July 4, 2024
Today I finished my ride across the U.S.
I can hardly believe it. Little ol' me, Alana Lee from Tennessee, bicycled from sea to shining sea!
The whole day was magical, starting with breakfast at Kim's place. Kim, a Warm Showers host, and I had been unable to arrange a stay at her house on the Capital Trail. But to my surprise, she offered to feed me homemade vegetarian burritos, replete with vegetables from her garden, and iced coffee in the early morning hours as I made my way to Yorktown. A true trail angel at the height of her powers!
Thus fortified, I flew down what turned out to be the easiest part of the TransAmerica Trail: a protected, paved bicycle path with plenty of services and company along the way. I was so ecstatic, I told anyone who would listen that I was on my way to finishing my roll across America.
When I reached the Victory Monument at Yorktown, my brother- and sister-in-law Bob and Deb were waiting with cameras and hugs. Deb had accurately predicted what I had not: this was a big deal, and I wanted and needed people with whom to celebrate it.
Despite the sweltering heat and throngs of Independence Day celebrants, Deb and Bob walked with me to the York River to dip my front tire in its water, as tradition dictates; fed me a milkshake, as habit requires; and then hung out with me in Williamsburg before taking me to my train to D.C. the next day. All the while, they asked me great questions about my trip and listened to roughly 1,277 stories from the road. Deb even brought me clothes to wear around town so I wouldn't look like a dirtbag. I felt thoroughly feted.
To Kim, Bob, Deb, and all the cyclists, proprietors, customers, and innocent bystanders who shared my joy this day: Thank you for multiplying the meaning and the merriment!
Distance: 60.10 miles
Total: 3,836 miles
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