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.

.

.

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.

.

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!

.

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!

.

.

.

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.

. ..

.
.

.

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!"

.

.

.

.

. . .
.
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.

. .
.
.

.

.

.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.

.

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!

.

"I DID."

.

"YOU CAN TOO!"

.

.

.