Day 52 - Baptism in the Atlantic

I woke up feeling better than the day before but I wasn't 100 percent. That really didn't matter because the adrenaline was pumping and I knew nothing would stop me from completing the ride. I also knew that this would be the last time I would ride with my friends. 52 days on the road through wind, rain, heat and endless hills had bonded us. I knew I'd miss the fun we had at rest stops and the discussions around campfires and dinner tables. I was even going to miss the chorus of snores at midnight. We rode together today. We stayed at our only rest stop longer than usual, not wanting the ride to end too quickly. 

The final 20 miles were smooth and extremely fast because we had a 20-25 mile an hour tailwind. Pat had the last flat of the adventure during this fast 20 miles. We believe we've had over 100 flats on this ride. I may have had the least with seven and I'm one of the very few to finish the ride on my original tires. I guess I'm lucky. We entered St. Augustine and gathered at the town square, Plaza de la Constitucion, where we prepared for our final 3 mile ride to the beach. 

During the final miles my mind was flooded with great moments of our trip. Riding 92 miles through the desert with the temperature soaring to 116 degrees and climbing 8,200 feet over Emory Pass were just a few of the images that filled my head. I also thought of the new friends I had made and how we are going to try and get together for another ride, possibly DC to Pittsburgh next fall. 

As we made the turn to the ocean I saw Cindy waving and video recording these final moments of my ride. I was overwhelmed with the greeting we received from our families and friends. It was an emotional moment for us all as we embraced our loved ones and then slowly and together dipped our front tires in the warm Atlantic Ocean.

Our amazing adventure had ended. 

Next year I plan on crossing the Atlantic to 'Ride the U.K. for MS.'

Adventure is out there!