April 24, 2023: Palatka to St. Augustine and the Atlantic Ocean – 35 miles and 209 feet of elevation

Today marked the 53rd and final day of our cycling tour across the United States. It actually started last night, where we had a group dinner and a short ceremony in Palatka, which is about 35 miles from our final destination in St. Augustine. Since they asked everyone to stand up and say a few words, I took this as an opportunity for an “open-mike” stand-up routine, which included some of my “biggest hits”, such as the story of Captain Bravo and his red shirt / brown pants. Based on the looks I received, I got the impression that they might have been looking for something a little shorter and more contemplative, but give me an opportunity, and I will bring out the oldies and the goodies anytime, regardless of the situation. Despite the fact that I was one of the last ones to be chosen to speak to the group of riders, I decided to “do a full set”, starting around 9:00pm and finishing a little before midnight, (just like they do in Vegas!). Sure, they told me to take ony a “few minutes”, but when you get into the groove, it’s SO hard to stop. This probably explains why everyone was so tired this morning, and why everyone seemed quite annoyed with me. Ah, deep down, I know that they LOVED it!

Seriously, this journey across the United States on a bicycle has been quite an adventure, certainly one I will remember with great fondness. For me, the physical challenge of riding that distance paled in comparison to the mental challenge of staying focused, and adjusting to life away from family and being in unfamiliar, sometimes uncomfortable situations and circumstances. What I learned along the way is that we have such a diverse, beautiful, and captivating country, filled with wonderful, helpful people who are joyous about life, curious about others, and want the best not just for themselves but also for others. I can’t tell you how many people I met along the way who were absolutely fascinated with what we were doing, and filled the time with endless questions, suggestions and advice. Many even offered me money to help support “our cause”, which admittedly was probably more self-centric than altruistic. (Of course, I accepted all of their offered money, since not doing so would be RUDE… Only partially true…I let the kids keep their lemonade stand proceeds. :). I also learned that we have WAY too many Family Dollar stores, but that is a subject for another day.

I also learned yesterday that our group was a part of history. Up until today, the oldest person to cross America by bicycle was a man named Bill Wallace, who was 74 years and 313 days old. That was up until today. Today, one of our group, Bruce, completed the journey at the young age of 78 years old. I’d like to say that I played a role in making this happen, however that would not be the least bit truthful. Bruce overcame several significant accidents along the way, recovering from a fall that caused the temporary loss of feeling in one of his arms. On the day of that fateful fall, Bruce was picked up off the ground and “sagged” (taken by automobile) to our final nightly stop, 30+ miles away. The next day being a “layover day”, Bruce woke up, took his bike and a companion, and traveled back to the scene of his accident, remounted his bike, and cycled back the 30+ miles back to camp, so he so he could finish the previous day’s challenge. That, ladies and gentlemen, is the definition of toughness. So hopefully, in a few days, you will be able to “Google” Bruce’s name, and find that he now holds the record. Now, he has inspired me so much, that I am investigating who is the SHORTEST person to travel bike bike across the US. I’m thinking that I have a shot! My 15 minutes of fame may have just arrived!

Today, we left Palatka around 9:00am, and arrived in old St. Augustine around 11:30. There, we ate lunch, gathered again around 12:30, and cycled to a McDonalds, (not necessarily because in that 30 minutes we were once again hungry for a McFlurry, but across the street there was a “Welcome to St. Augustine” sign). There, we posed for about 3,000 pictures, and then remounted our bikes and traveled another 15 minutes to the beach. Along the way, I connected with Debby and Anna via FaceTime so they could be a part of the moment as it was occurring. As I rounded a corner, I found Jacob in the crowd, waving an American flag, apparently since he felt the need to practice for the upcoming Independence Day celebration. With more than a few tears coming down my face, I turned down the street to the beach, dismounted my bike, walked to the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, and FLUNG my bike into the water. (The flinging part is NOT true, but instead, I dipped my bike tire into the water). At that moment, the goal that I had set for myself over 40 years ago was complete.

As I said to the group yesterday after telling my Captain Bravo joke, I feel Grateful, Thankful, and Blessed. I am grateful for the Timberline Bike Staff, for all of their assistance and support in helping make this dream a reality. I am thankful for all of my fellow riders for teaching me so much about cycling, and supporting me when clearly I had no idea what I was doing. Most importantly, I feel Blessed. I am blessed to have a wife and family that are so supportive, and willing (perhaps even more than willing!), to allow me to leave home for two months to fulfill my dream. Beyond all of this, I have been blessed by the Good Lord above, who kept me safe and secure during my time away, and supported me in innumerable ways along my journey.

I also am thankful for you, everyone who has supported and encouraged me along the way, and perhaps endured yet another post on the blog. I will try to keep you informed via the Walking Machine, on what the next adventure might be.