Final Episode: Coast to Coast for Kids

After 3,037 miles and 40 days on the road, it has taken us these many days to fully comprehend and articulate the impact this journey has made on us. We are writing this from our home in Sedona, safe and sound, still somewhat amazed that not only was the ride completed successfully, but our funding target was achieved.

So what did we feel when we finally arrived at St. Augustine and finished the ritual of dipping the front tire in the Atlantic Ocean? (You may recall Don dipped the rear tire in the Pacific Ocean on Day 1 of the trip) Obviously, it was quite an emotional time when we considered the distance we had travelled, the physical demands we overcame, and the warmth and generosity of the many friends we made along the way. We have seen areas of abject poverty and hopelessness, places that are thriving and prosperous, towns that are welcoming, and areas where strangers are viewed with suspicion. We have seen the most beautiful vistas and areas where the barren and hostile landscape takes on a majesty of its own. We have loved the colors of the wild flowers growing by the roadside and the richness of the vegetation in the more humid areas. And finally to arrive beside the Atlantic Ocean with the sounds and smell of the breakers......what could be more splendid?

But the most compelling memories for both of us are of the amazing people we encountered, and the way in which the Lord provided all our needs. We knew that many people were supporting us in prayer, and this removed the underlying anxiety that would normally accompany such a journey. Each day on the road we could physically feel the reassurance and strength of such support, which was especially true for Don as he labored day after day. We can truthfully say that there was not a single instance when we regretted undertaking this expedition. (Yes even on the worst climbs!!) On the contrary, we were elated on so many occasions by what can only be described as the Lord's provision. And He tends not to do things in half measures!

One occasion particularly brought focus to the real joy of the trip. A motel receptionist asked Don what he enjoyed most about biking such a distance. His answer to this question was "the people we meet along the way", which is true not only on a journey such as this, but as we continue to go through life in this world. Whether with friends or strangers, personal relationships enrich our lives and we must always seize these opportunities, for who knows where they may lead. The numerous occasions when we were showered with openhanded generosity and warmth humbled and exhilarated us. We only hope we have the opportunity to pass on these blessings to others whose paths we may cross. It seems totally inadequate to just say thank you; we are truly grateful.

We want to thank the many donors, who by their generous support and pledges, are helping to ensure that Verde Valley Young Life will continue as a valuable, active Christian ministry.

To our many hosts along the way, especially the Young Life families across the country, we feel privileged to have met you and now count you as our friends. Thank you!

Our final photo is of a sunrise, surely an inspiring image with which to close our journey. Thank you for traveling with us.

Yours no longer on the Road,
Don and Penny

Day 40 - Monday April 27: Summerfield, FL to St. Augustine, FL

Miles Today: 115. Total Miles: 3,037 Miles Remaining: 00000

Conditions: Hot, sunny, stiff headwind Terrain: Gently rolling

Time on the Road: 8 hrs. 45 min

Celebration on Beach: 30 minutes

Time Opening Celebratory Champagne: 20 seconds

Time Lighting Victory Cigar: Endless...wind was too strong!

Back to the serious stuff, we left the Curtis' feeling refreshed and as though we had known these new friends for years.

Send off for the Final Leg-St Augustine Here We Come


Chris escorted us to the main road out of the community. We would have been totally lost if he hadn't done so. Now it is back on the road. We are more than ready to complete this adventure.

The vegetation is lush and green, as we travel through the Ocala National Forest. There are tall pines interspersed with palm trees, small lakes and swampy areas. But we are anxious to reach the ocean.

Because of our detour to Summerfield, we approached St. Augustine from the south riding the final 36 miles due north on the coastal road with the ocean in full sight. It looked wonderful, with silver sand, blue skies and white caps to the waves. The wind was now mostly at Don's back making the final stages exhilarating. We are now getting really excited!!

At last we reach the town limits, cross the lift bridge, and head through the city to Vilano Beach, where we think there might be a wheel dipping party!

Causeway and Bridge to Vilano Beach

End of the Road!

Although the bike ride is now over, we will write a short post script reviewing the trip in the next few days. Stay tuned for the final episode.

Yours on the Road,

Don and Penny

Day 39 - Sunday April 26: Rest Day in Summerfield, FL

Sunday after attending church with Chris and Christa, we indulged in an excellent lunch at one of the country club facilities, and then took a most welcome nap. Next on the agenda was our introduction to Pickle Ball, which is an outdoor racquet game best described as a cross between tennis and ping pong. Sorry, no pictures of the court action! We ended up being no competition for the Curtis team, who are award winning tournament tested! We'll practice and demand a rematch!

Chris and Christa Curtis (Pickle Ball Champs)

There was just time for dinner and a short update to the blog before falling into bed again. Amazingly, tomorrow's ride will be the final day. Where did the time go? With a rejuvenating rest with the Curtis' and a smoothly running bike, these final 115 miles are eagerly anticipated. Party on the beach tomorrow!!

Yours Still Resting on the Road,

Don and Penny

Day 38 - Saturday April 24: Gainesville,FL to Summerfield, FL

Miles Today: 60. Total Miles: 2,922. Miles Remaining: 115.

Conditions: Warm and Sunny.Headwind. Terrain: Flat

Time on the Road: 6 hrs.

The day started with a breakfast party given by our hosts, Barb and Eric, who had invited various Young Life volunteer leaders, committee members, and friends. Needless to say, we didn't get an early start, but really enjoyed this time with them.

Thank you Gainesville for a really Great Visit

Today's ride was to take us on a detour south by 60 miles to Summerfield to visit the parents of Kevin, our YL Area Director in Verde Valley. Obviously Don was feeling a bit apprehensive about riding his malfunctioning bike, which, coupled with a stiff headwind, would prove to be challenging on the bike. However the roads were smooth and flat, and with only a relatively short distance to cover, he was optimistic. Besides which, he knew that tomorrow would be very welcome a rest day, after 9 consecutive days in the saddle!

After a tough 50 miles and nearly to our destination, Penny noted a roadside sign advertising a bike shop. Planning on getting a minor adjustment to the one gear configuration to make the pedaling easier, Don pulled in. The mechanic (Shannon) said he thought he could fix the problem and would like to try. And to our amazement, he solved the problem! Within an hour, Don was back on the road with a smoothly performing bike.....and absolutely jubilant! Penny thinks this is an answer to prayer (thank you Pastor Paul). And many thanks to Shannon of Santos Bike Shop. You have made the prospect of riding the last 115 miles to St. Augustine much more appealing!

Shannon, Genius Bike Mechanic

Now we are really flying to reach our destination! And what a wonderful welcome we received from Chris and Christa Curtis. They have a beautiful home in an active community, which is equipped with all sorts of sporting facilities, country club amenities, and lavish landscaping. We joined some of their friends after dinner for a party!

Yours resting on the Road,

Don and Penny

Day 37 - Friday April, 24: Live Oak, FL to Gainesville, FL

Miles Today: 76. Total Miles: 2,862. Miles Remaining: 162
Conditions: Hot (89 f.) and Humid. Terrain: Flat Smooth Road
Time on the Road: 6 hrs. 20 mins.



After 2,839 miles over 36 days, today Don experienced his first mechanical problem with the bike. About 30 miles from our destination for the day, the rear derailleur cable broke. Don limped into the town of High Springs on one gear and fortunately found a well equipped bike repair shop run by the local town commissioner. Unfortunately, he could not fix the problem, which turned out to be a damaged shift lever. It appears Don will have to complete the ride with only one rear gear. It's a good thing that Florida is flat!

Not Good News on the Bike Front, but Thanks Jim for Trying

The 30 mile ride to Gainesville on a bike with one gear was not pleasant, but we were looking forward to arriving at the gracious home of Barb and Eric, Young Life Committee members, who were hosting us for the night. Dinner was at the restaurant owned by Steve and Jane, who also serve on the YL committee. What a great evening we enjoyed with them and some of their friends.

Thank you Barb and Eric and Jillian for Your Warm Hospitality

Tomorrow we ride south to Summerfield for an extra special rest day.

Yours on the Road,

Don and Penny

Day 36 - Thursday April 23: Tallahassee to Live Oak, FL

Miles Today: 102. Total Miles: 2,786. Miles Remaining: 231

Conditions: Hot (89 f.)and Humid Terrain: Flat

Time on the Road: 7 hrs. 30 mins.

After another great meal prepared by Ginger and a final hug goodbye, we were on the road again.

Today we are beginning to realize how near we are to journey's end. Only four more days in the saddle before we enjoy some R&R on the beach in St. Augustine.



Our lunch stop was in the pretty small town of Monticello, which boasts a wonderful old city hall, and an intriguing coffee shop, named "Starducks"!





During the past several days, we have leapfrogged a couple (Dan and Bev) from Portland, Oregon, who are doing the coast to coast ride as a team. Each rides half a day while the other drives the support RV. We enjoyed the many brief encounters we had with them, and finally said goodbye to them today. All the best to you, Dan and Bev.

Bev and Dan Fite

The route today passed through yet more farmland and we are beginning to long for the ocean and journey's end. Several areas of swampy forests and lovely wild flowers were on the route today.

Once in Live Oak, we checked into a small motel where we planned to update the blog, but found to our frustration that the Internet was not working. So even more behind in our postings, we concentrated on other tasks, like laundry. Clothes air dried at 60 MPH on the bike rack!

Improvised Clothes Line for Don's Gear

Tomorrow we should reach Gainesville, where we will be hosted by another Young Life Committee family.

Yours on the Road,

Don and Penny

Day 35 -- Wednesday April 22: Chipley, FL to Tallhassee,FL

Miles Today: 92. Total Miles: 2,684. Miles Remaining: 333

Conditions: Warm and sunny. Terrain: Flat

Time on the Road: 8 hrs. 15 min.

The day dawned bright and sunny after the overnight thunderstorm. We however felt refreshed and started on the road to our next destination, Tallahassee, home of the University of Florida and the Gators. This was an unspectacular but pleasant route through tree lined roads and horse farms.

Tallahassee proved to be a difficult town to navigate. We got separated for nearly an hour as we tried to linkup with each other. But eventually we prevailed, and arrived at the home of Ginger, Young Life Committee Chair in Tallahassee, and her husband, Bryan. What a beautiful home it is, with ancient oak trees festooned with hanging moss. These trees are so large and expansive, the many limbs are supported by a cable system.

After a warm welcome and excellent meal, we met various committee members during the evening as they dropped by. Several of them are doing the Young Life Bike Race in Colorado in May, so conversation included the race and Young Life operations in general, with Ginger proving to be valuable source of information which we will put to good use on our return to Arizona.

Ginger and Don in cycling gear, with Committee Members and Kids

Ginger, thank you for all your care, and we will see you and Team Tallahassee in Colorado in May.

Your on the Road,

Don and Penny