I'm here at the final destination - Bar Harbor, Maine (which is a tourist town on steroids!)
We did a short ride to today ( short??? When did 46 miles become a short day???)... Rode the few remaining hills in this state that we did not previously ride...we even had a chance to ride a bit thru the Acadia National Park (beautiful!)
What an exciting day!
We finished our journey today by dipping our tires in the Atlantic Ocean (a bit of a ritual for cross-country tours!).
Then, it was off quickly to the local bike shop to pack up the bike for shipping home...
And then...the celebration dinner (lobster and champagne!)
This has been an AMAZING experience.
At the end of the day....I'm walking away with ....
A renewed appreciation and respect for Nature....
A renewed gratitude and appreciation for my health, freedom and country.
A new, open heart for 'strangers' ( I've met so many people on this journey)...
I've spent a lot of time on my bike during the last few months...which for me equals a lot of time in my head! I can honestly say I'm genuinely happy and excited about this coming decade!
A very special 'thank you' to my mom and dad...I was able to do this ride because of the values the've taught me ( for example "work hard and save your money")...
A BIG- HUGE "thank you" to my mom and dad & my dear friends Sandy and Maria for sharing in the care of my 4-legged baby....
And of course, a BIG 'thank you' to YOU.... my family and friends.... for your encouraging, kind thoughts/comments along this journey! I am deeply grateful that you shared your precious time with me. Seriously.
35 riding days...
12 states.....
2,376 miles!
Whew. That was a B-L-A-S-T !!!
A few photos from today.....
Hooray! Finally, the bike over my head instead of under my butt!!!!....
A snapshot of the gals in my riding 'posse'....we shared many miles and tons of laughs together (not to mention many dangerous moments on crappy roads with logging trucks up our backsides!)...
Parting with my bike.......
Celebrating! (I've eaten like a PIG this whole trip!)
Yea!! You did it. So exciting all the way - I
ReplyDeletefeel like I was there with you. Looking forward
to hearing a lot more when you get home.
See you soon.
Love you,
Mom
Congratulations J! I'm so happy for you! Have a safe trip home and I look forward to our next walk around B.I. Hugs, Gerri
ReplyDeleteWOO HOO!! Congrats vieja!!! Im so proud of you....you did it!! I've been waiting to see that lobster in your hands!!
ReplyDeleteHave a safe trip home....cant wait to give you a big hug :)
love ya, San
Congratulations! What an accomplishment! Very few could or would even think of trying to do what you just did. . .the harder the endeavor the greater the feeling of reward. This country was founded by those who worked hard, never gave up, and kept the goal in sight now matter what happened and sometimes risked it all. Very fitting accomplishment just before Independence Day! Enjoy tonight! How fun!
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing story - and now it's over. I hope it was the best lobster ever - it should be after all that work. What a great sense of accomplishment. It will be interesting to see what results this ride will have on your future. It sure sounds like it will 'gear' you up for something special. Hope so. Congratulation and have a save journey home.
ReplyDeleteAwesome
ReplyDeleteFabulous
Incredible
Marvelous
Superb
Job well done Sister!
J-
ReplyDeleteSo happy for you! What a great accomplishment!!! So glad you enjoyed yourself. I know it is a bittersweet moment to complete your fabulous journey, but I am looking forward to hearing all your stories in person and hanging with you!
Love always,
Maria G.
I am so proud of you and can't wait to feel your legs! I love the pictures and love always seeing you with a lobster. Have miss you and glad your coming HOME. Can't wait to see what the future bring now but let me tell from my end, I don't think I could ride my bike to your house and make in the time it to you to make to the ocean. Love you, George Carlos
ReplyDeleteAMAZING. I am sooo proud of you and SO happy that you were able to take this trip. I know you have been thinking about it for a long time and I am so proud that you had the guts to do it!! I love you!
ReplyDelete-Nicole
Hey J,
ReplyDeleteWell done..... I bet you have your 25 year old body back. Take me with you next time. I can get a basket for Jasper.
xxx,
Jennice