It's official -- After 3,943 miles, I have successfully pedaled my bicycle from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean. With the tour officially coming to an end, I was surprised at how emotional I was -- happy to complete my goal, yet sad to say goodbye to the friends that I made during this unforgettable journey.
The first 60 miles were pretty typical except for the fact that most of the group stayed together as we rode. We usually ride at our respective paces, but today seemed as if we were collectively trying to hold on for as long as we could.Eventually, it was time to complete the tour and we did so in style. The Rye Police Department provided an escort for the last 3 miles to the final destination -- Wallis Sands State Beach. It was really exciting, and arriving at the beach with my family cheering me on was so special.
I set out with a goal to follow in my father's footsteps -- I wanted to pedal across America just as he did 20 years ago. Furthermore, I wanted to do it in honor of "The Farrell Sisters" -- four of my aunts, each of whom passed away far too soon. Lastly, I wanted to do it for a worthy cause. It is with great pride that I am able to say that I successfully accomplished all of these goals.
Although today marked the "official" end of my cross country challenge, I still have a bit of unfinished business. Tomorrow, I will pedal from Portsmouth to Southie.
For me, there is something special about being able to say that I pedaled from San Francisco to my front door. Furthermore, the ride will serve as an opportunity to surpass the 4,000 mile mark (which I am thrilled about), and, since I will be riding solo, to reflect on the past 2 months -- a truly amazing chapter in my life.
Yesterday, as we ate lunch, I saw the same look in your eyes that I saw in 2005. You had just returned from the NIT Tournament at St. Joe's in Philadelphia, and your college basketball career was officially concluded. Not sure if you remember that moment in my office, but it is etched in my mind.
ReplyDeleteEach goal creates a new group of friends and you are enlarging your relationship base, not diminishing it. Yesterday, I could identify with the look in your eyes, as I still remember the level of sadness that accompanied the conclusion of my journey.
Just like the conclusion of your basketball career did not lead to the loss of those friends, neither will this trip. You won't see them every day, but your collective success, and the resulting frienships, will live forever.
One more leg. Travel safe. Welcome home. Love ya, D
Little Johnny,
ReplyDeleteHello from Perry, remember me I'm the guy who sucked your dads wheel across America! LOL There's times it seems like yesterday.
Congratulations buddy you're my hero. Your dad sent me a link to the last 5 days of your blog, is thier a way to access the whole trip?
You have a great family as well, you had their support every mile of the way. It was great to see them all the other night, meet Brian and catch up with your dad. I guess the only dissapointment was not getting to see you, the man a proud father talked of.
Congrats on all your life accomplishments including having a woman to spend your life with. By the way your mother looks a little young to be a grandmother, your dad well that's another story!
Best Wishes,
Perry