On Tuesday, Stella and I entered Stanley Park, where downtown Vancouver meets the Pacific Ocean.
Whooping, hollering, and relieved laughter mixed with the sounds of the waves as we dipped our wheels into the salty water. Immediately after, we set our bikes aside and flung ourselves into the water.
It was a cold day to be in the Pacific waters, but as the official finish line of our cross-country bicycle ride, there wasn't anyone in our 32-strong family who hesitated.
Our last day was not without its own challenges. Stripped of our digital maps and phones, we were dispersed and unable to communicate with one another. A large group of us quickly found ourselves off the cue sheet. Apparently there was one incorrect turn 5 miles back. We didn't want to turn around, and found out from local construction workers that we could still get to Stanley Park by following the path we were on.
Several others got lost as well, and at the end we descended on Stanley Park like a poorly-coordinated flash mob. I finally understood why we all wear the same jersey - it's not to look cool when we ride, it's so we can spot one another when we get lost!
Vancouver itself was a pleasure to visit as a bicycle advocate - it is clear where Portland looks to for inspiration for its cycle tracks, green bike lanes, and dedicated bike paths. Vancouver reminded me a little of Copenhagen, which I visited last summer... oh geez, my life is turning into one big bicycle ride. Well, what can I say? I'm enjoying the view from my saddle.
In the past four days I've been reflecting on how many people it took to get our group from Portsmouth, NH to Vancouver, BC. To everyone who donated to our cause and allowed me to participate in our summer - I cannot say thank you enough. To our Bike & Build staff and group leaders, who took care of all of the logistics and gave up nearly every ounce of their free time this summer for us - thank you.
All of our hosts, my friends, Outdoor Program family and my (real) family who encouraged me all along the way, often revived my spirits with packages, letters, and visits part-way through - thank you.
To the many individuals who catered to my newly acquired gluten-free diet, who reached out to me when I was sick and taught me all about gluten-free food - thank you.
To the many bicycle mechanics, who literally kept us riding - adjusting our brakes and derailleurs and donating their time - thank you.
And a special thank you to the many folks at B-cycle and Trek, Ninkasi Brewing Company, Greater Eugene Area Riders, and Collin's Cycle Shop who all sponsored me - I don't know what I would have done without your support!
We reached Vancouver, and it took a small village to get us here.
Whooping, hollering, and relieved laughter mixed with the sounds of the waves as we dipped our wheels into the salty water. Immediately after, we set our bikes aside and flung ourselves into the water.It was a cold day to be in the Pacific waters, but as the official finish line of our cross-country bicycle ride, there wasn't anyone in our 32-strong family who hesitated.
Our last day was not without its own challenges. Stripped of our digital maps and phones, we were dispersed and unable to communicate with one another. A large group of us quickly found ourselves off the cue sheet. Apparently there was one incorrect turn 5 miles back. We didn't want to turn around, and found out from local construction workers that we could still get to Stanley Park by following the path we were on.Several others got lost as well, and at the end we descended on Stanley Park like a poorly-coordinated flash mob. I finally understood why we all wear the same jersey - it's not to look cool when we ride, it's so we can spot one another when we get lost!
Vancouver itself was a pleasure to visit as a bicycle advocate - it is clear where Portland looks to for inspiration for its cycle tracks, green bike lanes, and dedicated bike paths. Vancouver reminded me a little of Copenhagen, which I visited last summer... oh geez, my life is turning into one big bicycle ride. Well, what can I say? I'm enjoying the view from my saddle.
In the past four days I've been reflecting on how many people it took to get our group from Portsmouth, NH to Vancouver, BC. To everyone who donated to our cause and allowed me to participate in our summer - I cannot say thank you enough. To our Bike & Build staff and group leaders, who took care of all of the logistics and gave up nearly every ounce of their free time this summer for us - thank you.
All of our hosts, my friends, Outdoor Program family and my (real) family who encouraged me all along the way, often revived my spirits with packages, letters, and visits part-way through - thank you.
To the many individuals who catered to my newly acquired gluten-free diet, who reached out to me when I was sick and taught me all about gluten-free food - thank you.
To the many bicycle mechanics, who literally kept us riding - adjusting our brakes and derailleurs and donating their time - thank you.
And a special thank you to the many folks at B-cycle and Trek, Ninkasi Brewing Company, Greater Eugene Area Riders, and Collin's Cycle Shop who all sponsored me - I don't know what I would have done without your support!
We reached Vancouver, and it took a small village to get us here.
