JULY 27 AMERICA --- FROM SEA TO SHINING SEA

Today, on the 52nd day of our epic journey across America we reached the Atlantic Ocean in Rye Beach, NH. Our police escort first met us at the local Jr High School. After the group picture, we lined up two by two--all in our red, white and blue jerseys--and followed the police car--with its lights flashing and its siren sounding at all intersections--along the 3 mile route to the beach. It was an immensely HAPPY ride. We had done it...I had done it!!

Meg's flat tire on the way to the beach

We arrived together, we acheived our goals together, we met the Cross Country Challenge together. A team of 26 individuals from 18 states (and France), with diverse backgrounds, and widely varying ages, with mutual support and encouragement, successfully rode our bicycles from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean. An unbelievable feat...a 3800 mile trek across the mountains, rivers, plains, cities and towns of this immense and beautiful nation.

I am so PROUD! ...and thankful.

*Proud to have reached my individual goals.
*Proud to have been a part of this marvelous group of people.
*Proud of the support I received from SO MANY: my family and friends
  who could not have done more.

We will remember this day always. The great memories of our travels will enrich our lives forever. We have done something that few have done, that is both a physical and mental challenge, and we all had our own personal reasons for doing it. From sharing our thoughts and emotions at our final banquet it is abundantly clear that each of us is somewhat changed today after meeting the challenge. It meant SO MUCH, in so many different ways to all of us to cross the finish line at Rye Beach...to complete the mission.

I was pleased to see so many supporters at the beach, many with signs, cheering for their rider. My fraternity brother, Jim Cullen, and his wife Carolyn were there. The Schellengers, friends from Naples, were there with a video camera, and Sheila and Sandy, two great girls who were sorority sisters of Betty, also came to the beach to see this amazing finale. We shared a champagne toast beachside.

We carried our bikes through the sand to the water's edge for the tire dipping and the photos. I was dunked by Mason, but he was underwater as well. Soaking wet, we were both interviewed by the local Portsmouth, NH paper, whose reporter had been briefed by reading this website. So many of the family members and friends of the bikers expressed to me their thanks for this daily website journal that enabled them to follow our progress across America. I feel gratified by their comments.

Mason, Bill and Joe

Mason and Joe were awarded the "Spirit of the Ride" awards by AbB for their leadership and exemplary attitude and conduct during the 7 1/2 week ride. Deservedly so! Proudly I carried the trip mascot, the chicken, to the beach today. It was awarded to me primarily because of the meaning this voyage had for me, and for the benefits to others that can be the result of the funds raised for The American Cancer Society.

Farewell dinner in Kittery, ME

Our "lobsta" dinner party in Kittery, ME this evening was an appropriate closing ceremony for our journey. We sadly said our good-byes to biking friends--one by one--with fondness and mutual respect. We spoke of reunions and bike trips where we could meet again. That remains for the future. What we all knew and expressed in so many ways, was that we had all experienced a journey of a lifetime, with memories to be savored forever.

         - Bill

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