Over? It's Never Over

Thursday night, after our last full day of riding, and after dinner at the motel, each rider had a chance to share some thoughts about our seven-week adventure.  Some were funny, some were spiritual, a few were musical, and most were grateful.  All of us have begun to realize more acutely in the last week that we have created a team, a community, a family, and that - even if some of us might see each other again - the common purpose of the trip was about to be achieved and so the reason for this group's life together was about to end.  We were proud, tired, exhilarated and sad.

Friday, we left the motel in hazy sunshine to battle metro Boston's rush hour traffic on the 18-mile ride to the beach.  There was no reason to hurry, no afternoon heat or storms to beat, and no bragging rights to be won.  We rode in a group of 35 until auto traffic and stop lights separated us.  I rode near the rear, reluctant to end the tour.  Then four of us - Barbara Wood, Beverly Tein, Bill Finnerty and I - formed a convoy at the very back to make sure no rider had to cope with the traffic alone.  We missed a turn in Winchester, but got directions from pedestrians and a local cyclist to get back on route.  The delay made us last to arrive at the rendezvous for the final five miles.  CrossRoads escorted us with their vans at the front and back.  Someone on a porch asked me "Where'd you come from?" and I answered "Los Angeles!"  It was hard for him and for me to believe it.  Local commuters were sometimes patient and sometimes not.  For the last two miles, an additional escort of three police cars blocked intersections for us and let us roll together through traffic lights.  We could hear seagulls and smell salty air.  Then - as the sun burned through the haze - we crested a little rise, saw the water, turned down the hill and rode the last half-mile to the beach.  I was the very last rider to arrive.  There were friends and family, including my wife and children, to greet us at curbside.  Then we carried our bikes across the loose, dry sand to the harder packed, wet sand and on toward the ocean.  Randy Evans remounted his bike and pedalled hub-deep into the water.  All of us dipped one or two wheels.  Some lifted their bikes over head.  Others went for a swim in their bike clothes.  Many, many photos were taken.  The dream was realized.  The journey had ended.  Sea salt was not the only contribution to the saline in my eyes.  We put the bikes in various vehicles and drove back to the motel for a relaxing afternoon and a bittersweet evening of rejoicing and farewells.

Saturday, I traveled 190 miles; that's more mileage than on any other day since the tour began in early May.  It was in the family mini-van as we drove home from Boston, west past the Connecticut and Hudson Rivers across which we had pedalled two and three days earlier.  I'll be re-integrating back into pre-tour routines.  I expect that in a few days, I'll post some final photos and statistics of the tour on this blog site.  I'll also read the other rider blogs, exchange photos with them, prepare an album and reports for interested friends and supporters.  This will help me to hang on to the trip a little longer.  But even when those tasks are finished, and even when life moves on to other things, the memories of this trip and the good work that Catholic Charities can do with the funds so many generous souls have contributed, will last quite a bit longer.  Thank you all for your advice, comments, friendship and support.

Comments

[marj]

Glad you arrived home safe and sound, still waiting for George, loved your last blog bought a tear to my eye when I think what you have all achieved, you should all be very proud of yourselves I know I am of George, I was very worried when he went out, now I am proud of him ...Marj

[Kay]

Congratulations Don! I have waited to use that word although it has been appropriate at many stages of this trip. We are so proud of you and pleased that we could share your experience virtually through the eloquent, detailed, and entertaining blogs. Savor your memories!
Kay and Arnie

[marj]

Enyoyed your blogs,will miss them and we wish you good luck in the future...George and Marj