Jay On The Bike: Pedaling Across America: The Trip Home, May 27 and 28 2011, Amesbury, MA to Essexville, MI

Hallelujah I have made it back to home sweet home! Friday morning, in Amesbury, I was up at 5:30 a.m., just before the alarm was scheduled to go off. The first thing I saw was the box I had packed my bike in and I thought, “Whoa baby, I get to go home!!” I ate a leisurely breakfast at the motel with several members of our group. We relived some of the events that we experienced, told a few lies and generally “yukked” it up. At 7:00 a.m. we loaded our bags into a couple of vans and were transported to Logan airport in Boston. Just prior to leaving I handed my bike off to the desk clerk to await pick up by Fed Ex. The last I saw of it, it was sitting in the lobby. I sure hope that I called Fed Ex!

My flight did not leave until 1:30 p.m. so I had some time to kill. Ran into Ohio Bob and he and I spent a few hours reliving our accomplishments. He is the first guy I met in Costa Mesa and the last of the group that I spent any time with. I found that interesting. We had a good time. Arrived in Atlanta with a ½ hour to spare. When I boarded the plane it was very obvious that the air conditioning was not working. The plane was hotter than blazes. The captain and staff were apologizing profusely. Shortly after takeoff the captain came on the speaker and asked if there was a physician on board. A few minutes later he announced that they had a medical emergency and we were returning to Atlanta. Oh joy!! We returned safely and were met by an ambulance. They removed one of the flight attendants who apparently had been overcome by the heat. We then had to wait for a substitute attendant who received a standing ovation (from me) when she arrived. Two hours after our scheduled departure we were back in the air and landed in Flint at 9:45 p.m.

I was met at the gate by my welcoming entourage who were waving signs and banners. It was really quite a sight and a big surprise. Making up the group were: Leisa, Mom, Joy Lee, Keri Crane (one of my favorite nieces), Mary Pearsall, Pam Snarey, Pat Beyer, Mary Morin, Dave Pruder and Rusty Wellman. I was really quite touched and thankful that they came. We talked for awhile; I told a few stories, answered questions about the gazelles and then hit the road.

I slept like a baby until 5:30 a.m. at which time I awoke confused, not quite knowing where I was. I found that interesting as for the past 33 days I always knew where I was at and what the day had in store for me when I awoke. When I rolled over and found Leisa Rose in bed next to me a calming peace came over me and I drifted back to sleep. Ahhh, home sweet home. A few hours later I was up and putting the espresso machine to work. Gosh I like being home. When I went outside to survey the yard I was very surprised to find that my wonderful life partner, Leisa, had taken care of everything. The yard and gardens looked absolutely fabulous. It was obvious that she had spent hours taking care of everything. I was surprised, as she had told me that there was much to be done, because the weather had prevented her from doing much. My first thought was, “Daryl was right, she is a saint!!” My second thought was, “Dang she has done such a good job I think I will turn it all over to her and I will take up quilting.”

It is truly very nice to be home. I was gone for too long, though I do not have any regrets. As I sat around today drinking mass quantities of espressos I began the process of reflecting upon what I accomplished. I am not too shy to say that what we accomplished and experienced was BIG and absolutely mind boggling. I am thankful for having had the opportunity to do it. Specifically I am thankful for having the good health, resources and time to do it. I would be remiss in not making special note of the support and encouragement that Leisa Rose provided throughout this ordeal. Without her backing I would have never even attempted it. That Daryl is a smart guy, “She is a saint!”

For those of you, who have followed this blog and shared this adventure with me, thank you! I hope that you have enjoyed it as much as I have enjoyed sharing it with you. I have pursued a dream. I hope that you will pursue yours. Remember, “If not now, when??”