I made it to Friday - Survival Accomplished - just barely

Back to Life, Back to Reality - The GAMT Girls are all back! Me, Jana, Sue, Princess

Well, I must say that going back to work (that four letter word) on Tuesday may have not been the best idea ever. I was very much out of sorts and couldn't get my head around the fact that 'I was back'. I wasn't ready to be thrown back into normal, especially since my 'normal' the last 30 days was so different. After I finally pulled it together I headed to work, only to realize that my Sirius satellite on the MKX had lapsed and there were orange construction barrels on 80% of my 37 mile (one way) commute! So no handy channel 153 to tell me what to expect and how to avoid it. I knew this wasn't a good idea. I also hadn't driven in 33 days! How crazy is that? Thankfully, no one had to take cover - just like riding a bike! (ha-ha)

I'm flooded with memories of this trip and can't even answer the repeated question, "What was your favorite part?" There are so many of them, riding with the sun coming up, listening to the birds that I know were singing just for me, the morning Paul, Greg, Mark and I rode together and Greg made bird calls that I thought were real until he cracked a huge grin - got me. Going to the laser show at Coulee Dam with Susan, Veronica and Roger (4 out of ~50 ain't bad)and having my whole perspective of dams changed, group dinners and the conversations and laughter -sometimes my stomach muscles hurt as much as my legs! Speaking of laughter the loud outbursts after 9pm with Michelle - the funny secret jokes we shared. It sounds crazy but riding everyday was a favorite - even though there were mornings when the snooze got hit, my legs refused to function as I stretched and tried to remind them what we were here for - I knew that the day would hold something special, whether it was another mental challenge or some other form of beauty (didn't you get sick of my 'so gorgeous' amazing, wow - comments!) And of course the successful summits, the sweat pouring out of me and the same on the descents - knowing that I made it and hadn't careened out of control due to an unexpected tire blow out or whatever other hazard my crazy mind would dream up! Of course, the ever constant butterflies. The sarcastic exchanges between John L. and I - he's my long lost brother I swear! Oh my, I almost forgot - my many, many massages!! How I'm surviving without those is beyond me!!! I knew I should have followed through with my kidnapping scheme!

This also gave me a deeper appreciation for what our amazing (see) country has to offer and at no exchange rate risk!

Back to my first day back to work. I was greeted with such enthusiasm at work from all my co-workers/friends - it was so cool and really helped to lift my spirits! I really had missed the people, the 1,000s of emails not so much! Princess was still in NY on an audit but it was great to be with 'my girls!' Since it was also my birthday they decided it would be great to decorate every square inch or should I say EFI of my office with streamers, over-the-hill stuff, balloons that said welcome home, happy birthday, congratulations and Jana even found some really cool butterfly decorations to put up (those I'm leaving!) It was so cool! They even got a bottle of champagne which we were going to get some OJ for, but decided we better do that off campus! Unfortunately, the fun and conversations didn't last too long as my first meeting of the day was on our audit that starts in the next few weeks - get this it was with our group, Finance and the auditors - arrrrgggghhhhh! Where's my bike!?!

Since it was my first day back and my birthday we went out for sushi for lunch - YUM-O!!! It was perfect. Then back to work for another fun and exciting meeting this time on (I know kill me now) - a Global contract for our licensing group.

Finally, I could exit. Remember the other day when I said 'No I'm not exhausted or tired' - well, let me tell you - I felt like I had been put through the ringer! I know it was emotions and coming down from such an adrenaline rush. So, even though it was my birthday and Craig made me a very special dinner - I opted to go to bed at 9:30 with my computer to read the other blogs and reminisce - pathetic eh?!

I crack up as I think about the first days back, we flew in Tuesday and went to a Corn Roast to see Brent Steinberg in from Colorado, racing for Grand Mesa state - he grew up in the tutelage of our riding group, The Spoke Junkies. Wednesday of course, first day back to work and my b-day, Thursday - Wedding Shower with some riding friends (which was awesome to see all of them, again - lots of crying on my end), Friday - Milford Memories Festival - beer tent and dancing (well someone was dancing -hee-hee), Saturday - Betty was in from Chicago and we went out. See? My life hasn't changed as much as I thought!!! Still go, go, go.....

It was only three days of no spandex, I rode Friday and then we did a 50 mile mt. bike ride on Saturday - it was so weird to be on my mt. bike and you know how much I whined about the dirt on my legs after riding on the Northern? Well, jeez had I forgotten how dirty you get on the trail! My mad skills were a little rusty and it was very weird on my full suspension (she's a tiger - Trek Top Fuel 9.8 - ggggrrrroooowwlll!!!), but after first lap I was back!

Ok to wrap this blog up - as this will be my final post. Perhaps I will do another one when we go to New Zealand - or I may join all the lemmings out there and enter the facebook world for that.

A few more "Thank You's!"

South Lyon Cycle - came through with my set of Bontrager Select wheels when I discovered two weeks before the Tour that my rims had cracks in them in the Bontrager Race Lites and Trek wasn't sure if they would be able to replace them in time! So, thanks so much Gary for the great deal on the wheel set and extra spokes! Those tires where perfect for a XC trip and I never needed to use the extra spokes or the Race Lites!

I know I mentioned this before but the PAC Tour was my first experience with a XC tour but NOT my first experience with a tour company. I have to tell you I will be hard pressed to use another outfit again. Lon and Susan, Chris and Rebbecca too, have it on lock! They did such an amazing job. The crew too - we, the riders never had a need that wasn't met. Everyone was extremely attentive and taught me so much! From the meals and stops to the friendly attitude and helpful nature and always, always encouraging us and cheering us onward. PAC also does a lot of humanitarian work by building schools and donating time and money, buying clothes and food for children in need in Peru - it is just incredible the giving that they do.

By the way, I did stop with the afternoon soda about 6 days before the end of the tour - so no more brain overloading my body!

This experience has reminded me that you need to make opportunities and when those opportunities come along - DO NOT be afraid of them. As my friend said about Day 11 - take the Big by the Horns! Sometimes people shy away from their dreams for some reason - don't it is totally worth it - live life! It's hard to say right now all the ways in which this trek has changed me but it has and its definitely been a phenomenal experience. I have been so wrapped up in the "loss" of the experience that I haven't been enjoying the accomplishment. We went to lunch today (as I haven't grocery shopped until tonight-Monday) and we all got our fortune cookies and we always joke around and read "in-bed" after the fortune - well, because it's hilarious. But, get this, I don't normally buy into these things - mine read,

"The pleasure of what we enjoy is lost by wanting more." How profound! Deep thoughts....... Of course, 'by wanting more' is just part of my nature and why exploring feels so damn good!


So, today - I'm concentrating on 'the pleasure of what'........

Thanks so much for reading and encouraging me!!!



Pics:



What? Why this? I wanted to show my tan lines - so you have to see how they got there (Paul's legs and bike)
My tan lines:

Not happy about it but I'm going to work, with my trusty Nalgene bottle - what? I get thirsty!

Sushi lunch, first row(left to right) Sue, Me, Jana - second row - Dave, Susan, Gabby, Shawn Missing: Princess The Wedding Shower & The Kiss - JR, Gina, El, Sandy El giving the Toast - sniff sniff

WARNING - rated R saying - I have to get this Founders Brewery t-shirt (Michigan Brewery)

Craig, Natalie, Me (yes, it's humid here, my hair was growing minute by minute!)

Bill, JR, Craig, Me

My babies and me lounging in the yard after work on Friday

Zera

Zera not looking to happy as I was lovin' on Boz

Mr. Boz givin' me some lovin'

Day 30 & 31 - The Final Leg and the return home

This post will have my final day of this journey, a ‘Thank You’ section and I will be adding another post after tomorrow for “Vikki’s First Day Back at Work – Will she Survive?” (I’m singing ‘Back to Life, Back to Reality’) And of course, since this was my birthday present to me – I have to mention that on Wednesday, I turn the big 4-0! Crazy!
WARNING: This is a long one with lots of pictures – you may want to schedule a ‘meeting’ to get through it.
Day 30 – Ashland to Williamsburg (Yorktown), VA – 91 miles and only 1,660 feet of climbing – a very easy day and I suggested to Susan that it be our ‘Champagne Stage’ just like in the Tour de France (WHAT? I thought it would be fitting!)
Sunday night I was in my room ‘all by myself’, ‘one is the loneliest number’, ‘I’m ridin’ solo’ (again, I’m singing) since Michelle’s husband David came to cheer her on. I told her I was going to lay diagonal in both beds!! It didn’t work out exactly that way but it was funny how much I spread out. I was lonely later without her. We had a blast as roommates and frequently had loud outbursts of laughter. We felt bad for whoever was rooming near us, as most people went to bed early and we of course were up late blogging. Funny story from the Sunday ride, when we were all trucking in Scott was pulling and when he came back – as I try and do – I thanked him. I said – “Thanks Scott, Nice Pull”, remember we were cookin’ and there were some decent rollers. Well, he came back and thought I said ‘Thanks for tryin’” – He was like ‘What?!” So, we straightened that out – really – you think I’d be that bitchy!? Not out loud anyway! Honestly, it was funny!
So, yesterday (Monday) started out as they always do, force myself to eat something but knowing it was the last day it was even more difficult to eat – call me sentimental but the lump in my throat made it tough. Everyone was moving a little slowly so the line to the truck wasn’t that long, plus the clock in my room read 6:26am so I rushed out and got in line, put my shoes on and then looked at “THE” clock on the trailer – which read 6:22am – WAAYY too early to load. So, I took some pictures of Cov, Janae and Ann. Once we loaded up none of my ‘peeps’ where there i.e. Susan and Paul – I thought the last day we’d all ride together. I waited about 6 minutes and said forget it I’m outa here. So, I rode along chit chatting with some folks as we went along. The sunrise was so incredible – it was almost like a sunset – it was gigantic in the morning sky and as bright orange as could be. It was absolutely perfect way to start the final day. We rode out of Ashland and onto some beautiful roads with fields and trees all around. We even passed a cut cornfield – I was reminded of the passage of time. It seems like we have been in our own bubble of ‘being’ and to see that really hit home that summer was moving. I rode with California Tom for awhile it was nice we went through some foggy areas and it was good to have another person with me. It is strange to ride through the fog not knowing the area or what could be around the bend – most likely another corn field. The area we rode through was full of all these historic homes – so amazing and we were on the Washington Rochambeau wagon route, a windy and gentle road with lots of my favorite – trees! . In 1781, Generals George Washington and Jean-Baptiste de Rochambeau traveled with cavalry and baggage wagons along the King’s Highway to Yorktown, Virginia. I reveled in the ride lost in my own thoughts of the trip and wondering what everyone else was thinking as we rode along with the wind dancing around our necks – it felt amazing.

I stopped to take a lot of pictures in the hopes that Paul and Susan would catch up to me. There was an antique shop called “Two Frogs on a Bike” – very cute. That is one thing that I long to do – meander through some of the unique antique shops that we went by. I know there would have been some incredible depression glass and other treasures to behold. So, Sandra – we’ll be going on a road trip sometime – hee-hee!! At this point my peeps caught me. It was Paul, Susan, Rick and Walt – so I rushed to hook on with them. I had been breaking my promise to Safety Craig and took my camera out to take pictures without stopping to get off my bike – but the road wasn’t too bad and I wanted to capture our group in another beautiful tunnel of trees.
At the very last rest stop we only had 20 miles to go in two hours so several people stopped for coffee. I wasn’t ready to stop pedaling so I headed towards the rendezvous point which was on Colonial Parkway. I wanted to ride slowly through here and just try and take it in as I realized that this day was what it was all about – the grand finale. I rode semi-cobbled parkway (ouch, on a sore butt) riding under these fantastic brick bridges and historic places along the route. The FFG’s went by saying “we’re gonna make it!” then next came Paul. As he came up he said, “Fancy seeing you here”, I told him I was just tooling along, which made him laugh. As I looked over at him and the memories of all the riding we’d done together surfaced so did the tears. I tried to take Bozeman’s previous advice and ‘Man-up cupcake’.
We rode together to the rendezvous point and got there in the middle of the pack. I looked around at all the people, the awesome crew members, Susan, Lon, Rebecca – everyone and again got emotional and walked over to a sign to take a picture of it and get myself together. (Such a big baby) Once everyone got there Lon assembled us and we paired up and rode two abreast as a group to the final destination. Paul and I rode together and Michelle was just in front of us. We rolled into Yorktown and Susan and Jonathon were there with a big banner commemorating our finish. As I looked around I saw a guy that looked like Craig, but having just talked to him the night before and he told me he had clients in from Japan, I didn’t think anything of it and just headed to the beach. As I set my bike down and started taking off my shoes, everyone started saying, “did you see Craig?” What!? It really was him. Apparently, they knew but I had no clue! So again, the tears of joy again! It was awesome! We all gathered on the beach, dipped our tires into the water and snapped a million pictures! This time my mighty bike didn’t mind the water, there was not algae to get into her spokes, although she wasn’t too keen on the sand. We took a fun ‘chic-pic’ too! It was pure elation! I just couldn’t believe it standing there after crossing America on my bicycle – yes, on my bicycle – I’m still pinching myself. I am so proud of this accomplishment and so very blessed to have been able to do it with the people on this particular trip. Truly an amazing experience.
I think about the first time I heard about crossing the USA on my bike from Scott and Tara and that just seemed like something that I had to do – a bucket list kinda thing. I spent so many years trying to get it off work that for me to be on that beach and actually having done it was just astounding to me. I was doing the big time snoopy dance in my head.
This trip wasn’t a lets go to see this or see that, it was more a destination to destination trip, getting a slice of American Pie – seeing into each area’s own day to day living, not necessarily there to see the ‘biggest ball of yarn’ or the ‘largest prairie dog’ (although we did) more an experience. I have met so many amazing people on this trip, I think that is what makes me sad to know that I won’t be waking up each day to ride with them and absorb their essence. (I know that sounds so freaky) So many incredible people that you just want to invite over to make dinner for them, drink some good wine and talk. Their zest for life and actually living was so incredible to be around (and incredible isn’t even strong enough).
Someone figured that the average age on the trip was 51, which had to be skewed because Greg being 17 had to have really brought it down. There were guys in their 60’s and 70’s, chic’s in their mid 50’s. It makes me think my God, I have so many more years to realize my passions, my “what’s next’s”, and what could be in store? What other discoveries that I haven’t even thought of yet are there for me to dive into? So many of them said, “This won’t be the last time you cross the US” – really? Well, I can see that because there is Southern East to West, North to South…..but there is so much more out there.
I’m reminded of how touched I was at the Crazy Horse monument and Korczak Ziolkowski’s belief, “Never Forget Your Dreams”; I might also add passions as well.
I apologize, but this may be a two coffee-break blog. Can you tell that I’m not fighting a bad internet connection or watching the clock thinking – I HAVE to get to sleep! By the way, I only was able to get two nights of eight hours of sleep on the trip. Imagine how much better I could have done with Sleep?!
Anyway, I had some questions/comments on ‘aren’t you exhausted?’ – well actually, not really. I’m tired and I can tell that my legs are fatigued when I hit a rough climb but overall, I can’t believe how good I still feel. What hurts? Well, that’s a different question. Remember, I’ve been on my rump for 3,400 miles! I am glad to be able to give my hand a rest. I hadn’t mentioned it early as not to worry a certain family member, but my left hand has been experiencing some nerve issues. It should go away in a few weeks after. I essentially don’t have much strength in my pinky and ring finger; it’s weird to see the things that are tough to do like buttoning up your pants!!
I’ve already talked a lot about what I will miss – the people, the people, the people. But, what won’t I miss?
• My morning ritual of A&D Ointment and Chamois Butter – my goodness – what a needed inconvenience! Yes, the same A&D that you would use on a baby’s butt except this is clear (you don’t want that oozing out your shorts!)– but in order to keep things from getting out of hand I’d have an every morning application before getting on the bike. There are things called ‘saddle sores’ that start to develop where your saddle meets your rear/legs. So they are not really raw spots but sorta...hence why I was double shorting it a few times
• Washing my clothes out in the tub – actually wringing them out was a bitch! Especially with my jacked up hand. I really, really won’t be missing that!
• The plan, the process, always on a schedule – well except for my sanctioned massage time – it did really make it flow appropriately, but I sometimes like to deviate and well…..you really couldn’t have a two-bottle of wine night now could you?! (devil-ish grin)
• Those crazy pumps of Lon’s!!! I had a heck of a time getting them off my valve! I have two silly scars on my right hand from ramming my hand into my rear cassette on both sides! I preferred one that was similar to one I have at home so I would wait for that one or ‘tag’ whoever had it that I was next!
• Huh….I thought there was more, but I guess not…..
Finally, for those of you who don’t know, I don’t support big pharma and have not taken any over-the-counter or prescription drugs in over five years. I can proudly say that I ran this ride clean! I had a few times when I thought ibuprofen wouldn’t be a bad idea, but I stuck to my guns and just kept up with the Omega 3’s & 6’s, lots of cinnamon, melons (excellent anti-inflammatory), ginger, turmeric, tons of Vita C, and B-complex – so YEAY!!

Day 31 – ok not really but the return home
We woke at 4:30am to get to New Port News (airport) for our flight. I woke with a heavy heart, I know I should be excited, but…..I was lucky and got to see Cov, Cynthia, Susan and Janae before they left. Well, I must say it is really weird not to have on spandex today or be on my bike. I started to get a headache on the plane – I know it is withdrawal from the bike!! Craig was on the same flight home with me so that was fun – not for him since I decided to have a coffee. We ran into Gerry S (MN) who was on the leg to Atlanta with us. I was glad as it gave me one more tangible to hang on to from the trip for just a little while longer, plus he’s uber cool!
We arrived at Detroit Metro and I tried in vain to find a “Welcome to Detroit” sign – can you believe it there aren’t any! We then headed to Club Pet to get my babies, Zera and Bozeman – I haven’t seen them in 33 days!!! As soon as we walked in there I was practically in tears (big baby, so emotional – and I’m not even close to starting my period!) They were elated to see me – of course they were also beat because they play constantly at ‘camp’. Get this I came home to discover we have our first bike shops coming to town - yes that's a plural!!
Then through town where I had Craig stop at the Milford city sign (Paul you’d be so proud). I shook off my shoes and scrambled up the 6 foot stone pillar to perch on top of the sign. If any of my neighbors saw me I’m sure that probably thought I was nuts!! Nope just back to where I started that’s all!!
Ok for those who are dying to know the stats:
• 3,407 miles
• I showed 122,736 feet of climbing (their est. is 101k and they’ve been doing it a LONG time)
• 197,280 calories burned (again, no idea on how much eaten but I have to think I consumed at least 4-5,000 calories a day)
• Down 12 pounds and get this 12% in fat according to my Tanita scale (and that was after I ate lunch and had half a real strawberry slushy!)
Thanks You’s
Ok, seriously, I would have never been able to do this without the support and love of my husband, Craig. He took care of a lot of things so that I could train and also take care of my Mom during that too. He never once thought that I shouldn’t do it or that I should wait till he could. Amazing support! Of course, I did warn Sue when I interviewed for my current job three years ago (13 total at Ford) but she was able to pull it off for me this year, along with the support of Susan and Matt – Thank you Ford Motor Company! I have a tremendous network of friends and family too – comments, cards, training buddies – it was all there for me! I also had my coach – Tony V (Fraser Bicycle and Fitness) who got me ready with those crazy one-legged drills which I loved! Jim Izzi of JT Graphics who helped me with my blog banner with my super cute bike in it! The bike shops – American Cycle and Fitness and Hometown Bicycles that got and kept my bike prepped and ready to go on this trip. Laura with Milford Spice Company who donated my supply of organic Saigon cinnamon (yummy!). Jonathan Beebe who helped me get my links to flickr and garmin working! Thank you and many others very much!!!

Again, I screwed up the pictures, so Today (Day 31) is first instead of last, oopsie!

Leaving VA

Back in the DWaiting patiently for my babies

Zera's first and almost leaps over the door!

Scoopin' up Boz

So happy to see me (I'm sure of it, Boz obviously tired)

Scrambled up to the top of the sign - Home Sweet Home

Day 30 the Final Day:

Ann, Cov, Janae

Riding out of Ashland with Janae, Bob (aka Crooked Bob), Cov

Sunrise and the cut cornfield

Two Frogs on a Bike Antique Shop - Sandra - ya ready??

Sunrise again, but it's pretty

Church - check out the cross nestled in the trees

Field fo flowers

Our very last rest stop on this trip

Paul, Walt, Susan, Rick in beautiful tunnel of trees

Williamsburg sign - my camera was a little foggy from my sweaty back - it was close to 95 degrees (we did have a few almost 100 degree days too)

Brick bridge on Colonial Parkway

PAC Van going under the bridge

FFG's double bridge

Jones Mill Pond - which shows up on civil war maps

First glimpse of the bay and of course - tears

Indian Field Creek and my bike reading the sign - she's a history buff!

My roomie Michelle coming into the rendezvous spot

Me and Mr. Paul - Carlie and Tracey I made sure he made it safely!! (I love this pic!) Folks waiting for everyone to arrive Me and Flat Stanley

Ann and I (she's famous you know!!)

John Lake (my favorite mechanic) and I plus - I think he turns 40 this year too.....heehee
Paul, Micheal, Brian getting ready

Two by two in front and in back of me (shame shame taking pictures while riding!)

We made it!! Me, my bike and Chesepeake Bay/the ocean

PAC Girls on a Mission! We DID IT!!! You go girls!! this was the most women on a PAC Tour too!

The full group - AMAZING!!

Gerry (we saw him at the airport), Micheal, Tom

My Big Surprise!!

Final Map!!!

Greg and I and his plates that he found, I think it was like 27!!

Uno's where we had our dinner - they had no idea how much hungry cyclists can eat!

Paul and his lady friends!

The final map and us - I guess I didn't realize how short I was , well except for that day that I was on Micheal's wheel (daddy long legs!)

Speaking of which, Micheal and me - he was my wine buddy

Me coming back with my big award at the banquet

Craig enjoying the slideshow (which was awesome and I can't wait to get a copy!)

The incredible crew! (my BFF aka massage therapist - Jonathon second from the left first row)

At the end everyone signs the map that they use to track our progress and auction it off. Jonathon from Australia won the bids at $1,100 and wound up giving it to Greg (the 17 year old) he said that he was sure that Greg would honor and have the longevity to do so...it was so moving and this is such an emotional hug - just look at it. What a classy guy he is. See what I mean about these folks??!!