Final thoughts from the bike seat...

So, the trip is over:  Mike & I cycled 475 miles down the coast of California & had an amazing adventure.  Thanks to everyone who supported us in so many ways.  I loved doing the blog & sending daily updates & photos out to everyone.


Some final thoughts:


- the coast of California is spectacular!  If you ever get a chance to see it from a bicycle, DO IT!  It's totally different than being in a car.  If you can't, then at least venture off the highways & find some of the back roads that take you through fields & little towns.  Slow down, roll down your windows, & take in all the sights, sounds & smells you would otherwise miss.


- if I had known how demanding this trip was going to be, I probably wouldn't have agreed to do it.  The hills, combined with the heat, were grueling.  But, do I regret it?  Not in the least!  It was one of the best experiences & physical accomplishments of my life.  


- the iphone was indispensable.  It was our phone, email, camera, GPS, alarm clock, internet, weather report, all rolled into one.


- you CAN travel light!  Those drip-dry fabrics really work & you need very few clothes....besides, nobody knows that you wore the same pants to dinner every night.  You're never going to see those people again!


- cycling is the ultimate mindfulness experience.  You have no choice but to be in-the-moment, constantly scanning ahead for debris, potholes, vehicles, anything potentially dangerous.  At the same time, all your senses are working, taking in the sights, sounds, colors, aromas & temperature variations.  The miles just sail by & there's no room for outside thoughts or concerns.  It's very freeing & peaceful.


- fundraising for Asmi International made the trip so much more meaningful.  It was fun working with Danielle on this project & seeing her passion & commitment to Asmi's success.  Virginia's help was invaluable in working out many of the logistics, including retrieving our car & organizing the barbeque & camping.  Thanks to both - we love you!!


- Mike was a terrific travel companion:  incredibly supportive, encouraging, & fun.  I'm thrilled we were able to experience this together.  Will we ever do it again?  Probably not.  The trip was just too perfect - we could never duplicate it.  Our months of planning, researching, & preparing were great fun & now we have wonderful memories to treasure.  Guess it's time to come up with our next adventure!!