The last ride was anything but easy. I got up early and was still on quite a high from completing coast to coast the previous day. I was looking forward to the last leg and felt confident despite it being quite a long day.
I left at 7am and all was good until about the 25 mile point. From here the rain started and things got quite miserable. For long sections I was riding highway 1. The options for heading north are quite limited because of the peninsulas. Despite it being Sunday, traffic was heavy. Combined with the rain, the noise and spray made it far from enjoyable.
I stopped at a roadside lobster shack to try the local speciality. In pouring rain I sat under a small umbrella to eat it while some other customers sat and ate theirs in their big, warm, dry car. I must have looked a state. As they were leaving I watched them take a picture aimed in my direction. I don't think there was anything else of interest around. It must have been a crazy guy on a loaded bike, who looked like a drained rat, eating lobster in the pouring rain that they were capturing.
I didn't quite muster a smile ;)
I had ridden about 70 miles when my brother offered a lift and pointed out I had already ridden coast to coast.
With continuing rain and heavy traffic I said 'yes please, come get me' :)
On agreeing a meeting point the day almost immediately brightened up making me question my decision. It could have also been my morale lifting knowing that of nearly 4,000 miles I only had another 5 or 6 to pedal.
It was a good feeling. I had a moment with my bike, one last heartfelt conversation between the two of us. Then I slapped myself out of it.
The last few miles approaching the house were in deep woods and would have been difficult to navigate so a lift was a good idea.
100 metres from the house my brother kicked me out of the car and suggested I ride around the corner because the kids wanted to see me finish. When I came around the corner I was greeted by banners and balloons and cheering and decorations and big smiles all round. Oh, a nice cold beer too.
It was a really nice surprise and a perfect end to the trip. Thankyou for such an excellent welcome.
And thankyou to everyone for all messages and emails of encouragement Along the way.
Every single one was super appreciated Especially in the first few weeks where there task was quite daunting and I seriously wondered if I had bitten off more than I could chew.
Total mileage : 3,935
I really should go for a 65 mike bike ride!
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