Friday, April 10, 2009

Finale - Lake Kerr to Crescent Beach 206/A1A

Yesterday, Marty and I rode our final 56 miles ending our 43 day odyssey at the Atlantic Ocean.

The day began with late start from the lake and a brisk ride to Palatka.

Palatka is probably known for other things, but it is also the home of Florida's Oldest Diner, Angels. There we had a late lunch and waited for the arrival of Big John Sathe and Ron and Cheryl Adams who rode all the way up from Palm Coast to escort us in the last 26 miles.

For those unfamiliar with road cycling, this was a huge favor as we were able to ride closely behind them (draft) and thus really take it easy on the last leg. Mark and Anne
Betourne also joined us near Hastings so we had an even easier time of it the last 15 or so miles in.

Both of us felt like a milion, okay maybe a hundred, bucks as we crested the last "hill" of the ride -- the bridge over the intracoastal waterway on Route 206.

As we turned biefly South on A1A and then East onto the beach access road, we saw a bunch of our family and friends cheering us on. Upon rereading that last sentence, I realize that much better writer than I may have to be enlisted to pen an adequate description of the feelings of that moment.

Marty and I then made a valiant attempt to ride across the beautiful sugar sand of Crescent Beach, but had to walk the bikes the final yards to ceremonially dip our front wheels into the Atlantic.

Thus ended our ride, but not the day. We joined our welcoming committee at The South Beach Grill for a drink and some food.

Marty's Dad, Bob, and his wife Betty came down from Tennessee for our arrival. Lee and Chuck, of Kerr Lake fame were there as well. My family, including the entire in-law contingent of the Echelbergers, Fosters, and Sheppards as well as two of my sisters were present. The Daytona Beach Bike Club, the Flagler County Board of Education, and Nicole from the Ed Foundation were there in force to welcome us.

PC Bike actually closed early so James, Diane and young James could be there as well. Todd from work, Matt Haugan, Lynne Opelka, and the famous LESAER Of course, my daughter Caitlin, son John, and my wife Kelly were there - seeing them... well... you can refer to the "writer better than I" comment above on that one.

Many, many thanks to all of you who turned out to see us in (oh yeah, Matt and Lynne, thanks for the beer - I guess you know they will not go to waste!). All of your support is truly appreciated and gladly accepted. If I missed anyone, I apologize.

We have some pictures yet to post and probably a blog entry or two summing up the trip, but we are back, safe and sound and this little bicycle trip is over.

Big sigh.

Jake

3 comments:

  1. Absolutely awesome. Congratulations on a great achievement and thanks for letting some of us live vicariously through you.
    Cheers, A in NC.

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  2. You guys did good. I am probably about 3 to 4 weeks behind you. Will call you when i hit St Augustine.

    Dave VG

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