I've been struggling with finding a way to wrap up this blog, to summarize what can only be described as the summer of a lifetime. I've written about three drafts at this point but nothing has given this trip justice. After having over a week to reflect (while also prolonging my adventures before finally heading back to DC) I think I finally managed to find the right words.
On June 11 I entered a church in New Haven, CT, excited to meet 30 strangers who would become my companions on an adventure across the country. I've seldom become more comfortable with a group of people so quickly - maybe because we all shared a common goal, maybe because when you spend 24/7 with people it kind of forces you to. But regardless, I can't imagine crossing the country with a more loving, supportive, hilarious group of people.
Together we saw a slice of the country in a way very few people do. Seeing the country at the speed of a bike opens up so many more opportunities for observation. You have the time to take in the minute changes in scenery, see the way the land impacts industry, and meet people from all over the country with all sorts of colorful stories to share. We even joked about watching the baby cows grow bigger and bigger as time went by. These are the things you notice when traveling at the speed of a bicycle.
The beautiful landscapes I saw while biking can't be beat either, especially knowing I had the luxury of seeing something new everyday. After spending the last few days in a car (in incredibly beautiful places nonetheless) I have an even greater understanding and appreciation of how much more you take in while biking. It's a complete sensory experience. You see everything unfiltered - there's nothing blocking you from taking in a complete 360 degree view, from smelling the wildflowers, from hearing the birds chirping, or from feeling the ever-so-rare benefits of a tailwind . Everyday I felt lucky to be living the way I was. It was euphoric in so many ways and I will never forget the feeling of excitement and anticipation in those most beautiful moments.
Don't get me wrong though, this trip was also full of challenges and pushed me to my limits. Waking up everyday before sunrise and convincing yourself to get on your bike again is not always easy. I love exploring by bike, but there are days when it took all the energy I could muster, and sometimes the energy of others, to convince myself I could do it. Of course now that the trip is over I've proved to myself that I can indeed do it. Even during times when I was tired or in pain or sad, I pushed through. I've said it before and I'll say it again, biking across the country is as emotionally challenging as it is physically.
But in the end all 31 of us made it to Half Moon Bay. We pushed each other and helped each other grow and for that I will be forever grateful. Those last miles of biking to the ocean were incredibly emotional for me. I have never been more proud of myself and the people around me as I was in those final moments. As we dropped our bikes in the sand and bolted into the ocean I just wanted to embrace each and every one of my friends. Less than three months ago we were just strangers, but together we conquered something huge, and it will be something we share forever.