The Last Day

The last day vibrated with energy - knowing we were at the end gave everything a heightened sensibility. The group rode a gentle, flat 40 miles to the St. Augustine fire station. I hosted the last sag stop at 20 miles but everybody was too keyed up to pay much attention to food and water.

At the fire station we lined up by twos according to age, oldest riders at the front. The St. Augustine police escorted us the final 7 miles through town, onto Anastasia Island, and to the end of the road and the Atlantic Ocean.

Joyous faces greeted us. Many riders had family and friends cheering our arrival. I spotted Zack (my 23 year old son) in the crowd and broke ranks to give him a huge hug. I cannot express my joy at being in the presence of total support and unconditional love. Thank you Zack - you rock - not to mention looked handsome as hell.

We dipped our tires in the ocean, raised our bikes in the air in triumph, and took a zillion pictures. We ate a picnic lunch with family and friends.

We rode to the local bike shops only to discover that somebody had neglected to remind them we were coming and they were all out of bike boxes for weeks. Once more, Michelle to the rescue, and by dinner time our bikes were being shipped.

Final banquet - speeches - hugs and kisses - many genuine tender moments - some awkward moments - I'm not ncessesarily at my best at these things. Back at the hotel a small group heads out for Mojitos and Latin dancing. I grab Zack and join them. He is so cool! He dances with everybody and we all have fun.

The next morning there is much laughter outside my door. I hide in my room. I can't handle any more goodbyes. I don't want any more awkward moments. It's over. It was challenging, it was wonderful. I am looking forward to TransAmerica.