My journey is over
After riding 3650 miles, climbed 116,886 vertical feet, and went from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean. It is with heavy heart that this is my last post for my bicycle ride across America. I had the pleasure of meeting some wonderful interesting people along the way. Big and little acts of kindness that lifted my spirits. Kim and his wife that offered me shelter and food on a rainy day in Port Angeles. The closed bicycle shop in Okanagan, Wa that opened on a Saturday morning to replace my seat post. The Lutheran church in Havillah, Wa that provided me shelter and food. The people at the top of Boulder Pass that give me water when I needed it. Rodney in Lolo, Mt that shared his apple crisp. The family that gave me and my bicycle a ride to Gillette, wy when my rear wheel failed. Doug Hirsch that kept my ride alive when he arranged a new wheel to be delivered to Gillette, Wy in a timely manner. Allison and Alvin Bell that gave me a ride from Gillette to Mitchell, Sd to catch up the 4 days I was stuck in Gillette. I was able to make it to the start of Ragbrai. Paul and Cindy Gilbert in Davenport, Ia let me stay in their home a couple of days to plan my route east of the Mississippi and get my bicycle chain replaced. The people camping next to me in Ohiopyle Dave,Josh, and their wives that gave me dinner. All the Warmshower hosts that were so generous. Gary and Jan that put me up for the night,fed me, then in the morning Gary drove me over the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. My nephew David that let me stay with him for a week as I went in to Washington Dc. He also picked me up in Rehoboth and took me back to his house. Thanks to everyone for helping complete my journey. It's good to be home, great to see Betty. Our cat Max was happy to see me. We saw the first Monarch Butterfly in our yard. I'm back to cooking and making yummy side dishes. Planning my next adventure September 23 a 4 day backpack North Rim to South Rim of the Grand Canyon.
But...There's No Place Like Home
ReplyDeleteWelcome home! What an amazing achievement. Thanks for letting us tide along with you, virtually.
ReplyDeleteWelcome back home! I know they were all glad to get you back safe and sound!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on a great trip that very few people could do!
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed reading about the journey each night.
Congratulations on completing your life long dream and welcome home. Thank you for posting on your blog. We all got to enjoy this journey with you.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on a spectacular adventure! -Linda G
ReplyDeleteWelcome Home, what a grand adventure! I am going to miss your updates, I looked forward to them every evening. Huge accomplishment Rick. Audrey
ReplyDeleteIt was fun tagging along virtually on your great bike ride across America Rick! I loved reading your posts and seeing your pictures. I'm glad you made it to RAGBRAI. Can't wait to see you and Aunt Betty again! ~ Jill
ReplyDeleteWell done, Rick! Glad we connected. Check in the next time you're out this way - there's still a lot you didn't see.
ReplyDeleteHome sweet home - at least for a couple of weeks. Congratulations on this huge accomplishment! Sadly for me, I guess I’m back to just reading the morning news instead of your Big Ride blog….looking forward to hopefully seeing you this fall/winter!!
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