Our dinner last night was a final
banquet, a sharing one more time of a meal between friends. It was a
low-key, but special time, followed by a song from Tracey and a slide
show from the staff.
Today we had an easy ride to the end.
Michael Louis, a rider from our 2010 across the country trip joined
us for the day. I rode with him, Baltimore Mark and Joe for the 50
mile day. In fact, we had quite a large number of us ABB riders forming a
long line while riding the bike paths today. Most of the day was
spent riding moderately slowly along the 25 miles or so of bike path
following the beach. It was not to be a day of work, but a day of
easy riding. Michael would endear us with his jokes and stories,
leading us along the route which he knows so well.
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| Michael Louis |
We passed through some very nice areas
of greater Los Angeles and some quite industrial areas too. The
variations in the homes were vast. Some of the roads were quite busy
and others were void of any other traffic.
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| Along one of the bike paths |
We finally arrived at the last SAG and
then on to the last hotel. It was to be an anti-climatic ending to a
phenomenal trip. We arrived at the hotel to take a shower, clean and
pack our bikes, say some goodbyes and head out for dinner with the
remaining riders.
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| Our last SAG |
What can be said after another
adventure? There is something very special about doing a long
distance bicycle trip that I wish more people could realize for
themselves. The camaraderie within this diverse group of people is
enormous. We are a group of isolated souls who really only have a few
things in common: the love of cycling, the enjoyment of hard work and
the satisfaction of the accomplishment of the day's ride. We come
from every walk of life, from far corners of several countries, but
yield an instant bond with one another. A simple look with an
unspoken word, while climbing or descending beside your fellow
cyclist speaks volumes. We know what we each are thinking. We help
each other in challenges and share in the rewards. We are not just
cyclists, we are cycling adventurers.
Today marks the last day of my latest
adventure. The ride started in what seems like an eternity ago, in a
far-away place called Astoria Oregon. We rode 21 days in gorgeous
weather and had 2 days off, finally arriving in Costa Mesa
California. The number of miles ridden was 1,433 and the feet climbed
was 74,472. We saw incredible scenery, beautiful coastlines, gigantic
trees, long hills, ripe vineyards, endless crops, smooth bike paths,
enormous bridges, fast highways, lonely roads, slow rivers, crashing
ocean waves, wild animals, large spiders, small towns and large
cities. Every day was so unique, yet so enjoyable. We looked forward
to each day's ride as we knew there would be unusual and interesting
sights to be found. Unlike cycling across the country, this was an
adventure to be taken in small sips, like drinking a fine wine, and
drink it in we did.
I wish to thank my wife Aila, for her
support in my adventures. My next cycling adventure will be with her,
in Europe. I also wish to thank my fellow stooges (Joe and Mark) who
I have shared many a mile with (about 6,000). We have depended on
each other, far more than most people will ever know. At times, each
of our lives are in the other's hands. You guys are the best. I wish
to thank the staff of ABB for putting on an incredible and safe trip.
It's amazing how you are able to get us through, safely to the end.
Let see what the next adventure brings.
Jeff! It has been so enjoyable to read your blog! Alan and I enjoyed getting to know you the short week we were there. Just wish it could have been longer! Happy you finished safe and sound and best wishes on your next adventure! Hope to see you again!
ReplyDeleteCindy and Alan Hoal