I wonder if anyone remembers California?  Usually when we ask that question at rap someone would say, "Was that where the other ocean was?"  It seems like a lifetime ago when we rode in California, Arizona, and New Mexico...at least I think I remember riding in those states.  The riders and staff had the last rap last night to discuss the last day's activities...going to the beach, packing up bikes, and the final banquet.  Usually by then, it finally starts to sink in...it is almost over and although the staff crew is ready for a break, we hate to see the ride come to an end...our new adopted family will be departing to their "real lives" by this time tomorrow.  The photo right is the last sunrise we get to ride into on this trip...the last morning they get to load luggage and ride into the morning air with the dew glistening on the grass by the roadside...the last breakfast as a group...and tonight, the last meal together...I'll miss this bunch.

Before I forget to mention it, I appreciate all the emails I've received commenting on the journal.  I'm happy to have brought the journal to you and am thrilled so many people have been following our progress...hope you'll continue to be readers of ABB adventures and maybe my efforts will inspire others to join us on the road.  I also want to especially thank folks for all the mails I've received with sincere thoughts concerning mom.  It's been hard the last couple of days, but it's comforting to know so many people care.  I regret not being able to finish the ride and to celebrate with the riders, but it's not to be on this trip.  The following is an account as I received it.

We all arrived at our rendezvous point and at Fort Pulaski just past Savannah by the appointed time.  The early riders waited until everyone got there before departing for the final 5 miles to the beach.  The final rider to the fort was 15 seconds before the appointed deadline for rendezvous.  After a few obligatory photos of our anticipated triumph, we all set off to Tybee for the final tire dip and transfer of Pacific Ocean water we had transported from Newport Beach in Irvine. 

After a rushed shower and quick shuffling of duties to get all the guest's equipment taken care of, we were off to the final dinner.  The food was great, the company was super, we had some laughs and tossed around lots of fond memories of our adventure.  Several people had guests who came to share in the revelry of our accomplishment.  It's always great to see family and friends after our rides...it makes it all come together.  I'll talk more about the banquet on the final thoughts page tomorrow. 

Tonight we said good bye to our new family...our first of the season.  It's been a great finish to this ride and also a great start to a long cycling season.  I hope you've enjoyed reading about our adventure and that you'll consider riding with us sometime in the future.  Tune in in a tomorrow for the final installment of this journal...the final thoughts page.  I'll poke a little fun at the riders and sum up the ride.  They know it is all in fun...we love 'em.  May God be with you and may you have a super cycling season.

BOB'S CORNER:

This is the day that we were all aiming for, the completion of a very large task that at times seemed impossible to complete.  The feeling at the beach at the conclusion is amazing.  But before I get to that, we better discuss the day.

The day started very early so that half the field could get an early start.  Since we were all riding in the last five miles together it was best for all if we reversed the usual daily finish and had the non-hammerheads leave early so we could all get to the rendezvous close to the same time. 

I spent the morning with Stanley and Sue and we scooted along at a nice pace of 20 MPH through the lunch sag.  The route was flat and we had an acceptable tailwind that made the day rather comfortable.  We did notice something that I have wondered about for many years.  The last 20 years I have lived in the SE and we often enjoy Vidalia onions.  However they tend to be a bit more expensive than other sweet onions and I always assumed it was because they are the best.  Little did I know that the reason they are more expensive is because they have to pay the onion trainer.  What is an onion trainer you ask??  Well it is the person that teaches the onions to grow directly into the bag as you can see in the photo.  They just think of everything.

The departure plan worked like a charm.  By the time we got to the 69 mile lunch stop we were all pretty close together.  Post lunch there was only about 15 miles to get into Savannah and from there to the rendezvous spot it is some quality urban riding. 

Once we left the rendezvous spot and headed to the beach for the last five miles time moved in slow motion.  The beach was very crowded with the temperatures bumping ninety degrees and sunny skies.  We definitely caught the attention of the beach goers since we were carrying our bikes to the ocean.  One guy walked past me with his wife and said “So, what did you do, ride from California?”  When I answered yes he was dumfounded since he was joking and trying to give us a hard time.  When I turned around he was taking pictures of all of us and joining in the festivities. 

I can’t describe the feeling of relief of completing the ride and having no one leave the ride for illness or injury or lack of desire.  With 26 riders leaving from California and covering 2899 mile that is a special accomplishment that ABB should be very proud of.  We are all grateful for their support and bearing with us even when we were beyond cranky.  I think I will sign off and let the pictures from the beach give you the feeling that I can not describe with words.