AMISH LAND TO ATLANTIC CITY
After going over 1000 miles late yesterday I woke with high energy to begin the last stage. We said goodbye to the Penn group as they had elected to bypass the Atlantic City leg and we were off. The morning was warmer then the last few days and a fog lay over our starting point providing a mystical appearance to the rolling hills and the Amish farms as the sun was rising. The sun quickly burned off the fog and we were soon biking once again in rising hot weather. Hills were our companions the first 25 miles and then we started downhill to the Delaware River at Wilmington entering our 13th state. Our old friend cross and headwinds didn’t leave us our last day and beat on us the entire way. We were so pumped up that headwinds, heat, heavy traffic and fatigue did nothing to dent our focus on finally reaching our goal. Frank and I had decided to bike the entire distance and the boys split the day by thirds.
Passersby who must have read Santa Monica 2 Atlantic City on our Sag wagon waved, beeped and yelled encouragement. We were singing, yelling Ray Bucknell and getting more excited as Atlantic City drew near. We had to dismount at the Delaware River as no bikes were allowed and we were driven across to enter our 14th state, New Jersey, the birthplace of both Frank and I. Closer to Atlantic City Jay’s dad met us with an additional bike so the 5 Bucknellians could finish together. The last miles were flat but the wind, traffic lights and heavy traffic slowed our progress but not our enthusiasm as the skyline began appearing before us. Izzy, Don and Doris Soule (Bucknell classmates) were waiting at the Trump Plaza and were getting updates on our arrival. I led us single file to the ocean where they met us for the finale, many photos and then a mad dash to jump into the Atlantic. Frank and I had done 105 miles, our second century of the trip. I also brought my bike to the beach and held it over my head standing in the ocean. We had done it!!!!!!! Ocean to Ocean and ONE MILLION PLUS for Bucknell.!!!!
Not only had we done it we were now 3 generations of Bucknellians bonded forever by what we had done together three fantastic young, graduates, Jay, Pat and Kyle, “middle age” Frank and one old geezer. What a thrill that words can hardly describe.
We had covered over 3000 miles and marveled daily at the expanse, beauty, and diversity of our country and friendliness of our people. We are truly blessed.
God Bless America!!
GO BISON
