Success!!!

Success!!!
Friday 28^th June, 2019
Day 49

Location: Burlington to Revere Beach, MA

Distance: 18 miles.
Temp:  62 - 87 F sunny
Dew point:  61 F

Winds:  calm

 

Cumulative climbing distance:  591 ft
Cumulative descending distance:  741 ft

 

 

The weather was perfect for our final day of riding and arrival at the beach.  Temps in the 60’s and sunny.  A fog bank was attempting to roll in as we arrived at the beach.  I am certain that the water temp was quite cold but, as we were so elated about the successful completion of our journey, I do not recall even standing in cold water.  A few riders did jump into the ocean, bikes and all, but we were not quite that adventuresome.

 

As we shared our excitement at the beach, we all mentioned that we thought about Tom G., the rider who unfortunately crashed in Vermont and was about to be released from the hospital for a trip back to Ohio and additional treatment. 

 

After 48 days, it is difficult to describe the euphoric feeling that overcame us as we reached our final destination - Revere Beach.  All the riders had big smiles as we rode.  We had reached the Atlantic Ocean – after travelling 3440 miles from our start at the Pacific Ocean.  48 days of travelling across our BIG, beautiful, diverse country.  And we had experienced more extreme weather than any prior CrossRoads trip during the past 21 years.

 

The experience is difficult to explain in a few words.  The camaraderie and friendship that had developed within the group was evident at the award banquet on Thursday and throughout the ride on Friday.  We did it! 

 

The experience meant something different to each rider, but completing the adventure proved to be exhilarating and rewarding for all of us.  It taught us all something about ourselves regarding embarking on such an audacious adventure and having the fortitude and perseverance to then successfully achieve completion.  And maintain one focus over a 7 week period especially during adverse conditions, and actually over a 7 month period if one counts the training.

As we had said at the beginning of our trip and used as the title of this blog:  “If life was easy, where would all the adventure be?”  We did have one hell of an adventure and, at times (many times), it was not easy.

 

 

 

 

Working on daily blog.

Getting ready for last ride.

 

Last departure.

Three of the miles were on a community bike trail.  For a moment I thought I was in China where this is a typical scene.

Community bike trail. 

 First view of the Atlantic Ocean.

  

 

 

Arriving at Revere Beach.

 

 

 

 Wheel dip.

 

 Final group photo.

 

 

It all began with the first ride in February.

 

 

And then the wheel dip in the Pacific Ocean.

Completed route map.