Ya Sham Right a.k.a. The End of the Road a.k.a. What a long, strange journey it has been

I'm typing this on Saturday, the day after we finished. Yesterday was a very strange day in a very good way.

First, it was reminiscient of the first two days. It was hot, or at least hotter than Wednesday or Thursday. It was hilly. AND we didn't have any mechanical problems.

We awoke at 7 am in Worcester, were on the road by 8:30 and we reached Fenway by approximately 1 in the afternoon. We stopped twice along the way. We stopped once for a granola bar/refuel session and we stopped once to refill our water. At this point in our trip we were all so determined to get to Fenway that we just pressed on through our hunger AND I WAS STARVING. So hungry, in fact, I could've eaten a monkey bar. But, our resolve to finish was stronger than our hunger pangs.

When we reached Fenway Liz's mom and aunts were there waiting for us with Iced Coffees, my first coffee in over a week, pretty incredible stuff for a teacher. We grabbed a bite to eat at Game On! outside of Fenway, had a celebratory drink, texted those we knew to inform them we were alive and victorious, and returned to Liz's apartment (via bicycle) to shower and unwind...and like that...



it's over


Wow...

I'm not really sure how I feel about it, I still need some time to reflect and think about it. For now, let me just thank some people real quick.

To my fellow riders (in alpha order):
Alex: Thanks for being the leader. For keeping your head on straight and being as patient with us novice riders as you were. Without your organization and know-how we would probably have ended up in Oklahoma somewhere.
Billy: Thanks for being the encouraging spirit. While you obviously had some mechanical difficulties, when all was well you kept everyone going and kept everyone positive.
John: Thanks for your comic relief. You always kept things light on this ride. It was a difficult and trying experience and without your humor we'd have all been in big trouble. And of course, thanks for thinking this idiotic trip was worth taking again albeit by different means of transportation.
Liz: Thanks for not quitting on yourself and us. I think your presence kept us all motivated to wake up and go every morning. Your turn-around from Day 1 told me that no matter how hard this trip became we'd be okay, especially if you were around.

And everyone else:
Mom, Dad, Mary, Bill, Will, Katie, Kevin, DJ and Chrissy: Thanks for knowing this was a ridiculous idea and supporting me regardless...I guess that's how life with me goes, huh? You guys are the best!

Friends: Thanks for the texts of encouragement. And your feigned envy almost makes me want to do it again.

God: Yup, God too. Thanks for looking over all of us, keeping us safe, faithful, patient and humble. We looked to you before every ride and while it was never perfect, what in life is?

Love you all!

Only dissappointment...Not getting to go to a Sox games. Scalpers wanted $200 for a ticket..Oh well. I'll be back...eventually.

I probably have one more post-ride post...So check back...Who knows?

So it goes...