DAY 48 - DESTINATION - HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA

Miles: 45.8 - Total Miles: 3,147 - Total Ascent: 93,705 ft.

I did it! One week ago from today I dipped my front tire in the Pacific Ocean. The experience was about as overwhelming as one could imagine. The physical aspect of completing a coast-to-coast bike ride; the accomplishment of nearly a lifelong dream; the reunion with my wife and children; the first return trip in 3 years to our hometown; and the ominous conclusion to the final chapter of this remarkable journey, had finally arrived.

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My route through Anaheim crossed the intersection of Lincoln Avenue and Rio Vista. On the northeast corner sits a Del Taco restaurant that I can still recall being a Naugles Tacos. Since the age of 10, I lived less than a mile away from what has become my home away from home (I once ate at this very Del Taco 4 times in one day). Needless to say, I took the time to go inside and have a Coke and a quesadilla. Ironically though, my friends Jacob and Dennis Irving weren't able to make it to the beach, but decided to meet me at Del Taco. John Hermanson (along with his wife, children, and his two brothers) were en route up from Indio and also decided to stop at this Del Taco. Then my in-laws happened to be at the adjacent 7-11 and noticed a bike with an American flag, so they decided to join us as well. In total, there were 15 of us visiting at my old hangout - what a great visit.

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A few miles down the road, I came across what I thought was an unruly supporter chanting, "U.S.A. - U.S.A. - U.S.A. ..." It was my old friend Tad Lindquist and his family stopping by to offer their support. In another vehicle were Tad's in-laws, also out to support. And to top it off , in a different vehicle, was another good buddy, Dave Jensen and his three sons. This 3 vehicle motorcade made for quite the entourage down the 14 mile stretch of Beach Boulevard (with no shoulder to ride on). Perfect timing - thank you all!

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It was when I reached Pacific Coast Highway that things seemed to go numb. Once I arrived at Huntington Beach I called Tracy to tell her that I'd be seeing her in a matter of moments. I also called two great supporters (and two very dear friends of ours) back in Boise to tell them that I had arrived safely. Only a couple of hundred yards to go!

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While riding on the boardwalk, if I couldn't see the finish line, I could sure hear it! Nearly one hundred family members, close friends, distant friends, and complete strangers were gathered together. Yelling, clapping, cheering, and holding various supportive signs, they all seemed to cherish the moment of my arrival. The feelings were remarkable and unforgettable, to say the least.

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Gathered together separately, were my wife Tracy and our four children Taylor (12), Aubrey (10), Hannah (8), and Jack (5 1/2). They definitely created, what I hope to have as, the most lasting impression of this journey. After we hugged and kissed, and embraced privately, they escorted me under a sign that read: FINISH LINE - O.M.E.H. BIKE TOUR - September 3rd to October 20th - www. OMEH .org - "I CAN!"

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Then we walked down to the water, as I carried my bike through the sand, to where everyone had gathered in a gauntlet. In what was perhaps the most surreal moment of the day, I looked out at the breaking waves, turned and faced my crowd of supporters and raised my bike over my head, then simply dipped my front tire in the Pacific Ocean - thus concluding my solo journey from Sea to Shining Sea.

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.My mission was to raise awareness of the sacrifices made by Ordinary Men and Women in uniform who have laid their lives upon the altar of freedom, thus becoming and forever remaining our Extraordinary Heroes. As I read back through this blog at the comments made from both lifelong friends as well as newly made acquaintances, it is evident that my mission has been accomplished.

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I will forever be grateful to Dick Hoyt and his son Rick. Together they created a belief in my mind that "I CAN!" That belief alone has been both a comforter and a motivator over the last few months. The reality that "I DID" because I thought "I CAN!" will stay with me for the rest of my life. And now, whether YOU think you can or you cannot...you're right!

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"I DID."

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"YOU CAN TOO!"

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DAY 47 - DESTINATION - RIVERSIDE, CA

Miles: 85 - Total Miles: 3,101 - Total Ascent: 92,928 ft.

Now, I can finally smell it! I'm so close to ending this journey I just can't believe it. Today I met many different people and rode by many places that I had seen before. By best description of today, is that it was an out-of-body experience. I really can't even begin to imagine riding tomorrow. But, here are some of today's highlights:

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I was invited to KMIR, the NBC affiliate in Palm Desert, and appeared on their morning show.

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While in Indio I met up with John Hermanson's brother, Aaron (left), and his partner with the Riverside County Sherrifs Department.

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We all agreed that this would have been much more helpful in Kansas.

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Somewhere in New Mexico, I remember thinking that I would stop at the first In-N-Out that I came across, no matter what!

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Ironically enough, John's other brother, Adam, is a Code Enforcement Officer with Riverside County and just happened to drive by.

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Bruce Murrill, the father-in-law of a lady at the Blythe rally, organized a fundraising rally at The Farmhouse Restaurant in Banning. The owner, Jackie Kennedy (above), had a son who was killed in Iraq. His name was Joshua Palmer; a 26 year old Marine Lieutenant, who was shot by a sniper on April 8, 2004. Very symbolic of what this ride is all about.

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Our waitress, Jamie, made this sign for me.

This is a wall in Jackie's restaurant. It is dedicated to her late son, Joshua.

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Today was my last day with a support driver. Bernie and I have been friends since the 7th grade, more than 22 years. We got into trouble together when we were younger; both married our high school sweethearts; he was in my wedding; I was in his; he was with me on top of Mt. Whitney; and his wonderful family has come up to Boise to visit. Thanks Bernie, "You can be my wing man anytime!"

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Tomorrow, I will be riding solo and dipping my front tire into the Pacific Ocean at Huntington Beach.

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"I CAN!"

DAY 46 - DESTINATION - INDIO, CA

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Miles: 97.6 - Total Miles: 3,016 - Total Ascent: 89,311 ft.

3,000 MILES!!! What an exciting milestone this was. But, one long, boring day. John's dad, Glenn Hermanson, was my support driver today. It sure helped having him with me, especially on the decent down into Indio. I stopped at the top of today's simmit and spent some time at the General Patton museum...fixing ANOTHER flat tire!

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We were told by C.H.P. that I would not be able to be on the interstate for the decent. But, where there's a will, there's a way. I called Lisa, my Public Affairs Representative, and asked her to get me clearance...and PRESTO! That girl has the right touch. She spoke with Sgt. Elflynn of Indio C.H.P. and I was given the green light. Thanks Lisa (and Sgt. Elflynn too)!

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Once at my hotel, in Indio, Glenn told me that his family wanted to take me out to dinner. And so it was, John's Mom and Dad, his two brothers Adam and Aaron, and Aaron's wife and their two children, took me out for some great Mexican food. I think the reason I like John so much is evident in the rest of his family - just extraordinarily GREAT people! Thank you Hemanson's...for everything!

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The final stage of this journey has finally arrived. In a previous post, you might recall hearing from one of my best friends in the world, Bernie Perkins, a.k.a. my wing man (see also "MY AMERICAN FLAG" dated Saturday, August 25, 2007). Bernie arrived tonight to be my final support driver and escort me into Riverside. Only two more days in the saddle.

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"I CAN!"

DAY 45 - DESTINATION - BLYTHE, CA

. Miles: 117 - Total Miles: 2,919 - Total Ascent: 87,136 ft.

Wow, what day - I AM IN CALIFORNIA!!! Needless to say, I was pretty excited to get here! Today was simply amazing, to say the very least. I departed Wickenburg, just prior to 7:00 am, and rode 95 miles alone. John had work obligations that he had to tend to. However, after work he picked up his son, Johnny, and met up with me in the town of Quartzsite, Arizona. From there, about 20 miles, John was my support vehicle to Blythe, his home town.

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After I crossed the Colorado River I was in California. And I couldn't have asked for a better welcoming. Just off the interstate I was greeted by a Blythe Police Officer. I was given a police escort to their city park where I was greeted by more than 100 patriotic, flag waving fans. John and Angie organized an O.M.E.H. welcoming party in my honor. I will never forget the good people of Blythe. The Vice Mayor, Town Judge, VFW Commander, and a Protestant Minister were but a few of the civic leaders who greeted me. Additionally, members of a local group "The Yellow Ribbon Committee" made a special presentation. So far, this was the largest showing of support I have received on this journey. Thank you Blythe!

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Afterwards, the Hermanson's invited me to stay at their house. Angie prepared a wonderful home-cooked meal, and we really enjoyed each other's company. Thanks again John and Angie!

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"I CAN!"

DAY 44 - DESTINATION - WICKENBURG, AZ

Miles: 56.7 - Total Miles: 2,802 - Total Ascent: 85,470 ft.

In the beginning, today was little bit of a deceiving ride, but ended up being pretty spectacular. The difference in elevation between Prescott and Wickenburg is about 3,000 feet of decent. That is why I was not expecting to do much climbing out of Prescott. I climbed more than 1,000 feet within the first few miles. Then, after a nice long decent, I came upon a large, beautiful valley. Perhaps it would be smooth sailing to Wickenburg - nope! After only a few miles, it was back to more climbing.

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Last Saturday I was riding from Flagstaff to Cottonwood with Ken as my support driver. On the downhill switchbacks, I had a car pull alongside me and take my picture. I didn't think much of it until, moments later, the same car was parked on the shoulder. A man and woman were both standing outside the car taking more pictures of me. When I decided to stop and visit, they informed me that they were avid cyclists and have never seen a flag like mine mounted to a bike. Their names were John and Joanna; a married couple from Oregon. They drove to Phoenix and are cycling the surrounding areas. They actually had some great advice to offer on mapping and directions. I gave them one of my business cards, told them about my mission, and we parted ways.

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Today, 3 days and 150 miles later, we were eating lunch at a smalltown bar & grill in Peeples Valley, Arizona. I was pretty shocked when John and Joanna, the cyclists, walked through the door. They said they saw my bike (and flag) parked outside and knew it had to be me. I introduced them to my friend John and visited for a while. Before leaving, they walked me outside and we had our picture taken together. John and Joanna, what an amazing journey this has been, and how fortunate I am to have met the two of you - best of luck to both of you!

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Four miles down the road came the decent I had been waiting for. In the photo above, you can see the road is divided. The lower road is for the oncoming traffic. The upper road, a little less visible, is the one I rode on. A very well paved, one lane, one way road - what a fantastic ride, and view! I was hoping to top my speed record of 40 mph, and certainly would have if I didn't have such strong headwinds.

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If you read yesterday's post, you'll remember that John was quite excited to show off his support vehicle. Just look at him, so proud! But, because this blog is intended to be an actual account of my journey, I feel obligated to report the truth...

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It's OK John, Kia's are cool. California, here I come!

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"I CAN!'