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

Day 34 - Tuesday April 21: Milton, FL to Chipley, FL

Miles Today: 102. Total Miles: 2,592. Miles Remaining: 425

Conditions: Dry, sunny, favorable wind. Terrain: Flat

Time on the Road: 7 hrs

Another excellent day for biking. The scenery was mostly forests and green fields. But it was the signs along the road that caught our attention.

No Need for a "Do Not Swim in Creek" Sign

How Do You Fiddle Worms?

Is This Conducted Like a Blood Pressure Clinic?

Our lunch break was spent in the town of DeFuniak Springs where Don joined the Old Men of the city at "The Opinion Place". Apparently this is the place for the senior men to meet to sort out the world's problems.

Opinions - Everyone Has One

The weather report was favorable and it seemed a good night to pitch our tent. We located Falling Springs State Park near Chipley. Penny found a roadside oyster bar and decided our appetizer that night would be raw oysters.

You Expect me to eat Raw Oysters? Not done in Minnesota!

We had barely completed dinner when a rumble of thunder warned us that the weather forecasts was inaccurate. We dived into the tent at 6PM and sat out the rain and lightning for the remainder of the night.

Yours on the Road,

Don and Penny

Day 33 - Monday April 20: Gulf Shores AL to Milton, FL

Miles Today: 59. Total Miles: 2,490. Miles Remaining: 527

Conditions: Sunny, favorable wind, warm. Terrain: Flat

Time on the Road: 4hrs 20 min.

We had decided to relax and enjoy the area for a few hours this morning before hitting the roads. After a delicious breakfast, we spent a short time walking on the beach, enjoying the wind, waves, and silver sand.

View from our Hotel of the Seafood Restaurant We Visited

Now back to work and just 10 miles down the road, we enter the eighth and final state of this journey!

Seven States Down, Only Florida to Complete

For the geographically challenged, we must explain that the beach we walked on was on the Gulf of Mexico in the far west corner of Florida. To complete our journey, we now must traverse the width of Florida to the Atlantic coast, a distance of 576 miles.

Today's ride was the shortest of the trip. Most of the ride was along the coast with great views of the Gulf. A large portion of the ride was getting through Pensacola, which wasn't much fun, with numerous turns and traffic congestion. But the short day was appreciated and we checked into a small motel in a rather mundane town of Milton, FL.

How amazing to think that it took us only six days and nights to get through three states (Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama) and into Florida, compared with 13 days to ride through Texas!

Yours on the Road,

Don and Penny

Delay in Updating Blog

Experiencing difficulty in gaining internet access. Sorry for the delay in sending updates. Hopefully more to follow Saturday. All is well. We have landed in Tallahassee safely and in good health and spirits.

Yours on the Road,
Don and Penny

Day 32 - Sunday April 19: Vancleave MS to Gulf Shores, Alabama (AL)

Miles Today: 90. Total Miles: 2431. Approx Miles Remaining: 586

Conditions: Overcast and rainy, changed to sunshine

Time on the Road: 7hrs. 45min (including 35 minute ferry trip)

We awoke to a thick humid morning and gray skies. Our hosts of the previous evening, Jeff and Sheila DeLuke, had invited all of us to their home for a large breakfast of pancakes, eggs, bacon, juice, and coffee. Again, we were overwhelmed by southern hospitality. In addition, we met their two sons, Levi and Logan; Levi is a hobby bee keeper and we were given honey comb to take on the journey with us. What a great family (not forgetting Mardi the boxer)!

The LeDuke Family Serving Breakfast

Well Fed and Ready to Hit the Road. Thanks Jeff and Sheila

Back to the cabins for final preparations for the riding day ahead. Sadly it was time to say farewell to the biking guys: Nathan and Joel from Canada, who were riding as "Athletes for Africa", Mark from California, Carl from Alaska, and David from North Carolina. They enriched our journey and we enjoyed their company.

On the Road Again

Within a few minutes of leaving our camp, we crossed into Alabama.

Six States Down and Two States to Go!

Once in Alabama, we saw more and more marshland and inland waterways, some with quite large boats.

As we approached the town of Alabama Port, we at last saw the Gulf of Mexico, and were treated to the sight of pelicans flying in formation over the gray/brown ocean. We were to ride/drive over the causeway and bridge, a distance of 4-5 miles before arriving on Dauphin Island prior to boarding a ferry to cross Mobile Bay to Gulf Shores, Alabama.

Distant View of Bridge and Causeway

Shoeless on Ferry!

Most of the magnolia trees had finished blooming, as had the azaleas. However, Penny captured one of the surviving blossoms.

The ride into Gulf Shores was smooth and bicycle friendly. We checked into a beach side hotel with a glorious view of the ocean. We plan to spend half a day tomorrow resting and enjoying the sandy beach. Seafood is definitely on the menu tonight, in a quaint beach side restaurant across the street from the hotel.

Yours a bit Wearily on the Road,

Don and Penny

Day 31 - Saturday April 18: Bogalusa, LA to Vancleave, MS

Miles Today: 100. Total Miles: 2341. Approx. Miles Remaining: 676

Conditions: Cool, threatening skies. Time on the road: 9hrs. 15min.

Thankfully the car was still intact this morning. No missing wheels! The expected bad weather turned out to be just a minor rain shower. For breakfast we retraced our steps to the "Big Easy Grill", where we had enjoyed dining with the very friendly locals the previous night. We figured Don needed as many carbs as he could hold, so this was the right breakfast stop. Fellow customers were warm and welcoming, including the deputy sheriff at the adjoining table, from whom we learned quite a bit about the town. Apparently there are areas of the town where the deputies will only go with a fellow officer, and Penny had been happily cruising through this area the previous afternoon while trying to locate Don! The hotel where we had spent the night was also considered a problem area, but we had encountered only friendliness and courtesy when chatting with folk there.

When we came to pay our breakfast bill, we found that a couple with whom Don had been talking had paid it for us. Oh yes, the sheriff's deputy turned out to be a deacon of the local Baptist church!

Good Fattening Food, but Not Much to Look At!

By the time we were on road, the sky was overcast, but the forecast storm was heading north, while we were heading southeast. The terrain through which we passed remained agricultural, but gradually the milky chocolate colored rivers and swamps gave way to more lush meadows in which cattle were grazing. In a matter of a few miles, we had reached Mississippi, the sixth state since our departure.

Five States Down, Three States to Go

Once again, Don met up with the same group of cyclists and we found we were headed for the same campsite in Vancleave, MS. Approaching Vancleave, we met and talked with two local cyclists, who invited us to join them that evening at the local outdoor family barbecue joint for some real Mississippi B-B-Q and live Blues music. They even volunteered to chauffeur us all there from our campsite. What an evening we had!! The food was great, both in flavor and quantity, and live music was performed from a rustic wooden stage.

Cyclists Anticipating Dinner

Live Mississippi Blues!

The whole evening seemed like a celebration. Penny couldn't resist dancing! Only thing is, we have about 700 more miles to go. Thank you Vancleave cyclists (Jeff and Doug) for treating us to a grand evening!

The campground was rather basic and badly neglected and overcrowded with what turned out to be permanent residents. Entire families were living in small RVs, also badly neglected. The little cabin we occupied was very basic, with only an overhead light bulb the only convenience apart from a thin mattress on a bunk. But it provided shelter against the anticipated rain.

Tomorrow we are to enter Alabama, where we will see the ocean and much of Mobile Bay.

Yours on the Road,

Don and Penny

Day 30 - April 17: Jackson, LA to Bogalusa, LA

Miles Today: 103. Total Miles: 2,241. Approx. Miles Remaining: 776
Temp: 69 f. & overcast. Time on the Road: 8 hrs 30 min.


After our rest day in St. Francisville and sustained by a wonderful buffet breakfast, Don set off. Headwinds buffeted him most of the day, but we were thankful the rain held off despite threatening skies. Penny meanwhile had a very frustrating day, having not only lost Don for
2 1/2 hours, but managed to lose herself in the process as well! In fact she found herself in Mississippi by mistake! Consequently there are no photos to publish today, as she spent much of her day studying the map. Eventually we both arrived in Bogalusa at more or less the same time. This city seems to be a somewhat deprived area of the country, added to which there is a paper mill that casts a thoroughly unpleasant smell throughout the town.


Tomorrow we cross into Mississippi (again for Penny) if the weather holds. However severe weather is forecast and we are currently ensconced in a brick built motel, again not wanting to chance tenting in this unsettled weather.


Yours on the Road,
Don and Penny

Day 29 - April 16: Rest Day

As we headed out of St. Francisville this morning to rejoin the route, we again met the bikers at a breakfast diner. After much discussion and hearing input on things to see in St. Francisville, we decided to not ride today, but to take a rest day and spend some time sightseeing. Besides which, we were beginning to feel a bit weary. Good choice!

We settled into this old B&B, and enjoyed a restful day, seeing some of the sights and relaxing.

Quaint old Bath (with bike!!)

Tomorrow we expect a long ride to the eastern border of Louisiana, spending the night in either Bogalusa, LA or Poplarville, Mississippi.

Yours on the Road,

Don and Penny

Day 28 - Wednesday April 15: Simmesport, LA to Jackson, LA

Miles Today: 68. Total Miles: 2,158. Miles Remaining: Approx. 860

Temp: mid-60s. Time on the Road: 7hr 15 min

The day started with Don eating his second breakfast at a diner, where we met up again with the group of 6 cyclists. They were eating mountains of food too! Even with the constant awareness to eat at every opportunity, Don is losing weight, but is still strong on the bike.

We left town via a huge bridge over the Alchafalaya River (try pronouncing that!). This is a huge river, which is of significant importance during flood control engineering.

Bridge over the Alchafalaya River

A couple of hours into the ride, we crossed the Mississippi by ferry, and entered the delightful, old town of St. Francisville, LA. This is the second oldest incorporated town in Louisiana, where 18th century plantations are still maintained. There are also beautiful buildings of historic interest visible on a walking route through the town.

St. Francisville Ferry across the Mississippi River

Just in case you think it is all smooth sailing, towards the end of the day as Don was nearing his stopping point, guess what we found?!!!!


This small obstacle resulted in an extra 12 miles to reach an alternative route. Fortunately, the day was scheduled to be relatively short anyway. We were able to contact the group of cyclists behind us so they could go directly to an alternative route.

Our host for the night was Young Life committee member Kelly O'Brien, to whom we were introduced by YL Area Director Dan VanderWoude and his wife Brea. We enjoyed a wonderful dinner with them and, at last, Penny was able to eat boiled crawfish, cooked Louisiana style!

Cary and Kelly, Don, Dan and Brea

Cajun Crawfish (Crawdaddies!)

Many thanks to Kelly for her hospitality and to Dan and Brea for all the useful information they shared with us regarding their Young Life activities. It was a truly delightful time together.

Yours on the Road,

Don and Penny