and at the conference into reality. This is quite a big commitment for me, especially on top of my heavy course load for this semester. But in doing so I will be pushing the boundaries of my comfort zone and growing in ways I never thought imaginable.

As per the title of my post, I am planning on attending Bike!Bike! (http://www.bikebike.org) from September 25th to 28th, in San Francisco. Bike!Bike! is "an annual conference of community bicycle projects from around the country (and abroad) who come together in order to explore and affirm our common values; to create networks for sharing tools, organizational structures, funny stories and new skills; to inspire and invigorate ourselves to continue the work we do in our many communities; and to meet athletic strangers." I would love to see some of you (hell, all of you) there.

I rode by the ocean in Capitola the other day, and there is still a "WM" with a heart around it in the bike lane. It certainly isn't over yet. In fact I feel like I'm just getting started.

Much Love,

-Blair

I am missing waking up to a bevy of bicycles in the morning. I miss making coffee for 18 and riding and riding and riding................ I invite all of the Wheeled Migration enthusiast to a bicycle event. The Ginger Ninjas are bringing there pedal power to Chico Wednesday August 20th. Ma' Muse will be opening @ 8, come and help pedal the sound.
The Ginger Ninjas w/ local guests Ma'Muse
Chico Peace and Justice Center
526 Broadway in between 5th and 6th
Downtown Chico
8pm-12am
$4 donations or food or bicycle work or Veg Oil for Millie the vegetable oil bus.
Come by Bicycle...alternative transportation is fun!!!!!!!
Peace, Love and bicycles,
Sammey

I finally made it home, back to San Jose, after what felt like a whole lifetime of sleeping somewhere else. I have been thinking a lot about the trip over the past few days, while at the conference as well as my time back in San Jose. I want to start off by thanking everyone. I had a wonderful time and I really felt like I made a connection with everyone. This was the most amazing, not to mention entertaining experience of my life.
It never crossed my mind that the ride would have such an impact on my general view on life, I never thought I would have a hard time reintegrating into the "real world". We had talked about it prier to reemerging into civilization, where people weren't on their bikes 8 or more hours a day. Reemerging into a world where other people existed, other people who had not just rode their bikes for hundreds of miles. Who had not spent every hour of their days with wonderful caring people who I felt like I had known for years. It was hard to come back to a place where I slept inside. I missed being able to escape, run off barefoot to the beach. I missed the tightness of the group and being apart of such group.
The day we rolled into SLO, I was pumped to have finished such an amazing trip, last year, I was extremely impressed with the wheeled migraters, I wanted to be able to do a trip like that too. I was happy to know that I could, thanks to the help of this amazing group of people. At the same time I was sad, I didn't want to leave the road or the group. I wanted to keep on riding, I was ready to travel for another 5 days or even more. Knowing that I could travel and carry gear and live off of my bicycle gave me an amazing sense of liberation. I wasn't ready to give it up. It brought me to tears knowing that the most amazing experience in my life was coming to an end. I pondered this idea of an end for a day leading up to the conference all through the conference. And now as I sit here in my room, I know that I will never let go of this experience. It has changed me. It has brought all my beliefs and motivations to a forefront. I feel ready to take this momentum that has been generated by this ride and conference to reenergize my life and motivations. I am ready to help build upon this idea of bicycle transportation, help the San Jose State and the surrounding city take a closer look at what it needs to do to accommodate the growing need for bike infrastructure. In a sense the trip will never be over for me. Being apart of such a beautiful movement is an honor.
There were many campfires where I wanted to spill my heart and let everyone know how wonderful and helpful they had been. I really felt accepted into the group, being that I was a late comer into such a tight group that had been through a lot together. I was pleasantly surprised how willing everyone was to accept me into their group and treat me like one of their own. I wanted to thank Ryan and Quinn for not only having the expertise to teach us about road safety and edict, but also for putting on an amazing ride. But most of all I want to thank them for my first day. I started my day, slightly ill- prepared for the massive trek up and around devils slide in-between San Francisco and half moon bay. I rode up the steepest, longest, and windiest hill I have ever ridden up. My legs were burning and I wasn't sure if I could make it up the hill. But Quinn and Ryan were there, they stayed with me the whole time, they made sure I was safe. They never left my side. I knew right then, that I would be able to complete this trip. I knew that I was in a group of people who were not going to forget about me or ever let me be in danger. I knew that I would be able to finish this bike ride because I had wonderful people who gave me the moral supported that I needed to convince myself that I could get over that hill, and the next and the next, until I got to the point where I lost count of how many hills I had climbed and even started to enjoy the challenge of the hill. Believe it or not hills can be fun!
I want to thank everyone who I got to ride with, I loved being able to talk to so many different wonderful people. Hearing so many different stories, you can really get to know a person riding hour after hour with them. It's a wonderful way of getting to know someone in fact. Thanks again to everyone who really helped my shy-self open up and really feel free for the first time in a really long time. I hope that everyone has made it home or to their next destination safe and sound. I hope that people's lives are filled with inspiration and they are able to share that with those around them.
I plan on helping out for next year and helping all the wonderful people who worked so hard to make this trip happen. I feel indebted to you for showing me such a wonderful opportunity and taking me on such a life-changing journey.

Until the next time we meet, keep on riding and loving life.

Julia Kamoroff

Here is something fun to consider for our next trip . . .

http://trick-bike.com/

To my Friends and Family,

I may be far away, but right now I feel home. I've ridden with the
wheeled migration for 250 miles from Pescadero to San Luis Obispo, and
have now followed them back to Chico to continue my journey. As the
list of people I'm sending this to grows, I realize you may wonder
what the hell I've been up to. I've moved back to Santa Cruz, and am
steadfastily continuing my education, with the goal of a degree in
Mechanical Engineering. Two weeks ago I joined a group of wild, free
spirited cyclists called Wheeled Migration
(http://www.wheeledmigration.org) and we rode our touring bikes to the
7th Annual Sustainability conference at Cal Poly. My intention was to
network with people and get a clearer direction with regards to my
future, and above all to have more fun than I thought possible.

My past bicycle tours have always been an excercise in solitude,
character building and physical challenge. On this trip I joined up
with twenty other riders whom I didn't know, and I honestly had my
doubts about how well it would go. And it's now that I wonder if I can
ever go back to the solitary masochism of my old ways. I've never
felt so at home with a group of people that I just met. Perhaps it
was the way that nobody did this ride with their ego on the line, or
the way that despite the broad range of speeds and skill levels,
nobody was left behind and nobody dragged the group down. Maybe there
is just something so special and empowering about carrying all that
you need to survive on a bicycle. Freedom from the confines of steel
and glass boxes, from air conditioning and the social norms that
govern our petroleum addicted society. Maybe it's the way that right
now in Chico I have more offers for floors, couches, beds and
backyards to stay in than I have in Santa Cruz.

The major recurring theme on this adventure so far has been that I
cannot do this alone. It seems that as I grow and mature there are
more and more things I wish to accomplish, and while I am strong and
driven I have learned that many more are stronger. I've broken down a
lot of personal barriers on this ride, and many seeds have been
planted in my fertile mind.

The Sustainability Conference was anti-climatic, if anything. In many
ways a big let down, but at the same time I still walked away with a
good set of ideas that I will grow over the next couple of weeks on
the road. After spending so much time on a bicycle with no walls
surrounding me, being back in the civilized, air conditioned,
shoe-wearing, quantified world was a terrible shock to all of our
systems. The conference was all ideas and talk of sustainability, but
did not seem sustainable in practice or execution. It was hard to
find interest in changing the policies of institutions to be more
sustainable when the people and environment that surrounded me was
not. Change in the world starts within each one of us, and I believe
that if I can make my own existence less of a burden and more of a
gift to the earth and my community, the rest will fall into place.
I've learned more about personal sustainability from my fellow riders
than from any speaker or panel at the conference. Over hills and
through headwinds, across the hundreds miles of enlightening
conversations.

Following the conference I hitched a ride in our sagwagon Myrtle back
to Chico. I've spent so much time with the Chico crew that I feel
like I'm from there, although I'm only just arriving for the first
time. Chico people, I want to drink at least one beer and go for at
least one bike ride before I go. I'll be around here, you'll find me.
I've got my bicycle and everything I need for the road with me, and I
will be rolling back to Santa Cruz.... someday.

For the next couple of weeks I'm going to be thinking about how I can
grow and strengthen my cycling community at home. How can I teach
people that cycling is a fun, enlivening and effective method of
transportation, how can I get them all on good, safe bicycles, and how
can I promote understanding between motorists and cyclists? I want us
to have conversations about how the Wheeled Migration can continue to
grow and flourish, and how we can bring it all back home.

My ever evolving plan, as it stands in this moment, is to ride to
Shasta and Headwaters Outdoor School sometime next week, and ride home
from there. Wish me luck, I'll be thinking of you...

Much love to all,

-Blair

We are home, after a 13 hours and two new tires. We got in at 4:30. Michelle, Blair and Becky (Dusty) spent the night. I made pancakes in the morning. It felt so normal.

I MISS YOU ALL SO MUCH!

Feel free to stop by for your stuff. Quinn, feel free to drop off the bikes here.

Much love.

Wheeled Migration participants did an amazing thing. We navigated our bicycles hundreds of miles in the span of ten days in order to come to a UC/CSU/CCC Sustanibility Conference. As with most experiences, the journey has been more rewarding, at least to me, than the destination. Especially our journey. We slowed our world down to cycling speed and not only did we gain a great workout but more importantle we gained an invaluable perspective to an otherwise mundane activity.

And all of a sudden that world we created came to a halt as we reintegrated ourselves to the world of sustainability within California's university system. We still have yet to go back into society. Let me tell you what: I am not ready for such a feat. Experiencing what I have here has taken a toll on my paradigms regarding this sustainability phenom. I don't think that I will ever return to this conference as an attendee. The ideas floating about are awesome, yet the set-up, rules, and general attitude about real change within the conference are lacking in a huge way. I saw food being wasted today by the conference folks. That made me feel very bad. One of the major principles for me in sustainability is simply not wasting any resource. I of course asked the staff about this and as usual I recieved the flowery bureaucratic, "well the rules are this and this" and I wonder to myself whether or not there is any foresight put into planning things.

I am sorry for complaining, but I see a lot of things to question, and I think that I am affected by things and it makes me feel terrible. I don't really talk about my feelings that much, so I figured I would write some of them: on the inside, there is a spring that is so tightly coiled that I do not know what to do, and it will not uncoil, it only gets tighter and tigher. But that is why I am fortunate to have participated in Wheeled Migration, as it was an experience that, with some fine-tuning, is an excellent example for working towards a better world, and helped me ease the coils.

In closing, I am comfortable with no comfort zone. And thanks to each and every participant and outside entity/person who helped us along the way. Much love.

Here I am in the Cal Poly University Union feeling sad as my orange bike just rode away in a car.

It was the most incredible thing to come here from Santa Cruz on my bike, but since I have to go back to work soon I can't ride back home on my Sammy nammed bike = Juice.

I learned so much from all you fellow migrators and thank you for the honor of riding with you. Life will not be exactly the same again as the ride will keep rolling on through my heart until the next time we meet. Big Love to all of you and all those people of the pedal powering themselves down the road of life.
Karen

I'm blogging from the Los Osos Library computer right now, about 13 miles north of SLO. We made it!! So today's a day to relax and then tomorrow we'll start the conference craziness.

I'm sitting here remembering the last time I showered (I'll say 4 days ago) in the cleanest clothes I could find while waiting for Mark to wash everything else (thank you, Mark!) wearing my dirty, now holy, very smelly shoes. I'm beginning to wonder what my computer neighbor thinks of having this pigpen sitting next to her and wondering if she's overwhelmed by my more than likely offensive odor.

I'm beginning to wonder how the re-integration process will go, how I will begin to worry about frivolous like cleanliness and outfit coordination when I've only been concerned with very much more important topics recently: safely navigating the road from destination to destination, arriving before dark.

I've developed a new perspective on life these past 10 days.

I'm almost out of time, so let me say this: it has been an INCREDIBLE trip that I recommend to anyone brave enough to sign up for such an adventure. I'm super thankful to have been afforded the opportunity to be a part of it.

Love and happy cycling!

Lisa

I have spent one of the most densely experienced weeks of my life riding with Wheeled Migration. Unexpectedly, somewhere between Avalon and Occidental this tour grew into much more than a bike ride for me. The feeling of community on the road and off the road has been unbelievable. Every single person I have ridden with has amazed the hell out of me. Thanks to each and every one of you for the pleasure of your company and for being the very best of what we have to offer each other. I miss you terribly and wish you a safe journey. Blow the lid off of San Luis Obispo for me!

-Brad

back in the saddle after a wonderful day of sagging with supersammi! and i have to say that we came through with the sweetness and tacos and beer because we love our riders and they deserve nothing but the loviest bestness! so, feeling rested and ready to ride i am determined to give it my best shot and ride with the strength and pride of a wheeled migrator. driving the sag yesterday gave me the opportunity to watch each individual on bike and the look of settled and calm determination in their faces. they were doing so freakin awesome! it gave me a feeling of sheer wonder and joy to be part of a group of such amazing people. today i am determined not to fall at any point and defy my given nickname of dusty hips gravel butt saucier... although i love it and wear it with pride because i'm still standing, amazingly enough. every dream and vision i have had of this ride is coming to fruition and then some, my mind is blown and any doubt blasted to smithereens by cannonballs of laughter that arise from our group of supernormalpeople. i love you all and look forward to the next 4 days of riding. i know this experience has changed our lives forever and i will carry this torch that has been lit within me where ever i go now and in the future and share its light with each new person i meet. hearts and kisses 4 life!
loveandspokes,
becky
aka dusty hips.... now touring to towns near you...

HOLA!!!!!! So yesterday I drove the Sag Wagon with Miss Beautiful Becky Saucier. It was the first day I have been in a car in about a month. After riding my bike for 6 days straight it was quit a culture shock. Every hill that the car vroomed up I looked at it soooooo differently. Becky took special care to drive slower around bikers and give them more room on the shoulder. I think we both learned something from the sag experience and that was we don't want to travel by car simple because a bicycle gives you a more indepth look at the landscape, the life, the ecosystems and the culture of the people. On your bike you are really being apart of a world, breaking down walls and letting yourself be engulfed by the place your rollin through. In a car you have walls and are blocked off from the elements making it harder to really understand the mood of the day. One of the things I am learning on this trip is in order to be a part of life you have to be a part of it. You can't shut yourself of from people, smells, experiences, and tastes. Be a part of your life and emerge from the dark full of light and openness for whatever might come your way. I can't wait to ride today and experience more of the world that has been created and create more of what I want to happen.
Peace, love and happy travels,
Sammey

I would like to start by saying that I love bicycles. That cannot be said enough.

Explaining my feelings with the time constraints at hand would not do the ride justice as this is the morning of the seventh day and we will be headed for Monterey within the hour. I would like to express my unprecedented appreciation for bicycles, bicycle riders, and unconditional compassion that has been demonstrated by those who come in contact with us. The world is changing my friends, and while this microcosomal bubble that we are pedaling within consists of just a handful of us, that is where revolution begins. One person, one idea, one world. Share the road!

Also, I saw a cool quote on a teabag handle thingy: You can't shake hands with a clenched fist.

Hello from Samantha on day 6. Today I have assumed the position of sag wag driver/helper. Quinn made a good point at our council meeting this morning, stating that he took the opportunity to sag because his knee was hurting. My right knee is hurt so I thought it best for my body to rest and regenerate. I look forward to helping my fellow riders out in giving them food, water, a song or a hug.
The last 5 days of my life have been something that you could only see in my eyes. I have seen things, heard things and felt things I could have only experience with this group of people. We are all a loving mush pot of different personalities and assuming new roles everyday. Yesterday was the first time I have ever been on the Golden Gate Bridge and it was on my bike!!!!!! Talk about excited. I rang my bike bell the whole time.
The first time I have riden up a 15% grade hill coming out of Sausalito and the first time that I was the leader of the pack up Devils slide, which if you don't know is a very busy very narrow highway into Half Moon Bay. I am still ready for more firsts. I can already think of some.
First time to Santa Cruz on my Bike, First time speaking at a conference and first time really immersing myself in doing it, be there and experiencing a whole new culture, lifestyle and time schedule. What we are doing world changing and I can't wait to inspire others to do it, do anything, just get out there and experience the world.
Thanks all for reading, supporting and sending good energy to this group because they are some powerful people.
Love, Peace and bicycles,
Sammey

Oh my.. Hello.

I'd like to summarize the last five days of my life by saying, "BBBAAAAAAWWWHHAAAAAAAAHAHAHHAHAHAHHAHAHHHAHAHAAHAAAAAAA!!!!!!"

I'm coming over to you from the Regenerative Design Institute in Bolinas. We are twenty-three miles from crossing the Golden Gate bridge on what appears to be a blue on sapphire morning.

With each passing day the momentum within the tour turns ever hotter; such that, when I finally lay my head down at night, it's hard to believe there could possibly be another tomorrow with even more.

As a group, we have exploded my ideas of what could be possible out here. Everyone is coming forward with different skills and insights to make this event safe, wise, warm, comfortable, and accessible to all.

The other day I was sitting with the staff of the Occadential Ecology Center (which is mind bendingly blissful), listening to them talk about the "cycling group" on their land. Then as if on cue, a pack of us emerged from a garden path en route to dinner (which was also roll your head back delicious, look for the pictures). I smiled as I looked over them, not a single one looked like that thing that comes to mind with the word "cyclist." They were- well.. as they are. They're the folks you stand with in a coffee shop, who smile to you in the halls, or the people who make a thoughtful remark in class. They look just like you..

There was a remarkable shine about their faces, a laugh upon everyone's lips, and they - were - loud. They spoke with a roar you find on the road, that lives between the pack, it's in us all- it lives very quiet, deep down in there- they have found it, you'll hear 'em coming.

As I type this most of the riders have departed for the Golden Gate. More soon, soo much more so soon...

Dearest all

Just a quick note to say we've been thinking of you. Since today is day number five of our cycle tour and we haven't written yet a scratch here you may have felt abandoned. But please rest gently knowing we all miss all of you terrifically. We've been in the shadows of mountains--real and figuratively (the mountain that is us)--and have not had the connectivity or wherewithal to upload the many spools of film we've captured or to voice the songs and poems and stories we've collected along the route.

For now, please indulge in a few photos (click each for details). And see more on our continuously-updated Flickr Group Photostream.

Hello Everyone,

After listening to the riders reflections on the Richard Heinberg presentation, it feels like we're starting to enliven deeper meanings and possibilities with our ride.
One thing that keeps coming back is what a wholistic experience this tour has become; it's wonderful to see the vision reaching fruition as riders get the chance to challenge (and feed) their minds as well.

It was interesting for me to observe how Richard's presentation was received by a room the worn bodies and wide open hearts. While some sat on the edge of their shammy, others we're clearly overdone from the day got dreamy with the power point and loaded information. The presentation has given me great insight for coordinating learning and discussion into the future of this event.

I'm very grateful to Richard and those good people at the Post Carbon Institute for this rare opportunity to share a space for discussing such critical subjects with such a bright light. I only wish his message and urgency was more greatly understood.

Richard posted a word about the migration on his blog yesterday, have a look..

So excited to meet up with Wheeled Migration tomorrow morning at Ocean Beach! I’ve lived on the coast all my life and never far from a bike (I think I currently own 6!), but never ridden the coast route. Though I was hoping to ride from SF to Santa Cruz, I’ll settle for the shorter distance and then hit the whole thing next time.

See you all tomorrow!!

the tour so far...WOW! After the first day in the valley we have turned west and last night found us getting to a magical place with soothing waters. The stars were out as I have not seen them in a month... More to come later.

This is an early morning post, my days seem to be regulated to eating, riding, sleeping now. We have interent at our third destination, but I will get to that later. The first day after leaving the plaza I could feel the excitement and energy that everyone was harboring. 55 miles to Williams was going to be no problem and it wasn't. Brad and I were the first ones in and happily celebrated with two beers each. I have to warn you though if you are ever in Williams and go to the bar Granzella's you will be staired down by at least 30 stuffed animal exotic animals heads, CREEPY!!!!!! There were even polar bears!!! I got a little sad but then Brad reminded me that it was all part of the experience. What else I learned on day one was a facted about road grease spots. I encourage you all to twice think about these grease spots. Brad told me a story about a squirrel that he once knew. The squirrel was run over, and run over and run over. It stayed in one spot on the road until it was nothing more then a stain most think came from an over leaky car. Abby and I giggly call them squirrels spots know but not with out alittle sigh. Road kill is alot of what you see along the side of the road, along with trash, litter, junk, rubbish and garbage, What ever you want to call it it does not belong there!!!!!!!! Pick up the trash and maybe our air, water and land will be more more more..... BETTER!!! Anyways on to day two. And on we went. We went on and on and on and on. A long day of sun exporsure, heat, bugs, gravel and HILLS!!! We were going on slowly steep incline pretty much the whole way. I felt like I was hauling an arm chair. But we all made it to Avalon Springs and soaked our woes away in there very beautiful HOT pools of earthy goodness. Now as I am eating my whole wheat pancakes and await our third departure on our tour. Thanks for reading and if the satelites let me, I'll keep incontact.
Peace, Love and bicycles,
Sammey .

howdy wheeled wing beings
a chico music compilation CD was created by Max Kee and Tazuo Yamaguchi (me)
today to take and distribute some chico music on the journey to SLO town...

here is the track list...if u can catch Max before they leave tomorrow morning
he'll surely turn you onto one.... for a donation of $5 toward their journey..

here is the track list (thanks to all the musicians who gave a track....some of you were not notified that you'd have a track...so THANKS....there are only 50 ltd copies of this soul full cd....)..onward...

01 Wheels of Thunder
» tazuo yamaguchi
02 Chico Gospel Song
» the saplings
03 Northern California
» buffalo creek
04 Dresden
» dick & jane
05 Silly Summertime
» mamuse
06 Street Prominade
» perpetual drifters
07 Fabulous Junkyard
» karen joy brown
08 Loca Mariposa
» jeff pershing band
09 There Will Be
» musical brewing company
10 The Mission
» the shimmies
11 My Beautiful Someday
» kyle williams
12 Action - Reaction
» bear hunter
13 The Man Who Came To Town
» kenny williams jr.
14 I Won't Keep You Long
» michael lee
15 Scissors
» barbara manning
16 Fall On Me
» mike comfort
17 Holding On
» friday night simon
18 Pathos to Patience
» Here for Now
19 Sacred Breath
» mamuse

Things you can do on a bike never cease to amaze me. Last night the Big Moon group ride to the Empire Club in Durham again illustrated the freedom and joy one gets when on a bike. The conversations and smiles had by those that went, and the enthusiasm and sadness shown by several bike riders I encountered back in Chico that had missed the ride, helped to frame the power of such a ride. I think of this on the Friday-eve of the departure of the Migration with great expectation of the types of discoveries that will be had along the journey.

OK rider pals,

First- last night after some frisbee fun and other amusement, I came home after midnight and leaned my bike up against my porch. Came inside. Had the munchies. Went to sleep. Woke up this morning and went outside to water and { wham! } my bike was still there. I love my home! I love my neighborhood! I love good bike juju!

NOW on to what I'm really writing for...
I like to write to people, so those who've known me a while are aware that a favorite form of art for me is writing to someone, pouring my heart out for real, and then sharing it with others. Well, whether we know each other yet or not, you and I are close because of the journey we're about to share. So here!

Yesterday I wrote a message about the ride and emailed it to 280-something friends, former and current colleagues, mentors, cousins, and acquaintances. Yes, as I like to say, 'I network in my sleep' so, in this Life, I have formed intimately loving connections with a widespreadbeautyrange of beings. And lately, as you will read, I am asking for what I want left and right. Thought I'd share it with you. It's below.

Before I sign off...
GOOD MORNING FROM S&S PRODUCE & NATURAL FOODS!

I worked there over a decade ago and have stayed close with sibling owners Rich and Joyce Stewart, so yesterday I called Rich and asked for an approx $100 donation of things like quinoa, oats and dried soup mix and this morning, he called and said Yes! Laine, I'll put you up to the pick-up unless...yeah...I want to go with you. Hugs must be part of this exchange. This afternoon.

I love S&S. What a great model for running a successful, locally owned and independent food business that honors the planet and our bodies (which are the same thing, under a certain lens). YAY for models like theirs!

*************

Beloved friends and family,

I write to share great joy with you and to ask you to send prayers, laughter, and zany jokes my way!

In a nutshell: networking, embodied.

I'm about to embark on the biggest adventure of my life, yet: Wheeled Migration! A bike tour over the Pacific Coast Range and through my childhood home of West Marin, across the Golden Gate Bridge, around Monterey Bay and through Big Sur on Highway One, to San Luis Obispo on California's Central Coast. On Monday morning July 21st, I will depart with 20 other riders from Chico's Downtown Plaza for this 550-mile bike ride with a vision so alive it makes me do cartwheels in my sleep! This is co-active, co-creative, co-happy living unlike anything I've ever known!

Click here for the map: http://www.wheeledmigration.org/map.html
* Dad, please print the state map for the kids so they can follow along with me! Christopher pitched in $4 to help me go! ;o) *

If you are located along the route, please stop in, wave, smile, cheer and blow horns, offer lemonade or a squirt from your garden hose, and be part of the thrill! We have a solar powered cell phone charger so you can call me (530-228-0120) and check in on our where-and-when-abouts.

What does this mean to me? It means I live for fun and wildness! And that I am alive, happy and grateful to be having a human experience, feeling the dynamic nature of the human body like never before, and playing part in a networking experience so creative and vitality-rich that I feel like I've discovered gold. Giving myself this kind of experience is a tremendous boost to the Love I happily extend in the world. The WM vision is compelling, and then some. Check it all out on the website: www.wheeledmigration.org.

Through the love of friends and family, I've raised $1,200 to be able to do this ride, and still need $400. If you are inclined to extend financial support, please do so via my PayPal account (www.paypal.com / jessica@loveevents.com) and it'll go toward much-needed supplies.

For those of you who are big-time fans of food, please see the outstanding plan laid out by a fellow rider, below. It'll knock your socks off!

Whether you and I have encountered each other just three times or eleven hundred, I thank you for the vitality, love and uniqueness you have brought to my life. Be well, hope to see you on the route, and know that right now and always, you are completely loved!

Thank you for all you do as a reflection of who you are,
Jessica

P.S. Chico friends, please come to either or both:
- the benefit concert Sat 7/19 at Riparia, end of Normal Street, $5-10 suggested donation, five bands, great food for sale, way fun! Bring swimsuit for creek play and ride your bike!
- the send-off Monday morning 7/21, between 8:30-9:00am at the downtown plaza. We'd love it if you'd bring your bike and ride the first mile with us out River Road!

* What will be we be eating? *

Good Morning fellow superheroes!

(I included Lisa's wonder of a food plan below, but erased it since y'all'ready have it.)

(end)

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And since I am a pimp for the expression of Love, I thought I'd share two of the replies I received, and... let you know three people contributed in response to the message, and I've raised $200 total from their generosity!

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Dear Adventarist Jessica

I will pray for you all along the way and
even be with you when you would feel "tired".

Javed A Khan
New
Delhi, India

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Hello sweetness! So glad to get this message! Just donated $100 to the remaining needed. Hope that helps!

You are a beautiful goddess!

Love you,

Dune & Morgan

**
Jessica,

Nice! Have a great time. Eat big breakfasts and drink lots of coffee!! Most of all, be safe and avoid RV, logging trucks and good ol boys in 4x's!! Can't wait to see the pictures. See you when you get back.

All the best.

RJ

*** all for now gorgeouses ***

jmr

Did you see that map!?!?!??!!
Yeah, that's what I want to talk about.

It's pretty clear some real love went into that project and I must give my deep respect to the great Denise Hill and the ever savvy Beau Smith (of Strangecode) in delivering that fine work of art.

D pieced together the route from a Benchmark map project that I was floundering on, I drew up the mile markers and directions (after a 4 day adventure in routing the tour with Max Kee), and Beau put it all together in a delicious presentation.

If you're seeking to meet up with the migration (to ride with us, give us roadside lemonade, or interview us for you blog), find us on that map.

Lip up!

Good Morning fellow superheroes! I'm getting really excited about our ride--I'm already starting to look at Chico as a place I'm in transition through; I won't be here for long now! And am tracking down all the final details of supplies I want to bring to ensure a happy ride. I can't wait to be on the road with all of you, sharing the magical experience I'm sure this ride will prove to be!

I wanted to take a minute to outline for everyone the picnic plan I've been working on for the trip so we can all get an idea of what we're going to be eating along the way.

First of all, let me say I'm really excited about the food I've organized for our trip! Not only will we be eating fresh, organic, vitality-rich produce, but we'll be supporting local small scale farms, CSAs (Community Supported Agriculture), like GRUB along our route. Eating local further promotes our focus on reducing our carbon emissions. By choosing to eat food that hasn't been transported thousands of miles (the average meal has traveled 1,500 miles to reach our plates) we greatly reduce the emissions associated with our diet.

We will be fed at some of the locations we'll be stopping at along the way, but we'll also be packing our own food and making our own dinners part of the time.

We'll be packing our own food for the first 2 days out of Chico, and have received several generous donations (bread from Tin Roof and Hearth and Stone Bakeries, cheese from Pedroso Dairy, rice from Massa Organics, and an array of hearty staples from Chico Natural Foods: dehydrated beans and soup mixes, granola, quinoa, oats and pasta). We'll also be packing some hearty vegetables to cook up a tasty zucchini stir-fry for the first night. We'll have the use of a kitchen on the second night and I've planned for us to make spaghetti together.

For the next four days, we'll have some pretty exciting food provided for us. At the Regenerative Design institute, we will be eating pizzas made in their very own wood fired pizza oven made with goat cheese and produce from their farm. At the Pie Ranch, we'll have the opportunity to berry pick and bake pies with their staff.

Then we'll be making our own food again for the next 3 days, buying from local farms along the way: Serendipity Farm in Monterey and Clark Valley Farm in Los Osos. We'll be getting eggs at Serendipity farm, and I've planned for us to make fritatta (an Italian sort of a crustless vegetable quiche dish), stir fry and, if all goes as planned, a feast of stuffed peppers and corn for our last night before we arrive in San Luis Obispo!

For breakfasts, I've planned for us to eat cereals (granola, quinoa, oatmeal) for a few days, we'll have pancakes on the third morning, and will be enjoying eggy breakfasts near the end of our trip.

So all in all, we'll be cooking for ourselves for 5 dinners and 7 breakfasts. I'll be getting some recipes together before the ride suggesting how to use the produce and staples we'll have available to us. But everyone is welcome to approach meal-making however he or she feels most comfortable: if you're used to eating meat with dinner, there will be opportunities for you to buy some (or whatever else you may want) at the store along the way to cook and enjoy with your meal.

While we will have the help of Myrtle (our beloved SAG vehicle) to transport our cheese, veggies and other perishables, we will each be responsible for carrying our own cooking supplies, utensil, non-perishables and whatever seasonings we may like to use in our cooking. You, or someone you know who will share with you, should plan to bring a cookstove.

Finally, the Picnic Plan does not cover lunches and snacks for the whole trip. I will be making pesto with basil from Pyramid Farm for the first leg of our trip which can be used on sandwiches (we'll have bread, tomatoes and cheese as well at that time) and I've planned a couple of snacks throughout the ride, but it's best to plan on being responsible for your own snacks and lunches. High-carbohydrate, high calorie, healthy snacks are great to bring: nuts, dried fruit, trail mix and, if you've got time before we take off, cookies are always a great treat after a long hill!

Please feel free to E-mail (lisa@wheeledmigration.org) or call me (530 965-0449) with any questions or concerns you may have about the Picnic Plan I've outlined. I'm doing my best to make sure everyone will be happy and well-fed on our trip.

Lisa Kieran

Hello Everyone,

It's nice to at last have the chance to do something other than organize the guts and bones of this project. I've done all I can to avoid the impending scramble of herding unicorns, and thus far, I'm happy to say things are taking shape right on time.

I've been wanting to write you, like me to you, for so long now.
But the things...
They multiply!

Something I've really wanted to share is that I feel an amazing urgency to be fully alive coming from everyone invested in this idea.
Ya'll astound me.

I feel as if we're each embarking for an edge within us. I believe this edge will become our teacher and our companion out on the road. It may first look like someone else on the tour one morning, and later feel like a long hill in the afternoon sun, but trust- it's been with us all along, and it's been waiting to show up.
And well... we're going to ride right into it.

Sound hard? It's that too.

It probably seems difficult because it's a quality of learning we only experience through an exposure of ourselves to ourselves- and culturally, we don't really find that to be very sexy or easy to do, so we don't do it. To make matters worse, we don't allow the space for each other to do it either, because our group storyline tells us that if the group can't, neither can you.

But some do anyway, and they typically end up being people like you.
People that make changes.

So, I believe we will be exposing ourselves to an unfamiliar quality of learning as a group and as individuals very soon. It's a texture of awareness and learning that is available to us once we drop our predictions and agendas- the nature sure has a way about her in helping with that, no?

Some think of this as a process of "breaking down", I like to think of it as a reorientation, but if you like breaking down, I'm sure you can find a place for that out there as well. Regardless, once you mix in the pace of a bicycle, the space of days on days on days, the ever more natural rhythms, the semis, and sea breeze, the personalities, the play- it's gonna be a rich alchemy indeed.

I've also been thinking more about getting myself ready lately, and aside from being completely invested in packing up the most solid Med. Kit for Mertile, I'm thinking about what makes for a profound selection of spices on a cycle tour- we're going to eat sooo well out there!

Lisa will be giving us an update on the food here very soon.
That girl is 1,000% amazing. I can't wait for you to meet her... and hey, what are you carrying out there?

Is anyone packing noise makers?
Any cymbals, whistles, Surdus, lyras, or tin cans? Anyone?
I hope we roll though this state as a cacophony of loud colors and laugher.

**Name Droppings Ahead**

Our sponsors have been so good to us with helping Chico to get out the gate.
Podrozo Cheese just set a ten-pound wheel of their Organic cheese into our lap, and Chico Natural is donating generously to see us off with a spread of carbs..
And the bread!! Oh the bread... Hearth and Stone along with Tin Roof are both going to keep us full and loaded with french toast, sandwich bread, and road loafs, we are stocked.

Chico is turning up for us, and we love you too! Thanks.

Some of us have been talking about how much is stirring in town right now, is something changing in Chico again? Do you feel that??

As ever,
!R

Ya'll!

YEAH it's gonna be a big week!
For about a thousand reasons, but I'll just mention three right here.

Dig:

Thursday!
The good people at Empire Coffee are hosting a bike-in movie night in collaboration with Wheeled Migration.
We're showing Go Further at 9pm at my favorite antique train car turned coffee and tea shop. Empire will be open and catering to all your Macha needs. Get at 'em.

Saturday!
Oh Saturday... It's already time for the WM send off concert!! Join us for a healthy day of cruzer bikes, picnicing, swimming, families, touring bikes, GRUB gardens, grooves, mountain bikes, road bikes, poetry, magic, fixie bikes, and bicycles.

Chico Natural Foods and Empire Coffee (they are where we are) will be out there, along with the great support of Chico's Sicilian Cafe turning out their legendary Chicken Parmesan and Veggie Lazania for the bands (sorry).
Take your darling to see James at his Cafe, he does it best.

This event has all the makings for great memories, and if you've never been a guest at Riparia farms- take the chance when you can!

If you're not here, you're prolly on your way to that other great music festival happening this weekend... And how far away is that?? Riiight..

Still need more? Lookie here for directions and the line up!!

Monday!
Bon Voyage Chico, we love you!

There will be twenty of us leaving town between 8:30 and 9am on the morning of July21st from the Downtown Plaza.

We'd like to invite you and yours to send us away in a mass of bicycles and best wishes. Please feel welcome to come on down with your bike and see us down the road for a few miles, your support will carry us onward and outward from Chico with a great kick.
...And if you don't want to ride, come throw rice at us.
It should be quite a sight... And there will be coffee too!

That's the pulse I'm getting folks, I hope to see you along the way.

Thanks for riding your bike,
!R

Hello Wheeled Migrants!
How exciting is it that we've only got one week left before take-off?! (Very is the answer)

Obviously, this adventure we're about to go on will have a lot to do with alternative energy (especially the two-wheeled wonder that is the bicycle!) so it's only fitting that while we are on the journey, we use some alternative energy on the way. First, we've got air conditioning from the wind, but now we'll also be using solar energy to power our phones, mp3 players and other small gadgets...
May I introduce you to "Sunny", my flexible solar panel (specifically the Solarrol 4.5 by Brunton) which can charge a phone in 2-4 hours with nothing but the sun and a cord! Sunny will be traveling with us strapped on my back baskets over my gear. A device such as a cell phone plugs into the panel with a car charger end (there could well be a better name for that), so if you are bringing a phone, find the plug for it that goes into a car's cigarette lighter. Then all you have to do is find me and plug 'er in! (I'll be somewhere in the back of the line, most likely).

Much love!
-Michelle

I was wondering if we have another route from Monterey to SLO? I just was in Santa Cruz and Highway One is still closed from Pfeiffer Park to SLO due to fires. ?????
-Amelia

So I felt I needed to blog about the workshop that was held by the wonderful gregory degouveia at Chico Peddy Cab next to the Oasis. It was WONDERFUL!!!!!!!! He did a great job and I learned alot. Thank You Greg!! I want to extend my thanks to Derek as well for jumpin in, talkin about his experiences. I found it really helpful for me because I understand the components better on a bike and I understand why its desinged a certain way. I have to say Thank you for everyone that went as well. You know who you are and I can't wait to be signing you down the road or up a hill.
It's comin sooner that later and don't forget about the concert on the 19th. Thank You Sara and Karisha!!!! I will be baking cakes so COME AND GET IT!!!!!! Thanks again to everyone. yo muy excitado! I can't wait to fly!
Love, Peace and Musica`,
Sammey