Day33 The End of Route 66! 07-17-18
LA to the Santa Monica Pier
We finished our journey! I spent the morning riding a few miles, and tried calling a few news stations in LA (with no response). Kelly, Debi, Shannon and Addy drove down the Pacific Coast Highway into Santa Monica, and we all met at the Pier around noon. The number of people at the Pier was incredible, and the sight of the Pacific Ocean as my finish line was truly amazing. We took some pictures on the Pier, ate some funnel cake (because why not?), and a few of us rode the Ferris Wheel.
We spent a little while wandering around the Pier, looking at all of the shops, and buying a few souvenirs. At the very end of the Pier, we noticed some people were gathered around, looking down into the water. Just below us, a seal was patiently waiting to be fed. Before long, one of the fisherman threw a fish into the water, and the seal happily ate it, after swinging it from side to side against the waves. I have no doubt this seal is probably the best fed seal in the entire ocean.
I really can't believe the ride is over! It seems like we have been on the road forever, and also like we just left last week. There are so many emotions I have experienced on the ride, from fear of being run over by a semi (or anything else), to happiness at the freedom of simply riding my bike, to frustration with all of the flat tires, to enormous pride at being able to accomplish something pretty cool. I also want to thank each of you for spreading the word, donating to the cause, taking the time to read this journal, and sending encouragement through the comments, text messages, and social media. There were multiple moments (and miles) throughout the ride when I thought about stopping, but all of you were able to keep my spirits up, and I thank you for the "push."
At some point, I guess we have to go back to our reality. I should probably find a job, and we have to go back to our normal lives in Michigan. We were able to run down to the beach this morning for a minute to dip our toes in the Pacific Ocean, and this was a nice reminder to enjoy the opportunity we have in front of us. The trip has been for a good cause, but it also was a vacation, and a chance to lose ourselves for a little while. I have had the chance for lots of time by myself, and I spent most of it lost inside my own head. Some of the stuff I found in there was pretty random, but there were times I was able to just clear my mind completely (insert empty head joke here). It was a memorable adventure, and I can't wait to see what happens in the future. Thanks again for riding along with us!
Cheers!
Miles on the bike today: 20.9
Total miles on the bike: 1,695.2