parting thoughts.

well, a week after the big ride finished, i am still alive. leaving the finish line, i was having doubts as to whether or not life after the big ride was possible. it is.

it's salsa-making season at the klomps household and i've been spending long periods of time standing over spicy, bubbling pots of fresh salsa. we usually eat a jars worth before we even can it!

and i've spent several lazy afternoons swinging in our hammock outside. reading, napping, reading, napping...how lucky i am to be so lazy!

having had all of this time to sit and relax, i've come to the realization that this experience hasn't ended yet. sure, i don't ride 80 miles a day anymore. and i haven't gone anywhere near peanut butter or jelly since i've been back. but i AM still learning from those insane 48 days that we call the Big Ride Across America.

the hospitality, generosity, and care that we received from so many is (as i've said before) humbling and inspiring--be it a free meal, an extra water stop, or a "wow! good for you guys. stay safe out there!"

i am blessed to have spent 48 days singing and laughing my way across the country. i can only hope to be able to give back in as big of a way as i have gained from this experience.

thank you family, big riders, sponsors, crew members, and all of you who gave us support and kind words along the way.

thank you. thank you. thank you.

Day 48

it was a crisp, cool morning. the ride was hilly and beautiful. and today was a seriously emotional day.

on the first day of the ride, i remember thinking what the HELL have i gotten myself into? on this last day, i thought, what the HELL am i going to do without these people?

thanks mom and james for meeting me at the finish. i would have been lost without you there.

Day 47

our second to last day of riding.

we entered maryland today. i decided the photo of helyn with 5 cameras was more fun than our border shot.

we also took 60 people into an applebee's. hence andy's cramped position. (there were 6 of us at that booth)

and the final photo--what we think to be the first and probobly last big ride wedding. full of jokes from the last 47 days, it was a real spectacle and delight.

Day 45

so on this, the so-called "final exam day", i didn't take very many pics. we climbed a lot of hills. it was really humid. really hot. long towards the end. but we did it!

ben, ever-creative, is showing off his fruit snack wrapper turned snowflake.

bob jone's staff supprised us with lots of treats at the end of the day.

Day 44

i'm sitting at a water stop and i say, man i wish i had some vitamin e for my leg. about 35 seconds later kathy hands me a bottle. is this woman amazing or what?!

the tour of the cannondale factory was a highlight. on our feet for an hour and a half the night before our hardest ride, BUT it was awesome.

Day 43

when they told us we'd be riding 50 miles on a bike path, we had this dreamy black top image in our minds.

sadly, crushed limestone is what they had in mind. and rain!! what a deLIGHTFUL combination. if mud is fun, then this was a blast.

Day 42

p-e-n-n-s-y-l-v-a-n-i-a. wheaw. long word. great state!

we passed a nuclear power plant today, but were strictly forbidden from taking photos. shame, because it was pretty cool.

the last photo is of jodi. when it starts raining, just get under the truck!! i actually slept in it. the tent was getting wet and i could handle no more. pretty comfortable, really.