The night before last we had our official final dinner.  Everyone got to share their thoughts with the group and say their initial good byes.  As I sat back and listened to the comments, it seemed to me that everyone thought it was a ride well worth the effort.  All commented on the scenery and the support while some seemed to have had a spiritual experience somewhere along the way. 

Some commented that it was nice to be with such a small group as this ride was one of the smallest we've done...only 13 full time riders.  I don't know if the size had anything to do with it but this group was exceptional.  I'm not sure if this was an exceptional group that just came together and enjoyed a wonderful ride, or if it was a group that was made exceptional by the ride itself.  Either way, we (the staff) really enjoyed being around this group of individuals.  Everyone, unique in their own way, took something positive from this ride and will cherish the memories of their Ride The West family.  I know we are proud to have had no one leave from injury...that's two rides in a row this summer...we must be doing something right.

The magnificent Oregon coastline, the majestic Redwoods, the beautiful scenery along the California wine country, and the good weather the entire trip (albeit foggy at times) all played a role in making this an unforgettable ride.  Not to mention the 76,000 feet of climbing, the zooming descents, and the great people we met who were all memorable in some way by themselves. 

Everyone came away from this ride with something different but all were inspired by the beauty and the challenge of the route.  I know I'll never forget the rugged shoreline of the Oregon coast.  When I crossed Oregon for the first time on the North ride, I thought Oregon was one of the most beautiful states I'd ridden in, but now after seeing the coast, I'm sure of it.  I wish I could just bottle this ride up and take it home.

This closes another great ABB adventure.  I'd like to publicly thank the staff (Barb, Jim, and Karen) for all their hard work to make this a memorable trip.  I'd like to thank the riders for their great attitude and flexibility which made our job even more enjoyable.  Plus, I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the great support we get from the home office all summer.  Without their tireless efforts, we couldn't possibly do what we do out here let alone live the nomadic lifestyle we've grown to embrace. 

Well, another ride is in the history books.  The sun is rising over the horizon in front of us as we drive eastward and as we say good bye to the left coast.  We have a long way to go before home and returning the equipment to New Hampshire.  I hope you've enjoyed reading of our adventures as much as we've enjoyed bringing them to you.  On behalf of Doug Torosian the owner and president of ABB, the on road staff, and the ABB office staff personnel, I want to thank you for following our rides this season and hope that someday you'll come ride with us and see for yourself that there's no better way to see the country than from the seat of a bicycle.

PS:  I want to thank the riders who didn't lynch me for all the fun we made of them on the website.  It's all meant to be fun and no malice was meant nor was it meant to embarrass anyone.  One rider commented that we don't embarrass the riders, just their loved ones at home.  I hope that wasn't the case and hope the loved ones at home appreciate the good sense of humor their spouse/parent/sibling/friend has developed.  It's good we can all laugh at ourselves from time to time...I think studies have shown that if we do laugh more, we'll live longer.  To my reading public, all of the stories I told of the riders were mostly based on something happening, but I'll admit I used a little freedom explaining some of the situations.  Thanks riders for supplying us all with a little humor.  Hope to see you next season.