Final Thoughts

It was an amazing trip by bicycle across the US.  The tour operator, Bubba's Pampered Pedelars did a phenomenal job of planning and executing the tour.  He and his staff are amazing.  The rest of the riders were a diverse group who came together as a family.  We demonstrated the esprit d'corps that is possible when you have a common interest, mission and well organized plan.

I'm really glad that I kept the blog since most of the days are a blur.  I have snippets here and there of sights and sounds, but most of the details are fleeting.  The most enduring memories are the thoughts of my riding partner and me sweeping through the light and air over all types of terrain.  Along with my memories of the times with Frances are my memories of the other riders and our shared time on the road.  We were able to recognize most riders by their riding style from a couple of hundred yards away.

I laughed more than I have in ages, sometimes to the point of tears.  I was inspired to think and learn due to the talks from other riders and guest speakers.  I saw magnificent natural beauty in places such as Big Bend National Park.  I saw oddities such as the Jersey Lilly, the Saloon and Courtroom of Judge Roy Bean.

I feel amazing.  After riding 3000 miles in 52 days, I've exhausted the tension and stress from my body.  My brain is awash in endorphins.

Thanks to my amazing wife for participating enthusiastically in the trip.  She was by far the strongest female rider and in the top 5 among all riders.  You go, girl!

Day 52

Palatka to St Augustine 43 miles

Bittersweet.  I'm so happy and excited to have finished the ride of almost 3000 miles in 52 days.   I'm so sad that our group of 43 riders plus staff are parting ways. 

As we rode the last 1 1/2 mile escorted by our SAG vehicles to the ocean, cheers from family and strangers were heard.  I think I cried most of the way.  

There was champagne waiting for us at the beach. Then hugs, tears, laughter, and joy. 

We had dinner across the street and then awards.  Eddy was in the running for most the flats, but Cecil managed to eke by with 11. 

Bubba presented us with a   framed picture, a medal and a thumb drive containing photographs.  Can't wait to see them! 

It's all good. 

~Frances

The Home Stretch

Frances and I are the last ones up today.  A short day and a requirement not to arrive before 1:30 for a group finish mean we start late.  Looks like a day of good weather and we're looking forward to soaking it in.

We had a nice ride into the beach.  People were cheering from balconies and blowing horns in cars.  It was quite nice.  We had champagne on the beach.  I took a dive into the Atlantic.  There was laughter and tears.  It was the end of an Amazing Journey.

Day 51

High Springs (O'Leno State Park) to Palatka 84 miles

As we were leaving  our cabin, I took a picture of  our luggage for the entire 52 day ride.  This is for both of us. 

The bags contain winter and summer cycling jerseys shorts, tights, shoes, socks winter base layers, gloves, jackets. Then the walking around clothes: jeans,  pjs, shorts, tops (long and short sleeved) socks, jackets, sneakers, sandals. 

And the other stuff: sleeping bag, pillow, electronic chargers, books, toiletries, spare bike tubes. 

Every time we get to our overnight place, it looks like an explosion of clothes as we try to find stuff.  

Back to today..,,,

We rode through Gainesville, with the route taking us a few blocks from Eddy's brother''s house.  They were at a gymnastics meet in Tampa, so we didn't stop by. We did stop at a Starbucks, the first since Tucson. 

In Gainesville we started at about mile 34 on a bike trail for about 20 miles.  It was shady, good pavement, and mostly clean.  We could hear loud thunder, but we were  lucky that we only caught a few sprinkles. Not so lucky for the riders behind us!  They got soaked.  

After the trail, at about mile 57, it started raining again.  Since it was lunchtime we stopped at a cafe.  Then it really started raining. Hard.  Soon soggy riders filled up the cafe to eat lunch, dry off, and wait for the rain to at least subside. After about an hour and sunny again, we set off for the final 30 miles. 

And what a 30 miles they were!  All with a fierce tailwind! 22-25 mph we were riding.  

 

We had time to take a nap when we got to Palatka. Margie, the massage therapist, took the picture. 

 Our overnight is at the National Guard Armory.   After supper,  riders and support staff sat in a circle for about two hours reminiscing about the trip.  Emotions were high.

Now for the icing on the cake.  Tomorrow's ride is 43 miles to St Augustine.  We all meet about 2 miles from the beach and ride single file to the Atlantic Ocean.  What a trip. 

High Springs to Palatka

Our last long day, 84 miles.  Hot and humid. We did a quick 30 miles into Starbucks. Next is a bike path through Gainesville.

Riding down the Hawthorn trail we came upon a UF student who crashed on the bike trail.  Dean and Jim were giving him first aid.  We got him 4 miles down the bike trail to our SAG stop.  Bubba's team is going to transport him back to his dorm where he will then visit student medical services.  He crashed due to a root growing under the path.  Due to his speed, it threw him from the bike.  Bike trails are nice, but are seldom sufficiently maintained.  Debris, water, holes and other hazards make them less than perfect.

We stopped for lunch in Hawthorn and are enjoying some chicken. And a good thing it was.  While stopped a major rainstorm hit and dropped about an inch of rain during lunch.  We left when the rain stopped.  About 15 miles from Palotka we caught a 15 MPH tailwind and rocketed into town at 25 MPH.

We had ice cream and cold drinks at the shop across from the National Guard Armory where we are overnighting.

Showered about a pound of dirt and sand from my legs and kicking back in the AC.

Day 50

Rest Dayst O'Leno State Park (High Springs) 0 miles

   Rest Day for me!

Rebecca, my sister-in-law, came to visit, while her husband, Tim, (Eddy's bro) went on a bike ride with Eddy.  

Great day just relaxing, walking, and talking.  

Eddy's younger brother, Brek (Orlando) and GF, Sherrie, also came up for supper.  Fun times!

Prior to supper, Dean, retired from the US Coast Guard and later Captain of a Merchant Marine ship  presented his encounter with Somalia pirates the same day Captain Phillips was attacked. Yes the same as the movie. It was a fascinating story how they heard word of the possibility of another arrack of an American  ship and how they were proactive of defending  theirselves. He said Hollywood did a good job with the facts  What a great story !!!

I helped with the gift to our ride director, Bubba.  Linda, a rider with the artistic flair, created a Saint Guadeloupe Icon with trash found along the way, starting in CA.  

Here's the finished product:

When Linda presented the icon after supper tonight, cheers and tears were heard, 

Rest Day at O'Leno State Park

Everyone is rested and upbeat today.  After a beautiful night's sleep we are enjoying our last rest day.  Only 2 rides remain, 84 and 43 miles.  I'm very conflicted about the ride's end.  I don't know how many times, if any, I've been so reluctant to be on the verge of meeting a long standing and difficult goal.  I rode my bicycle across the Both American continent.  Holy crap, how cool is that.  Of course, I'm not done yet, but as the Moody Blues sang, I'm on the "Threshold of a Dream".