Friday,  July 25, 2003

Jacksonville, Fla.

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SEATTLE, WASHINGTON TO JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA ...  57 DAYS...  4,440 MILES

A PATHFINDER ON ONE LEG... A BICYCLE ON THE OTHER. AND A WHOLE MESS OF ATTITUDE.

MAY 31, 2003 ASTORIA, OREGON              JULY 25, 2003  JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA

TODAY'S RIDE

Today was the final leg of our journey.  We started outside of Jacksonville and rode to the ocean with a group of cyclists (Cody's Challenge) to keep us company.  A great group of cyclists, and several of them actually drafted off Bruce. Mind you they did it very, very quietly, which is the only way it can be done -- Bruce never liked having anyone ride that close behind him -- at least not before 10 AM.

Less than half the way to the ocean today, it began to rain. Soft, gentle, and cool. Seagulls flew across our path instead of red tailed hawks. Palm trees instead of spruce. The birds and trees changed, but perhaps so have we.

We pose with the gang at our final destination, the Atlantic Ocean. We were asked often by patients in rehab how you ride four thousand miles. The answer we learned was, "ten miles at a time." There is wisdom there, which was hard earned with sweat and doubt and minor victories won at every water stop. But then, it was something our grandmothers probably told us, had we been inclined to listen. But we've changed -- small answers are sometimes the most fulfilling.

Joe was somewhat reluctant to cleanse himself in the warm Atlantic waters.  So with a bit of persuasion, Jim and Mark help Joe. Poor Joe. He actually lost his glasses when getting dunked. Even in small ways, this journey had a price for us all. It is unlikely that any wage or bribe we will ever pay will yield greater returns.

The boys at the ocean.  It was indeed a fine day despite the bit of rain we encountered.  The bike (and boys) have now been baptized in both oceans.  Indeed we've changed. Cyclists tans. Leaner bodies. Easier laughter. A gentle confidence that pushing yourself out the door of an airplane at 14,000 feet engenders. Profound humility from seeing smiles on the faces of ordinary people we met daily who were handling extra-ordinary situations with determination and grit. Pride integral in sharing and sweating as part of an amazing team.

It's surprising how much ocean water tastes like sweat, and today -- if never again -- it was sweeter than honey.

And so...Why did we do it?  Several reasons come to mind.  First we rode because we wanted to show that three average middle aged guys who suffered an amputation could meet any challenge.  Second we wanted to help others through their own trauma.  In Lance Armstrong's book he spoke of beating cancer and his "obligation of the cured".  We feel the same obligation and wanted to show others along the road who are suffering that life does indeed go on and a full, happy and rewarding life is available to all those who show the courage and determination to face the challenge.

And sometimes it is hard, so very hard. But the only way out is through. And for the past 57 days, we did it together.

The three of us met as strangers but have become brothers for life.  The journey was as much about the friendship and affection for each other as it was about the miles.  Helping each other along the way, supporting each other in good and bad times.  It was indeed a unique and life changing journey, one we will never forget.  It is the bond of brotherhood we formed that will allow us to continue our quest for challenges that test our limits, but always with the passion for living life to it's fullest.

We are fortunate men to have had the opportunity to ride across the country and meet so many wonderful people.  People like Luke, Alee, Veronica, Ann and so many others too numerous to mention.

Their spirit and passion for life touched us deeply and helped us so many times along our journey.  We thank you all for your thoughts, support and prayers.  We will never forget you. Stick together, people, because the debt we owe each other as members as the community of the disabled cannot be ignored nor easily repaid. Remember, no person recovers alone.

We few, we happy few, we band of brothers...

AMPUTEES ACROSS AMERICA 2003

MARK FARRELL                             JIM AND TRISH DELONG                             BRUCE HIBBETT
(RIDER)                                     (RIDER AND SUPPORT DRIVER)                              (RIDER)

GOD BLESS YOU ALWAYS, JOE, FOR YOUR VISION AND FOR PICKING US FOR THIS RIDE.

PEACE BE THE JOURNEY

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