Day 23, January 27, 2002
JEFF'S
UPDATE
Well another great day as we entered the cruise portion of the Coast to Coast ride!! Kevin and I rode today with Ian MacLean, Eric Jensen, and Fredrik Carlberg in what was one of the most fun days of the trip. We rode strong as a team. For Ian it was his first "century ride" [i.e. 100 miles] so it was a special moment for him. To spice things up we threw in some sprints and hill challenges [all of which Kevin "legs and lungs" Wallace won but we gave him a run for his money on all occasions]
Today's dedication was special for me. Today I rode for my Aunt Carolyn who survived cancer, and several of my other relatives who have passed away from cancer. Almost all families have been affected by cancer and ours is no different. To Carolyn, I just want you to know what a very special person you are to the entire Rushton family. You are always thinking of how you can help others before helping yourself and your support for your family over the years has been remarkable. I hope you take this day as a small token of how much you mean to all of us.
We changed the course today from our original plan to allow us to experience some of the geography between St. Augustine and Jacksonville. This will allow us time for a short ride down tomorrow to experience some of the great events that the historic city of St. Augustine has planned for us. Paul Williamson, the town's Director of Public Relations has been incredibly supportive arranging a police escort into town, local media, and some other special events. We are honored to have Paul's assistance with our ride.
I will keep today's update short but will have plenty of pictures for our final day of our 24-day Coast to Coast ride for Cancer.
Tomorrow is a very special day for Kevin and I as we not only complete our ride with several members of our family present but also dedicate the day to two very special people. Tomorrow we ride for my father who survived cancer, and Kevin's mom who passed away from cancer. We are honored to have an opportunity to do this.
I look forward
to updating you on our final day!
Jeff
KEVIN'S UPDATE
Few words can say how extraordinary a feeling it is to reach your goals. That is how I felt today as we rode within 50 miles of our final destination.
I finally looked at my odometer on my polar bicycle computer and I saw that we were right near the 3000 mile mark. I haven't looked at that setting before because the size of that number just felt too overwhelming as we were accumulating the miles.
Reality checks have been constraint and I have never taken for granted the opportunity I have been given to ride my bike for 24 days for a great cause with great people. My only wish is that some of the people who have been following this journey, are inspired to take the time to do something physical with their friends or family, and feel that same sense of accomplishment that I have felt out in our natural environment for the past 24 days.
Looking forward
to tomorrow!
Kevin
Wallace