Last night we had the end of the ride banquet. Toronto Mark and Sandy were the masters of ceremonies and we couldn't have picked a better pair than those two to run it. Their humor and wit was superb and they made everyone feel included. We had a few skits and songs, followed by award presentations. The evening was terrific which was a perfect ending to a fantastic trip. Thank you both.
Today we rode the last 52 miles to the Atlantic Ocean. It was an easy last stretch although there were still a few more climbs to be done. I guess a few people had mentally started to shut down the ride and when the terrain didn't follow suit, we heard a few groans. We had plenty of time to get to the school where the police would escort us to our waiting families at Wallis Sands Beach in Rye, New Hampshire. My wife, Aila, was waiting for me there. Joe, Alex and I took a quick dip in the ocean, after dipping our wheels as is tradition. Many people were there congratulating us on the completion of this adventure. Emotions were running a bit high, as we all knew that we would probably not see so many of our cycling adventure friends again. We had cycled across the country, but the real success was not in the journey, but that in doing so we had become like a family. Now that same family was to be broken apart and we all silently realized that. Some tears were shed and others had to hold them back.
It is hard to describe the feelings I have, now that this adventure has ended. Now that I am back home, I will take time over the coming weeks and months to reflect upon this experience. It has been an adventure that I really cannot compare to, although it has been beyond outstanding. The hard work, camaraderie, trying times, and common goals helped to bind us in a way that is beyond simple understanding. There is something about spending time together climbing mountains, pushing strong headwinds, getting drenched in the rain, or an unfortunate mishap, to glue the threads of friendship in a way not easy to describe. Perhaps it is the common goal that makes this special, or maybe that we were always there for each other. The long days and difficult rides were all a great pleasure, when shared amongst people who were destined to become great friends. I'll miss you all, but I'll never forget you.
I want to say thanks to my fellow Geldings, Toronto Mark, Joe, Dave and Baltimore Mark and our adopted filly, Alex, for making this adventure incredible. We learned a lot about each other and in the process, discovered a lot about ourselves. I have witnessed incredible changes in each of you, and your strength, stamina and friendship helped to carry me along the journey. We shared mountains and grasslands, smooth cycling and some hard work, small mishaps and laughter sometimes until we cried, as well as blizzard counts and of course, poor little Jimmy. It was our working together that sustained us in the tough times, but that is what helped to bind us together.
I want to thank the staff, for their high-quality, professional work, without which, this adventure would never have been so incredible.
I leave you all, with this departing thought:
Oh Lord, won't you buy me a carbon fiber ride,
My friends all have Treks, that they ride with great pride,
This old rusty clunker, well it just hurts my backside,
So Lord, won't you buy me a new carbon ride.

Here's the video from the police escorted ride to the ocean:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q2JWWdA5jYM

Here's the GPS data from today:
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/43889389

Total data for the entire ride:
Miles ridden: 3,702.46
Weight lost: 9 pounds
Climb in feet: 106,663
Calories burnt: 220,890
Time riding: 225 hrs, 28 min
Average speed: 16.42 MPH
Maximum speed: 49.9 MPH, followed by 49.6 MPH

Let's see what the next ride brings.

I want to thank all of my readers. Your continued loyalty in reading my blog inspired me to keep writing. For those that donated to the Newtown High School Marching Band, and for those that will now that the ride is over, thank you.