Day 0

Wednesday, June 23
0km

My last minute packing didn't finish until almost 12:30am and I woke up at 4:15am the next morning to catch my 7am flight.  It takes a special person to drive you to the airport at 5am on a Wednesday morning.  Luckily for me, my grandmother is a very special person.

Airport check-in was a breeze.  (Note to father: “I told you so.”). The flight was fine, and all of my luggage arrived safely.  From the airport, I took a taxi (with all of my stuff) to Totem Residence at UBC.  (Note to father: “I told you so.”)

Arriving at UBC was very similar to arriving at UWO 7 years ago: I didn't know anyone, I didn't know where to go on campus, I had a lot of luggage with me, and, most importantly, I was about to embark on a great adventure.  The feeling of deja-vous as I ckecked into the residence room was wonderful for a former-residence addict like me.

I got my bike assembled easily, and spent a lot of time repaking my bags after the hurried job I did the night before.  The I started to meet my fellow riders.  About 75 percent of them are white males aged 55 and older.  There are also 2 women, in their 30's/40's.  John is a 16 year old kid from Edmonton.  Paul is a 20-something guy from Melbourne.  There is also another younger guy from Toronto, and a guy from Scotland.  This group of 13 will take the optional trip to Victoria tomorrow.  About 20 others will joing us on Saturday for the rest of the trip.

I'm exhausted, and will certainly sleep well tonight.

Dan
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Daniel Longo
CIBC Corporate Development
(416) 956-3831