Today was the last get up, last luggage load, last SAG stop, the last pedal stroke.  It's really hard to see such a great ride come to an end, but all good things end...that's why we plan on other good things to do...like this ride again next year. 

We had an early breakfast and then took the time to take a group photo before luggage load.  We all donned our ABB jerseys and formed up by the pool to record the riders who were with us on the last day.  It didn't take long to snap a couple shots...good thing as everyone was hot to get on the road...it was our last day...let's get to it.

Spirits were high as we completed morning scurry for the last time.  Gerard was his usual jovial self as the luggage covered him as he and Karen methodically stacked each bag in its special place.  Actually, that's what they'd have you believe...every bag fit neatly in a row and stacked like brickwork belying the scrutiny of a construction supervisor.  But with such a small group, they pretty much just stacked them anyway they came in.  Nevertheless, all the bags were in and everyone was on the road before you could shake a stick.  My plan was to get out early before anyone got on the road and position myself to take some photos of the riders as they came along the beach.  That was a good plan, but because of the activities at departure, everyone was in a wad as they pedaled out of town and they all came by me at once.  One snap and they were gone...so much for a bunch of nice photos of riders on the beach.

Our route started out on a beautiful bike path after a couple miles of city streets.  The vans had to find our way through a maze of side streets to get down to the shoreline to see the riders go by.  Last year I was in the van and every time I'd try to get to the beach, I'd run into a fee parking area or a dead end a block from the shoreline.  Fees were in the neighborhood of $10 just to get in...I didn't need a photo that badly.  But today I was on the bike and I did find a spot or two where I could see everyone go by and got a shot or two.  The path ran along a deep sandy beach and was not crowded since we were riding on a Monday and it was early.

The riders meandered along the crooked path for several miles before popping out onto the street in Hermosa Beach.  From there it was pretty much urban riding until they reentered a bike path at Seal Beach to Costa Mesa.  Some of the narrow streets in Long Beach were much easier to negotiate on a bike than they were with the van...but that's what it's all about...riding a bike.

I think it really didn't sink in until they were ready to depart the SAG today that the ride's end was fast approaching.  It took awhile for everyone to finally saddle up and get rolling for the last leg of our great ride down the coast.  I was trying to mingle with the final groups but even late in the day, they all stopped for one last "lunch on the road" before the final miles to the motel...I guess they were savoring the last miles.

Everyone finally got in by 3:30 and me and the crew spent the next couple hours packing the vans for the trip back to NH, boxing bikes, and saying our good byes for the final time.  It will be strange in the morning.  We'll wake up and wonder where everyone is...then it will dawn on us that our summer is over...our routine will be different until next season when we go back on the road for another summer of adventure on our bikes.  But now, we'll rest.  Not looking forward to the long drive east, but we're planning on driving to Alabama on our way to NH and spend a week to unwind before taking the equipment to the office.  We were originally scheduled to lead the fall foliage rides in 5 days, but ABB found someone else to lead the first week (Shane O'Leary and Debbie Tarvin) and the second week cancelled...so we are through for the year.

I hope you enjoyed following us down the coast...we sure enjoyed riding it and sharing our adventures with you.  I hope you'll continue to follow our rides next season and our escapades in the future.  Better yet, come ride with us yourself.  I'll try to wrap up our ride in the FINALE section...but for now, I'll say, "See you next time."