Andy Olson
One last sunrise. One last second breakfast with the boys. 34 days. It only took that long to make the memories I’ll be reliving the rest of my life.
Todd LoFrese
Goosebumps! This crazy idea was hatched a little over a year ago. Shortly thereafter Andy, TJ and Jim confirmed they were in and I got goosebumps. At about 6:30 AM on June 14 it happened again. We had launched from San Francisco and were about to cross the Golden Gate Bridge and it happened again, goosebumps. As we approached Tybee Island the last few miles went by so fast. Before I knew it we were riding down the boardwalk about to hit the beach and it happened again, goosebumps. It will take some time to reflect and think about everything I experienced over this journey. One thing I already know for certain. Andy, TJ and Jim, thanks for making it fantastic, I love you guys!
TJ Laughrey
We made it! Arrived at Tybee Island and the Atlantic for the end of journey front wheel dip. Full kit, socks, shoes, gloves ….. swim time!
Coming into the finish, the feeling of accomplishment is real. After my Middlegate meltdown on day 4, I was unsure of my future. The West almost broke me, but I made it through. I plan on using this great feeling to propel myself into another great school year. The power of perseverance and determination is amazing! Thanks for joining our journey.
Jim Ray
2500 miles, 6 states, 107,000 ft, 73,000 calories, 156 hours = one unforgettable experience.
For me, some highlights included crossing the Sierra Nevada into Lake Tahoe, the endless expanse of the loneliest road, Highway 50 across Nevada, and the daily routine of early starts, sunrises, and desert heat and low humidity through Nevada, Utah, and Colorado.
Utah's canyon country was the standout scenery of the trip. Colorado delivered Monarch Pass at 11,312 feet, the Rockies, and several days riding through smoke and falling ash from active wildfires. Long descents (50+mph) and cross winds don’t mix well, but after each descent, was thankful to have stayed upright.
Kansas brought greener landscapes (grass and corn grew before our eyes…actually just got taller as we traveled East), time with family in Tribune, an article published July 8th in the Council Grove Republican. They interviewed me about the ride and my family's history in the area. My great-grandfather, William Hopper, founded the Wilsey Warblerin 1905, and they still report from Wilsey, KS under that name today.
The final leg across Missouri on the Rock Island and Katy Trails into St. Louis included three days of intermittent rain, mud, fallen trees, flooded roads—a reminder that the trip wasn't over until it was over. The Mercantile on the Katy was one of the best overnight stops of the journey. But Cedar City Utah and Pueblo CO were also great rest days in Airbnb homes. KC rest day was special with the Lumpkins and my sister’s place.
Beyond the scenery, the team was the highlight. Every day had its own challenges—deciding where to eat (our most frequent discussion), how much water to carry, what time to roll out, and how to deal with headwinds, mountain passes, or how much power to put down. Fortunately, mechanical issues were minimal.
Leaving the group in St. Louis was hard, but getting home to family and job was the right finish for my ride. I heard there were bets at home if I would continue on to Tybee or stop!
Congratulations to the rest of the team for completing the final miles to Tybee Island. What an accomplishment.
A special thanks to Todd for all the planning for this adventure. The 42 page itinerary is an impressive document. He handled the route planning, ridewith gps files, and every overnight stay—from hotels and motels, Airbnbs, cabins, trailers, and even a hostel. Very well done!!
