Day 22 - October 13th and beyond

 It has taken a few days to be able to share the last day of my ride. Part of that was the chaos of traveling home to Las Vegas, getting unloaded and unpacked, and doing all the follow up chores that come with being on a trip. But there was also an emotional unpacking I needed to do. I have been flooded with people celebrating me and the accomplishment of crossing the finish line and to be honest, I didn't know how to handle that.

When I woke up Thursday morning it was just another day to ride my bike. I had met with the coordinators on the pier the day before so I was expecting to be shown in by Sgt. Woodhams of the Santa Monica Police Department. I knew the director was going to be keeping a path clear for me to ride onto the pier itself, and I knew my friends would be there to support me. I went down to breakfast at the hotel, met up with my friends, mom, and husband, and we went over the plan once more to make sure everyone was ready. When we were sure all of us were on the same page we gathered our gear, locked in the route on our GPS and four of us set off to ride from Pasadena to Santa Monica.

I was right on with the speed I expected us to keep but I severely underestimated the buses and red lights making our way through sections of West Los Angeles. I think we hit 80% of the lights red if not more. We had a time we were aiming to arrive and we were cutting it close. There was one rest stop planned at a donut shop along the route and the plan was we would take a break then the guys riding with me would head out ahead of me to reach the pier in time to see me arrive and give me a small cheering section. I waited ten minutes for them to get a head start but I started gaining ground. When I called Steve to say I was hitting the street where Sgt. Woodhams was waiting for me they were just ahead of my position. Luckily I needed to make a stop so he could sign a very special name onto my jersey. 

When I rode up to where he was waiting I wasn't prepared for what I would see. There were three motorcycle officers, an SUV, and 2 side by sides staged to accompany me. I had a full escort. They determined I would lead the pack and they would simply be there for support. I started to cry and the emotion of the moment overtook me. I gave him my jersey to sign and proudly wore the name of a man who meant so much to so many but sadly lost his battle with PTSD. He was exactly the type of person the ride was about. When he finished and I was wearing the jersey once more we set off to ride the last mile to the end. Every time I pushed on the pedals I felt like crying. I couldn't believe they went so far above and beyond for me. I knew there would be the small line of yellow shirts waiting at the End of Trail sign for me though and I was grateful my friends and family were there to join me for such an amazing moment.

As I crested the top of the ramp I looked down but did not see a short line of yellow shirts. I saw 2 lines of purple flags, more waving in the hands of my loved ones, and a crowd of people cheering as I descended the ramp. Just as I was surprised but the turn out of the additional officers, who presented me with a challenge coin to commemorate achieving my goal, I had no idea that the pier director had spoken to people from the booths and businesses along the pier to tell them what I was doing and several came out to congratulate me. My friends threw balls of streamers covering me in confetti as I reached the end and I was able to raise my bike up in victory. The director gave me a gift bag of souvenirs and the officers all posed for pictures with me. A wonderful man who covers events in Santa Monica interviewed me and I was swarmed in a group hug. It was so much more than I could have ever dreamt it to be when all I asked for was permission to ride my bike to the sign. They all went so far past my expectations and I will be forever grateful.

I want to take a moment to thank some people individually. Jim Harris and Sgt. Doug Woodhams who made my day at the Pier unforgettable. The officers who joined us on the ride and surprised me into happy tears, I'm sorry I don't know their names. Fabian Lewkowicz who interviewed me and promoted the charities. The wonderful team at the hospital in Vinita, OK who took such great care of me both in the ambulance and hospital when I crashed. Tom's Cycles in Tulsa, OK, Bicycles of Tulsa, Wilson Cycles in Bloomington, IL, Celestial Cycles in Oklaohoma City, OK, and Two Wheel Drive in Albuquerque, NM for getting and keeping the bikes running smoothly. Liz and Alex at the Blue Whale in Catoosa, OK for making our stop even more memorable and giving me the dream of having my bike involved in the pictures even though I was recovering at the time. The people who took the time to chat with us along the route, donated time, water, and of course supported the charities, you helped keep us going each and every day. Adam from Redeeming Eden Youtube channel who met us out riding and interviewed me about my ride to share with his viewers. My friends, Nell and Cory Stanard, Duncan McCartney, RC Craven, for taking the time to join me and be a part of this incredible journey. Victoria Kaer who helped create all the graphics and designs with Steve for my Facebook page, car magnets, shirts and jerseys, and all of our handout materials. Hahn's Military Supply in Las Vegas for the generous donation. Each and every person who donated anything they could to help the charities. My wonderful husband Steve Boyd who not only accepted this crazy idea of mine but supported me, joined me on the adventure and was a constant push when I needed it. And of course, my mom, Gail Fournier. She was in from the beginning once she realized I was serious, gave up 6 weeks of her life to be here with me to do this, and was everything I needed and more while out on the road. There are so many more people to thank and I know I am forgetting them. I apologize that I am still recovering and please know that anyone connected to this journey in any form has meant the world to me, when all I did was simply represent a huge number of people who deserve to be seen and understood. I hope I made even the slightest difference as they continue their fight. Thank you for coming along on this mission with me. I will be going live on the Facebook page in the next few days to make the donations to the charities. I hope you can join me one last time. 

Day 21 - October 12th

 Today began the same way any other day would have. We got up early, dressed and loaded the vehicle. But we didn't start riding right away nor did we drive to a starting point nearby. Instead we drove 74 miles from our spot at the Wigwam Motel down to the Santa Monica Pier for a meeting with the executive director and Sergeant of the Santa Monica Police. We discussed the logistics of where and when I will meet up with my escort tomorrow and the parking plans for the vehicles as well as what the other riders will do after they separate from me. 

While we were there the officer told us about a friend who had sadly lost his battle with PTSD and taken his own life earlier this year. He asked if there was a way I could ride for him the way I have for others along my journey. I don't have any blank bib numbers but there was no way I was going to miss the opportunity to honor his friend. When I meet up with him in the morning I will be having him sign his friend's name on my jersey so it will be with me when I cross the finish line. It will be another added layer of emotion but one that I can't imagine not being able to give someone who is helping me so much.

After the meeting ended we made our way back to the starting point at Wigwam Motel, had a quick lunch and I began my ride around the time I normally would have been completing my day. It was warmer and the marine layer from the ocean had already burned off so it made it slightly less comfortable to ride but with only 45 miles to complete today I pushed on with very short breaks. We knew we had several things to accomplish when we got checked in so I kept that as my focus. We did go out to a favorite spot for dinner to celebrate the finishing of another successful day then as soon as we got back to the hotel we got to work. We had to unload the rest of the gear from the car, get our laundry together and washed, switch the treads on a friend's bike and then meet with him and two others who were kind and supportive enough to drive down from Las Vegas to join me for my last day. 

We are getting to bed later than we would like but we have met with everyone taking part in the festivities tomorrow and gotten all the chores done we needed to in order to be ready. It was a short ride but a very long day and tomorrow is sure to run the full spectrum of emotions. I am excited to share it with everyone. 

Day 20 - October 11th

 Today was the longest day I had left going from Barstow to San Bernardino. It was a total of 81.2 miles according to my GPS app on my phone. I knew that there was a part that I would have to rack and drive because it was only passable on a mountain bike and none of my three would qualify but it was still set up to be a great ride.

We started from the Route 66 Motel in Barstow again and followed Main Street out of town where it turned into National Trails Highway. As soon as we left Barstow behind we were back in the high desert, pedaling up the hills and passing rocky outcroppings and looking at the mountains in the distance. We checked out a sign for the Two Sixes Company before heading to Elmer's Bottle Tree Ranch. We mentioned the stop to my mom but hadn't showed her any pictures or described it so she was surprised when we pulled up and she saw the trees made of glass bottles throughout the yard and all the knickknacks spread across the property.

From there we headed off through Victorville and drove through the Cajon pass where we knew we would have to use the car. As soon as we pulled off the I-15 we paused on the side of the road and pulled the bike down so I could finish the ride. I took Cajon Blvd. down to a turn that took us to a defunct diner and because it was mostly downhill in that section I made great time and didn't need to stop for long. We pushed on and made our way through back roads to Foothill where our hotel, and one of my mom's bucket list places to stay was located, The Wigwam Motel. I want to take a moment and thank Samir from the Wigwam Motel. When I reached out about the ride and the desire to stay here he came through for us big time and donated a room so we could stay and help with the extremely tight budget we have been operating on. He is a rockstar and the room is wonderful.

Tomorrow will be a long day because we are meeting with representatives from the Santa Monica Pier and Santa Monica Police to figure out the logistics of my last day on Thursday. When we get done with the meeting we will then reverse our route, drive back to the starting point and I will ride the 50 miles to Pasadena. I also have some friends coming to join me for the final day and they will be showing up tomorrow night. I know I will have mixed emotions on Thursday morning when everything is said and done but chief among them will be gratitude that I was able to do this and for the people who have stood by me and supported me and the charities to make this trip the success it has been.

Day 19 - October 10th

 Today was the first of my shorter rides. I specifically designed the ride to have the last 4 days be shorter to help bring my body back down from the intensity of the ride. I have been looking forward to getting to these days for a number of reasons but the shorter distances were definitely on the list. I left right from the hotel this morning and thankfully because of the drive to check out the route last night I knew where I was going and what to expect. It was all sun again and I wore a brim attached to my helmet to keep the heat and sun off me as much as possible.

My first stop was just a painted road marker and I went right by it before I knew it was even there. The next stop was at an RV park in Newberry Springs. When we stopped for some water and to take a quick picture the dog at the owner's house decided to announce his displeasure with our arrival. He eventually gave up and laid down but I kept an eye on him as I have with all dogs long the ride. Many dogs are not fans of bikes. 

From there I had just over 15 miles to a small market next to an old hotel ruins in Daggett. When I rode up to the front of the market the clerk was outside and asked where I was riding from. I told her we had come from Ludlow but when she asked about the Day 19 on my jersey I explained I have been riding for 19 days coming from Chicago. When my mom went inside to check out the drinks and snacks the clerk asked her more about the ride and what it was for. Before we took off for the last part of the journey she came back out and donated several bottles of water to the ride. I was touched and gave her a wristband as a thank you for supporting us.

The last leg from the market to Barstow was less than 10 miles but I had to ride for the final time along the I-40. I had previously made the decision not to get back on the highway but after driving the course yesterday I decided I could handle it one last time. I felt my heart race as I climbed the entrance ramp but got onto the freeway and the shoulder was wide and clear. I pushed as hard and fast as I could to get off there and back onto surface streets. I could feel my heart rate come back to something like normal as I turned onto Main Street in Barstow. I pedaled hard up the remaining hills and arrived at Route 66 Motel in just under 3.5 hours from starting. As soon as we loaded up we went to lunch at Roy's Cafe, another Route 66 site and then tried to check in early if possible. 

We were told the rooms weren't ready but they were gracious enough to accommodate a room switch request to keep us on the first floor to make moving the bikes and gear easier. We ran a few errands and appreciated that the early arrival gave us time to check out a couple things around town. I also confirmed a meeting I am having with the Santa Monica Pier to solidify the logistics of the last day on Thursday. I have 3 more days and this trip of a lifetime will be complete. Thank you to everyone that has helped, supported, and of course, donated to the charities. I couldn't have done any of this without my team and you.

Day 18 - October 9th

 Sometimes things happen beyond our control. We planned to see Goffs, Fenner, Amboy, and Ludlow during the ride and we did make it to each location but it required detours and compromises to make it happen. 

My stop was in Needles, CA but because I was working on a tight budget the hotel I was able to find for the night was 20+ miles away in Bullhead City, AZ. It meant we had a much earlier start than we wanted because we had to drive back to the starting point. We have seen a lot of road closed signs and detours and grew concerned when we saw a sign saying Goffs Road was closed but thankfully it was just a sign in place for upcoming construction work taking place later this month. We went down the sun drenched road with the temperatures already on the rise. My legs were burning as I attempted to get them into the zone for the ride. 

We finally made it to the Goffs Schoolhouse Museum where my mom was able to get a stamp in her passport and we got to check out items from a school house that is over 100 years old. There was even a sign on the grounds that read Goffs, CA Rattlesnake Capitol Of The World but thankfully we didn't see any. Once we were done checking everything out we made our way back to the main road and on to Fenner, CA.

It was a quick stop for a snack and some drinks because it was getting very warm. I knew the path between Fenner and Amboy was closed because it has been as long as I have been visiting California. Because of the length of time it has been closed and the fact it was initially closed due to storm damage I had serious doubts about my ability to make it through. We decided it would be best to rack the bike and drive to Amboy in order to make sure I wouldn't have any issues where I would be out of radio and GPS range. When we arrived in Amboy we had some snacks and prepared to ride the last leg to Ludlow but just a mile and a half from the gas station in Amboy we ran into another road block. Recent storms have taken out bridges along National Trails Highway between Amboy and Ludlow making it completely impassable. We had no choice but to rack the bike again and drive the rest of the way. 

I am disappointed I got to actually pedal so few of the miles designated for the day but just like dealing with anxiety, things come up and you have to find a way to make it work. I am fortunate enough to have a great team with me and they have kept me going whether my issues were physical, emotional, or even problems with my equipment. We did all drive the short route to Barstow to make sure my next ride would g smoothly and there would be no more road closures ahead. I am excited to get to the next few days and finish strong.

Day 17 - October 8th

 This morning started cold, 48 degrees cold to be precise. I was layered up with my sports bra, tank top, sleeves, a workout jacket, my jersey, and a windbreaker for warmth and still celebrated every second of sun I could get. I pedaled away from the Grand Canyon Caverns where we stayed last night and went West along old Route 66 toward Kingman. We were almost at our first stop when I felt the back tire of the bike get soft. I looked down and sure enough, it was slowly sinking to the ground. There was sealant in the tire so I tried to pump it back up but almost immediately we saw sealant bubbling out the side of the tire. I had slashed the tread, not just punctured the tube.

We switched bikes and I pushed on through Truxton and stopped at the Hackberry General Store. I had been there back in May and saw a keychain I wanted that said "I rode Route 66". I didn't buy it at the time because I hadn't accomplished my goal and while I still haven't quite crossed the finish line I had planned to pick it up today but unfortunately it was no longer there. We talked to the man that worked the front desk and he gave me a few ideas of places to look for it before we took snacks we purchased and sat out on the covered patio to rest for a few moments. 

As we moved on I knew I had a long stretch ahead of me. The leg between Hackberry General Store and our lunch stop at Mr. Dz in Kingman was almost 30 miles. It was also completely out in the sun and the only breeze was what I created as I rode. Not far into this part a lovely family saw me ride by and asked my chase team what I was doing. When they explained why I was riding the family donated $20 to the charities. Once again I am floored by the generosity of the people we have been lucky enough to meet. I was wearing down as we approached our lunch stop and could feel my body temperature rising so I radioed that when we stopped I needed a bottle of Electrolit, a cold water, and a cooling towel. I then focused on riding as hard as I could to reach the spot I would get what I needed.

As I pulled up to the front of the restaurant I saw someone standing there clapping for me. It was a wonderful man I know in Las Vegas who had reached out to Steve and coordinated a surprise for me. He rode his motorcycle out to Kingman just to meet up with us and cheer me on. He even was kind enough to buy me and my team lunch before we went back out on the road. We checked out the drive-thru spot across from the restaurant and got my mom another stamp in her passport before it was time to push on.

The day was heating up significantly and as I rode on toward Cool Springs I prayed for shade. I got it in the form of clouds crossing over the sun but it was brief and didn't help as much as I hoped. I stopped once again to get my cooling towel and more water before we pulled into the souvenir shop at Cool Springs. When we got there we saw several people noticing us and one guy came over to talk to me and film me for his Youtube channel. Several others took pictures with me and asked what I was doing. I felt a little like a celebrity for a couple minutes. Shortly after we arrived we noticed a small cell of thunder clouds creeping in and I jumped on my bike determined to beat them. Upon leaving Cool Springs on our way to Oatman, however, we ran into a long, constant climb filled with nothing but curves and very few guardrails. It was terrifying but I did get to see a burro heading up the mountain right at us.

When we finally made it down we passed through Oatman and headed on to Needles. We are now settled into our hotel and have accomplished several chores including changing the treads on the bike I slashed open the tire on this morning. Tomorrow is the last of my longer days and after that it feels like things will wind down quickly. I can't thank everyone who has supported me on this enough for what you have done. You helped make me believe I could do this and it has been one of the best, most healing experiences of my life. Thank you!

Day 16 - October 7th

 Flagstaff during morning rush hour can be intense. We started the ride from the VFW and made our way through the city but it didn't take long to reach the end of the side roads and start riding along the I-40 once again. Just like yesterday there were sections covered in debris and I felt like I was riding through an obstacle course but we kept going and things were going well. Just a few miles outside Parks, AZ where I was scheduled to make my first stop, I heard a series of honks. While riding there had been a handful of semis going by that honked and I couldn't tell if it was another truck or my chase car behind me. We have a signal that if I hear honks from my chase vehicle I am in potential danger and need to bail but by the time I figured out it was the car I also saw why, a large truck with an oversized load was already going by me. 

The truck barely made it passed the car that was on the shoulder behind me and if I had been over in the middle of the shoulder the part of a manufactured house the truck was hauling that stuck out would have taken me down very quickly. We made it to the exit without a scratch but I was shaken deeply by the experience. I sat and enjoyed a snack while my mom and Steve checked out the offerings at the stop. While we sat there we met a very nice couple who asked about the ride and we found out they both grew up in the midwest like we did. She even asked to take a picture with me.

After a longer than normal break I got back on the bike and jumped back on the highway. We headed toward Williams which is such a fun Route 66 city. As we got into town I started having a panic attack. The feeling of being back on the highway had terrified me. I had to pull over and take deep breaths as I talked myself down from an anxiety attack, something very familiar to those who struggle with PTSD. I knew right then I needed help from my team. So many who battle this disorder aren't able to reach out, either because they don't have the support system they need or they don't know how to ask for the help they need. It took me years to be able to say I'm not ok and need help. Today I asked for that help. I was physically capable of pedaling but I was not emotionally ok to do so on the highway. I voiced these concerns and we agreed we would drive to my stop in Seligman which would get me off the freeway.

Not only did Seligman rescue me from the I-40 but it also was a spot I have looked forward to because it is where the idea for the ride began over 3 years ago. We made a brief stop at Delgadillo's Snow Cap where I sat with Steve and launched the first plan for the ride. We also got a stamp for my mom in her Route 66 passport while eating at the Roadkill Cafe. 

The final stop for the day was 25 miles further down the road at the Grand Canyon Caverns. We got in early enough to take the caverns tour and I was thrilled to be able to show my mom something we have enjoyed in the past. Tomorrow we will be heading through some awesome places and ending in California, our 8th and final state. We are coming down to the end and I can't wait to cross that finish line.