Crossing the Finish Line

Saturday. The last day.

It was still a good day's ride, as it was 23 miles to get to George Washington Bridge, where we got our first sight of NYC. In those 23 miles, there were still five good hills to climb, still green and lush, yet so close to the Big Apple. After crossing the bridge, we were in Manhattan. It was still another 15 miles to get to Staten Island Ferry terminal. We rode along the right side of Manhattan, following the Hudson River. A good portion was bike path, filled with other cyclists and joggers. We passed by the new Freedom Tower, but had no time to explore the city. At 11:30 we boarded the ferry.

After the ferry to Staten Island, which is part of NYC, we had a police escort to the beach. After 6 miles we reached the beach, a place where Hurricane Sandy landed nearly a year ago. At the beach we dipped out tires into the ocean. We had made it from sea to sea. It was a very emotional time. Many family and friends were there, including John and Nancy from our church. (They had already arrived the day before and met me at last night's campground. They are bringing me home--thank you for doing that!)

After the short dipping in ceremony, we still had a 10 mile ride to our overnight accommodations. Again this was done with a police escort. That night we had a banquet and a program to mark the end of this journey.

It's hard to believe that I cycled from sea to sea, that it is now over and that I am now home. The last nine weeks have flown by, or should I say cycled by so fast. I have met new friends and was part of a worthy cause--cycling to end poverty. I now have to adjust to life back at home and in ministry.

Thank you for all the support that I have received--financial, emotional, and spiritual. It's been a great ride.