Day 48 - Burlington, MA to Boston’s Revere Beach, MA - 17 miles - 200 feet of climbing - 1:30 hours in the saddle

Final Tour Stats - 3,462 miles - 97,752 feet of climbing (18.5 miles up) - 217 hours in the saddle

Parade Ride….Atlantic Ocean….Jubilation….Lobster Roll

Over the last 10 miles of yesterday’s ride, I felt a growing sense of pride from knowing that I was just a ceremonial ride away from achieving my goal.  A goal that was long dreamed of and trained for.  I was very fortunate that during the course of riding 3,462 miles, I did not suffer from illness, incur an injury, have an accident or experience any equipment issues.  I did have a split lip for a couple days from too much sun in the desert and a few days of Wahoo direction issues such that I had to read the physical cue sheet (and almost ran into a curb reading it yesterday!).  But these were nothing that would prevent me from continuing the tour.

Last night we had our awards banquet.  I proudly received my EFI certificate for riding Every Fantastic/F#$king Inch of this vast country from Coast to Coast!  15 of the 23 riders accomplished this feat, which we are told was an amazingly high number of riders.  This was a talented, dedicated and lucky group of cyclists!

                                                        EFI Certificate presented by Paula Farmer, Owner

Today’s festivites started with the final appearance of the Route Rap Rappers performing on a stage (back to the open box truck) for the first time.  They sang a rendition of Born in the USA with the other riders joining in on the chorus.  After that we all sang America the Beautiful.  Not sure the Brits knew the words of “Oh beautiful, for spacious skies…..” nor would I expect them to!  The ride to the beach was lead by Jean, who lives in the area.  The goal was to stay together as much as possible.  There were a few separations due to traffic lights, but we all re-grouped at Dunkin Donuts.

From the re-group spot we rode the final procession 2 by 2, lead by one of the vans to Revere Beach.  There we were greeted by an adoring and awestruck crowd of family members and well wishers.  There were smiles all around (and congratulatory hugs, high fives, fist bumps, whoops and hollers, etc). It was a joyous moment!  Now time to go dip the front wheel in the Atlantic Ocean after 43 days of riding!

After pictures and a box lunch with bonus wonderful Whoopi Pies made by Lee and Lisa’s daughter, we said our goodbyes.  Erika and I headed to the Seaport District of Boston for a celebration lunch on the waterfront at ReelHouse with Nicolette, Michael, Violette and Michael’s mom, Carol.  Enjoyed a beer, lobster rolls and other delicious foods.  Celebration continued at Trillium Brewery and Cisco Brewery!

And before you know it, the 7 week trip was over!  It seems like both a short trip and a long trip, all at the same time!  I have so much admiration for my fellow riders.  All the riders that started the trip also completed the trip, despite the hills, heat, cold, rain, hail, and long  days in the saddle.  

One of my motivations for making the trip was test myself on an endurance event.  While this ride was physically and emotionally challenging, it was also doable (with adequate training).  I postponed this trip last year due to torn meniscus and so glad I did.  I got to thrive on the ride, instead of just survive.

Many thanks to my wife, Erika, and the rest of my family for their love and support during my training and the last 2 months away from home.   And to my Cawley Partners family for picking up the slack while I was away from work for 2 months.  And to all those family and friends that sent supportive and inspirational texts, they meant more to me than you may realize. 

More reflective thoughts in the coming days…..

SavorED the Journey // AchievED the Goal