Today did not start out as ideally as I had hoped. We woke up to overcast skies, and an energy level a little lower than yesterday for our entrance into Canada. I think we had all hoped for that energy level times 1290802398 for our final ride and epic run into Vancouver. I would imagine that a big part of that missing feeling is the realization that this trip is almost over, and soon we’ll have to say goodbye to our little bubble of utopia, and return to what they call “the real world”. Don't get me wrong, there was excitement, but it just didn't feel as lively as yesterday. We still had an hour-long dance party before setting out.
As we rode the previously chalked route (which was unchalked from the rain storm last night), it got colder, and rainier. When we met up at the science center in Vancouver, Michael and I were over it. We were so cold and wet, the last thing we wanted to do was go running into the water at the wheel dip. In an effort to keep my bad energy out of the group, I stood inside sipping coffee, trying to give myself an attitude adjustment. The good news was that the riders had a much higher energy level, and they were pumped to finish the trip right.
After one more quick dance party to Wave Your Flag, we got on our bikes and started the 3 mile trek to the water. As we rode, it just started raining harder and harder. At that point, Michael and I looked at each other and burst into hysterical laughter. Of course this would be how it would end. And we would go running into that water rain or shine and celebrate the fuck out of this accomplishment. Our moods instantly changed. For the love of everything, we just RODE OUR BIKES ACROSS THE COUNTRY!!
When we were about 2 minutes from the beach, Denis, AP, KG, and I gathered in the front, to lead our NUS family to the final destination. As we rounded the corner to cheering family and friends, the clouds broke, the sun came out, and it stopped raining. Everyone jumped off their bikes and started stripping down to chamois and bibs. Jamey again played our song, and we ran around dancing and then took off sprinting for the water. We were stopped short by sharp rocks and some sliced feet, and continued into the water very carefully with some choice vocabulary. We spent 30 minutes yelling and screaming and singing and splashing and hugging and worshiping the sun for coming out. We made it. 4000 miles, 69 days, 32 cyclists, 14 states, 9 build days, 3 days off, 2 countries, 1 Elvis, and infinite dance parties. I am so proud of us I can hardly stand it.
I’ve been thinking about this moment all summer, wondering what it would feel like to arrive there and run into that water. And what I imagined could never compare to the actual feeling of finishing and having that epic moment with my NUS loves.
Now we celebrate in Vancouver and enjoy each other’s company until we have to part ways on Sunday. But I refuse to live in that reality until it’s absolutely necessary. Until then…it’s party time.
Getting pumped pic: One thing is not like the others.
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