We awoke extra early on Day 7. We were allowed to start at 6 a.m. and camp had to be closed earlier than usual as well – so the camp was buzzing with “last day” excitement. For those of us from LA, we were ALMOST HOME!
Ellen and I awoke around 4 a.m. and packed up. We got in line for breakfast – for the last time – and afterward Ellen went to locate her bike after the Day 6 fiasco.
After breakfast and bike prepping Ellen rolled our tent for the last time and we brought our luggage and tent to the trucks – next time we see our luggage we will be in LA. We walked over to the bikes, filled our bottles – and we were off. We had 62 miles between Ventura and Los Angeles. Much of the route I do quite frequently: PCH north of Mailbu. We started on the Ventura bike path – then biked through Ventura, Oxnard, near the miltiary base.
We rode through the cities as dawn was breaking, donuts were fried (one biker even had a pink donut box on the corner and was offering them to fellow riders as we went by).
Before I knew it we were almost 20 miles in and we merged onto PCH. I know this path – all the way back! I kept thinking of the moment I’d see Super Husband…. I was so excited! I kept thinking of the wonderful note he left in my luggage: “I’m proud of you every single mile that you pedal. And if you get tired just remember that every mile brings you one mile closer to me….”
At mile 20 I noticed the first rest stop. I stopped very quickly – refilled my bottles, checked my tires (so paranoid now!) and was on the move in no time. The weather was overcast with marine layer – many thought it would rain. Alas, knowing the area, I knew the sun would come out the closer we got to Malibu and it would get WARM. Sure enough, down the road the sunshine made its presence known and it was GLORIOUS!
Around Leo Barrillo State Beach (stop 2) I noticed Ellen on the side of the road helping a young man with his tire – he had a flat. Ellen is always so kind and caring – as is Mary – they stop and help anyone in need. I stopped to keep them company and let the other riders know we were ok. Before long, we all had an Espresso Love Gu (those things ROCK!!! That was my entire nutrition along the way since I did not stop to eat – not this trip – not this close to home! We bid adieu to our new friend with the fixed tire and went on our way.
Ellen: Good samaritan on Day 7
Onward – the only stop left on the trip was lunch – at Malibu Bluffs across from Pepperdine. As I biked that way I had a ball taking in the hills, the ocean, the landscape… it was great knowing the route because I just ticked off the miles as they went by. Big Rock – done. Pt. Mugu – done. Leo Carrillo – check. Zuma – see you later! I rolled into Malibu Bluffs to use the facilities and just that fast – on my way. Many riders were enjoying the lush green lawn overlooking the beautiful ocean….what scenery for lunch!! The sun was beaming and warm – just a glorious, beautiful day.
I took this opportunity to call Super Husband and let him know I was about 90 minutes from the finish (about 18 miles from the end) – and as I would get closer I knew traffic would impact timing. I decided to ask Super Husband to meet me at the VA instead of me just riding home. That way we could pick up my luggage immediately. YAY!!!! On my way!
My speed for the morning was great – I averaged just under 15mph. This is funny because for most of the trip I was between high 11’s and high 12’s. Nothing to get too excited about – but I also tried to keep my energy for the entire week. Today – this was a day of magnificent tail winds PUSHING me home, many downhills, flats, and my Sherbert waiting at the finish line.
After the hill at Malibu Bluffs, the terrain was flat – the only difference was we all had to watch for cars parked on the sides of the road, surfers with surf boards, car doors. It was dangerous in its own right. I was ecstatic when I noticed the familiar sights of the Palisades, then Brentwood. We rolled onto the bike path for a brief moment – then took the tunnel below PCH to connect with Channel Road and Ocean. It was one last little spunky hill – which I’ve done perviously – and this time it didn’t even phase me. There were spectators all along the 62 miles today, cheering with bells, signs, applause….what a Homecoming!!
Soon we were on San Vicente and as I turned, I yelled “Welcome Home!” to the traffic regulator. 6 miles away!!
I ventured down the very familiar San Vicente and saw a co-worker who was filled with smiles and applause as I rolled past – I yelled hello and waved with such enthusiasm. Just a few miles left!! Before I knew it we turned on Bundy and snaked through some backstreets to the final stretch: the gate to the VA. It was very early yet – only 10:30 a.m. and there weren’t a lot of cyclists in at this point and the spectators were slim – but it was a glorious homecoming just the same. As I turned into the VA I yelled “YAY!!! IT’S GOOD TO BE HOME!!!”. I kept pedaling and out of the corner of my eye I saw my Better Half, my Super Husband. He was wearing his “race day” shirt – the one I can pick out amongst the masses. His Homestar Runner red shirt with white star. He was cheering, holding a sign: “WELCOME HOME! / FINISH LINE”. I rolled up to him, unclipped my pedals, waved him over to me and just latched on to him. I was so happy to hold him and I cried – I cried and cried! “I missed you so much! It’s so nice to be home!”. Super Husband congratulated me, told me how proud he was of me… those surrounding us were touched by emotions – we heard many “Awwww’s”.
Finish line with Super Husband
Steve asked if I wanted to officially roll the rest of the way down the Chute – but I actually declined. I rather walk with him, hand in hand – and finish – and we did. I grabbed a water and my finishers long-sleeved t-shirt as well as a snack at the end. We walked back to the finish line and cheered on those who finished. We saw Toby and Ellen, and we all hugged and congratulated each other. It was incredible.
After a bit we walked over to the luggage trucks, found my bag and walked to the car. We decided to bypass the closing ceremonies since I was a bit tuckered out – they were in 6 hours (that is a lot of waiting around!) – and just wanted to go home and relax. So – we did….
The rest of the weekend entailed coffee (good, strong homemade flavored coffee), naps (too many to count) and random hugs and kisses with my Better Half. I regaled tales from the road and shared so many things I saw, experienced, and learned. What an amazing experience… I still can’t seem to wrap my arms around the fact I covered all that distance via 2 wheels and pedals. I can see my friends doing it – but because I saw myself doing it little by little – it was difficult to visually put all the miles together in a larger trip.
Truly spectacular and life-changing. Like any endurance struggle / activity – you put in so much sweat equity that once you finish, it’s difficult to explain what happened, what you learned, how you are changed…. I am so glad I completed this activity…and to think it helped those in our local communities. Excellent. Now – for another cup of coffee….
Whoo hoo! I am all teary-eyed reading this one.