As easy as it would be to just write about yesterday and our arrival in San Francisco, I feel like I must also document the day before, our ride into and time in San Rafael.
The ride was about 46 miles from Napa to San Rafael. It was a frustrating day route-wise, although the distance was nothing close to what we had been doing all summer. We ended up having to take 37, a pretty intense highway that included a nice steep overpass. We were also told, when asking for directions, that to get to San Rafael from where we were without taking the highway, we would have to go down into San Francisco, then travel up to San Rafael. At that point, I really wanted to be home, so it was frustrating to know that we were so close to San Francisco but still so far.
I thought that I would continue feeling this way, but then we got to our host location in San Rafael and it included a beautiful view of the bay and hosts who were impressed with our journey who also happened to be great cooks. After a delicious dinner and one last presentation, we left for our dessert reservation. It was a fun time, with everyone together talking and laughing, and the dessert was delicious. Back at the host location, many of us stayed up really late, doing some more laughing and talking. Carrie and I slept outside, admiring the stars and listening to appropriate songs for how we were feeling. We talked about our journey and how unbelieveable it was that it was almost over. Instead of feeling anxious for the morning or ready to be done with it, I was enjoying my last night of my two month long adventure.
I did find myself very anxious in the morning, ready to get on my bike and cross the bridge and just see what it felt like to finish biking across America. It was a wonderful time. I was sweep with Alex, but because our group stayed so close together, we didn't miss a single thing. The group stopped often to take pictures and enjoy our last day together, and Alex and I ended up crossing the bridge with Carrie and Tomer, two friends we spent most of the summer's rides with. I saw my parents on the North side of the bridge, but couldn't quite comprehend yet what had happened. It mostly hit me when I biked through Crissy Field to the water and saw everyone swimming in the bay. I quickly ran into the water, and I think that is my best memory, everyone swimming and hugging and laughing in the freezing water. I didn't feel cold at all, not for an hour after I got out of that water. It was definately the highlight of my day and a favorite moment of the summer.
Last night I went out to eat with most of the group, though some had gone and I probably won't see them again. It is a very weird feeling to have been so close to those people for two whole months, now to never hear from them again. I am glad to be going home, but it is with a heavy heart that I have ended my Bike & Build adventure. It was good to spend one last dinner with the friends I have made this summer.
The ride was about 46 miles from Napa to San Rafael. It was a frustrating day route-wise, although the distance was nothing close to what we had been doing all summer. We ended up having to take 37, a pretty intense highway that included a nice steep overpass. We were also told, when asking for directions, that to get to San Rafael from where we were without taking the highway, we would have to go down into San Francisco, then travel up to San Rafael. At that point, I really wanted to be home, so it was frustrating to know that we were so close to San Francisco but still so far.
I thought that I would continue feeling this way, but then we got to our host location in San Rafael and it included a beautiful view of the bay and hosts who were impressed with our journey who also happened to be great cooks. After a delicious dinner and one last presentation, we left for our dessert reservation. It was a fun time, with everyone together talking and laughing, and the dessert was delicious. Back at the host location, many of us stayed up really late, doing some more laughing and talking. Carrie and I slept outside, admiring the stars and listening to appropriate songs for how we were feeling. We talked about our journey and how unbelieveable it was that it was almost over. Instead of feeling anxious for the morning or ready to be done with it, I was enjoying my last night of my two month long adventure.
I did find myself very anxious in the morning, ready to get on my bike and cross the bridge and just see what it felt like to finish biking across America. It was a wonderful time. I was sweep with Alex, but because our group stayed so close together, we didn't miss a single thing. The group stopped often to take pictures and enjoy our last day together, and Alex and I ended up crossing the bridge with Carrie and Tomer, two friends we spent most of the summer's rides with. I saw my parents on the North side of the bridge, but couldn't quite comprehend yet what had happened. It mostly hit me when I biked through Crissy Field to the water and saw everyone swimming in the bay. I quickly ran into the water, and I think that is my best memory, everyone swimming and hugging and laughing in the freezing water. I didn't feel cold at all, not for an hour after I got out of that water. It was definately the highlight of my day and a favorite moment of the summer.
Last night I went out to eat with most of the group, though some had gone and I probably won't see them again. It is a very weird feeling to have been so close to those people for two whole months, now to never hear from them again. I am glad to be going home, but it is with a heavy heart that I have ended my Bike & Build adventure. It was good to spend one last dinner with the friends I have made this summer.
4 comments:
Hurray. Well done! Thanks for posting the pictures
Dear Rachel:
We read with excitement and some sadness about the end of your journey. What a wonderful experience you all had (yeah, we know some of it was not so great). Nice to see the pic with your parents. It seems so long ago that we cooked breakfast for all of you and had the fun of watching you all bike down the rd from St Paul at the beginning of your journey. Best of luck to everyone.
John and Holly
YESSSSSS!!!
Hi.
I just finished reading your story and it sounded amazing. I'm also currrently a college student in NYC and trying to get together a group of friends this summer to ride from coast to coast.
I was hoping you might be able to give me so helpful advice.
If you have an email, I can contact you at, I would be grateful. My email is arkqueens@gmail.com
Thanks.
--Angelica Katz
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