31.9 miles/ +1341.7 ft/ Total miles 3484.7
Back to civilization- riding in morning traffic from Snohomish County into King County. In Woodinville, I rode onto the Sammamish River Trail, heading toward Kenmore, where it becomes the Burke-Gilman Trail. And exactly at that location, I met my friends who had ridden from Seattle.
Fantastic! So nice to ride into town with friends. We stopped at R&E Cycles so I could pay for the tire they had shipped to East Glacier a few weeks ago, and got a picture out front with the owner and others who work at the shop:
We stopped for breakfast at 65th and Roosevelt, and after that I headed to University Bridge and Capitol Hill. But first I had to wait for the bridge to open for a sailboat:
When I got home, some of my neighbors came out to meet me, and we had a nice chance to chat.
Right now I am still in a daze. I am so glad to be home! It hasn’t really sunk in yet that I actually did manage to get across the U.S. on my bicycle. I will write some final thoughts in the next few days, but here are a few quick points to start with:
- Couldn’t have done it without: Adventure Cycling maps, iPhone, Warmshowers
- Best drivers: North Dakota
- Worst drivers: Michigan (a few bad ones ruined it for everyone – most drivers were good)
- Best scenery: Washington, western Montana
- Most impressive engineering: Erie Canal
- Best bike trails over 50 miles: Minnesota and Michigan
- Best cyclist-only lodging: The Dalbo Bunkhouse (Donn Olsen)
- Best live show: Medora Musical, North Dakota
- Hottest weather: Montana, North Dakota
- Coldest weather: Massachusetts
- Riding in serious rain: Massachusetts, New York, Wisconsin
- Biggest thunderstorms: Michigan
- Worst road construction (for cyclists): Michigan, Minnesota
So many people asked me if I was scared to be riding alone, and I always answered no. The media thrive on bad news, and nowadays bad news anywhere in the world is right in front of us. But in any one place, on any one day, I don’t think there is a lot to be afraid of. The people I met were so supportive and friendly, and I have no doubt that if I had a problem out on the road, within a matter of minutes someone would stop to help me. Fortunately, I never found myself in that situation out on the road. But any time I did ask for something, I found people to be very generous and helpful.
What a trip! Thanks to everyone for the supportive and encouraging comments. It’s been fun keeping the blog going, but I’m ready to get back to my regular life (which no one wants to read about!). It’s great to be home!
Judy's Bike Ride 2017 
Congratulations, Judy – I am so in awe of you! What an amazing accomplishment that you have talked about for years and then actually pulled it off! I have to say that I will miss your daily blog and sharing your progress with my friends that ask where you are and your latest stories. Even Uncle Frank wants to see the photos of the Dalbo Bunkhouse… though he thinks you’re really nuts to bike across the country. To ease your transition, you can always pitch your tent on the lawn and just use your own warm shower tonight! Welcome home!
Congratulations, Judy! It was great to get to see you and hear about your experiences, and I loved reading your blog.You did it! Quite an amazing accomplishment; you are an inspiration, and I love your explanation about people getting used to watching everything that’s terrible on the news. Your vision of this country- good people -Warm Showers- is so refreshing. Thank you for including us in your visits. We are so grateful.
Connie and Jerry Von Korff
Congrats, Judy, and welcome home! – Dave
A wonderful conclusion today to the kind of adventure few have experienced. A life changing event that can be relived and shared forever.
Glad to have met you Judy. Thanks for sharing your ride. I enjoyed it and your courage! Rail Trail Ray!
Congrats Judy! We knew you would make it. Thanks for sharing some time with us in Northern Wisconsin. Your trip has been inspiring. We particularly enjoyed your blogs – loaded with facts and reality – so different from other news-of-the-day reports. Enjoy a well deserved rest day (or three). Ken and Barb Wiesner
Congratulations Judy – you made it home! I really enjoyed seeing your pictures and reading about your adventure, and I liked that you figured it out for yourself and made what adjustments you needed to along the way. Next time you plan a big adventure keep me in mind – maybe we could do it together.
congratulations! have you started planning your next trip?
Judy,
What an amazing accomplishment! I’m so happy to have the opportunity to meet you and hear your stories. Brenda Mast
Sent from my iPhone
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Welcome home!