My Ride Summary - Riding Day 25

Aloha!   I am now home in Hawaii.  Here’s a description of the final day. 

For the first time on the trip, the morning began under a thick fog.  It didn’t matter, though; everyone was excited for the last day.  My group averaged about 19 mph (with little or no wind) for the first 29 miles to the first snack stop, and this was the hilly part of the ride.  Our tour leader said we were way ahead of schedule so everyone needed to slow down – that was a first!  The remaining 75 miles were over flat terrain, again with little or no wind.  We arrived at Tybee Island, which is located east of Savannah, before the designated time, took some photos, and then headed to the beach where we took more photos and had our wheel-dipping ceremony.  Whew!  What an experience!

Later in the evening we enjoyed a banquet with all the riders and many friends and family members.  My brother Mark, one of the cofounders of the SPF, drove 14 hours over two days from his home in Connecticut to be there.  It was great to visit with him again.  During the banquet every participant spoke for a few minutes.  The tour leader said that our group raised the bar for future Fast Rides in that we were exceedingly well prepared for the ride – physically, mentally, and emotionally.  Furthermore, we made his job very easy and enjoyable due to our positive attitude, care for each other, and friendliness.  That was nice to hear!  We also had a few riders who performed short skits – basically poking good-natured fun at each of us.  Apparently I said “This is just like Hawaii” a few times too many during the ride which everyone found hilarious. 

2884 miles down, 0 miles to go.  Yippee!

MAHALO FOR YOUR DONATIONS TO THE SPASTIC PARAPLEGIA FOUNDATION!  ALSO, MAHALO FOR YOUR KIND AND ENCOURAGING COMMENTS!