I have made it to St. Augustine, FL.!!!!
I have ridden everyday since leaving Alabama 10 days ago.
The weather has been spectacular with the daytime temperatures in the mid
70’s and lower 80’s and no wind to speak of: a perfect ending to an
already fantastic trip! 35 miles outside of Gainesville my shifting lever
mechanism broke leaving me with only my two hardest gears. The trip to
Gainesville became much harder than it should have been but fortunately
the hills were small and I was able to get to the bike shop with minimum
wear and tear on my poor legs. I hit the coast 10 miles south of St.
Augustine and was able to ride the final 10 miles on the hard packed sand
of the beach (except for the two hour nap on the beach).
I’m looking forward to getting into a beach mode for the next five days
with R&R being my priority at this time. St. Augustine seems like the
perfect place for this.
I would really like to thank everybody who donated to the CRC in support
of this adventure: they deserve our support.
There are so many people who gave me support along the way: too many to
mention individually. Thanks everybody!
And thank you to all the people who sent comments through the blog: that
was a source of inspiration for me. I’m sorry if I didn’t always write
back but the time and circumstances didn’t always allow it.
The Outdoor Store, Fort Bragg Cyclery and Catch A Canoe And Bicycles Too
were all so generous in helping me get this trip started: I don’t think I
could have afforded it without their help.
Will Geiger deserves a special thank you for buying me an ipod and taking
the time to show me how to use it: one of the great inventions of our
time.
And thanks Jiro, my hero, for managing the blog: you’re the best.
I have had a great adventure, met many wonderful people, was extended
countless kindnesses by total strangers and done something for our great
community to feel good about. Life is good: get out and enjoy it while you
can! I am looking forward to coming home and seeing everybody. But first
it’s time to get into that beach mode that I was talking about earlier!
See you soon.
March 12th, 2009 at 10:29 pm
Barry,
I have chills reading your post from St. Augustine! You made it buddy!!!! What a feat, what a contribution to the community you love and all who live here, what a guy!
On behalf of all of us at the Cancer Resource Centers of Mendocino County, thank you, thank you, thank you. During these hard times to have someone who cares so deeply to put themselves out there for others is inspiring and gives us all hope for so much. You have just completed one of the most unselfish,compassionate acts I have witnessed. Make sure you let us know when you will be coming home. You deserve a homecoming!
Be well,
Sara
March 13th, 2009 at 9:58 am
Barry, You made it. At the Cancer Resource Center we put a big, florescent pink sign up on our front door that reads, “Yay! Barry made it to the Atlantic!” You’re inspiring. Enjoy your time at the beach. We look forward to hearing about your trip when you return. Rita
March 13th, 2009 at 1:45 pm
CONGRATS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Way to go. enjoyed your pictures and dialogue. Look forward to seeing you back in FB. Kay & Steve
March 13th, 2009 at 10:59 pm
Well done Barry! Great to read your reports and to see you made it!
You are fast and strong! We will head into Mexico soon, if you make it back in time, you can easily catch us 🙂
Enjoy the Beach, be careful for all the young scantily clad Spring Break girls…
Harry & Ivana
March 17th, 2009 at 10:51 am
Barry, you are amazing. Thank you for everything. We can’t wait to see you when you get into town!
March 18th, 2009 at 11:34 am
Hey Barry – good work, as always. I – we all – are so proud of you. Can’t wait to see you and give you a hug and hear about your adventures. XXX Carla
March 19th, 2009 at 10:25 pm
Looking forward to your homecoming at the CRC office! Everyone come welcome Barry home! March 30th, 5 to 6 pm, Cancer Resource Center, 45040 Calpella Street, Mendocino. For more info call us at 707 937-3833. We are so proud to be represented by such a force!
Sara
July 16th, 2009 at 12:30 pm
Hey. I have lost your email. Wanted to say thanks for the Mothers Day card. That was really thoughtful!
Hope all is going well with you!