After reaching Virginia Beach I spent two days and nights there since my flight home was scheduled for the 2nd of August. It gave me some time to get my bike and gear shipped back, time to pick up some fresh clothes and some time to walk the beach and eat at the nearby restaurants. I left about 25% of what remained of my gear in the hotel trash. Only the more expensive equipment that was not worn out ended up going back home. I climbed onto the plane home with nothing but the clothes I was wearing and my wallet and phone.
Since returning home I have shaved off the beard (much to my wife's delight), returned to work, and torn apart, cleaned up and reassembled the bike that took me across the country. Soon I will be picking up a new one (most likely a Soma Saga) and this one will be relegated to use for lunch time rides during work. My family also threw me a welcome back celebration which included a very cool gift from my sister; a bicycle route 76 road sign just like one that appeared in one of my previous posts. It is a genuine U.S. highway road sign with the standard metal backing and reflective surface.
So, what was it like to bicycle across the United States? Great fun, challenging, frustrating at times, rarely frightening, a great adventure. I met and long parade of great people and saw many places I would never have otherwise visited. Aside from getting married and becoming a father it was the best thing I have ever done.
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