Report on Cycle to the Sea 2011

I know that it is a little late, but here is a summary of our last day.  We had a final 58 miles to ride on Saturday.  Clouds threatened all day and it was windy, but we made it all the way with no rain.  I spent the most of the morning riding with the second pack.  This was a little different experience.  The ability level was more diverse in the second group and we worked a little harder to keep the pack tight together.  I think I worked a little harder, but enjoyed getting to spend some more time with some of the riders that I had not talked to as much on the first two days.  After lunch, we all met a N Myrtle Beach High Shool and rode into N Myrtle Beach as one pack.  We had all of our hand cyclist in front and the tandems and standard bikes were behind them.  I have to admit, it was hard to ride with a dry eye watching all of the hand cyclist lead us to our finish line.  Spending a couple of days with them, we got a glimpse of some of the challenges they face, but to be honest, with the great attitudes they had, I know there was much more that they have to deal with on a daily basis than we could ever imagine.  It was very emotional for me as we were lining up for a photo of the entire group, everyone had worked together for the ride and together, we had a great accomplishment.  The ride was great, with our police and motorcycle escorts, lead and trail vehicles, we all arrived safe and there were no incidents (just the way you want a ride to be).

So there is the wrap up report for this year.  I would like to thank each of you, Jennifer Moore and her staff at ASAP, all of our police and motorcycle escorts, and all of the other riders for allowing me to be a part of the 2011 Cycle to the Sea.  I hope to get to participate in this event in years to come, and would encourage everyone to look at our opportunities instead of our limitations, you can truly see where there is a will there is a way.  I am thankful that ASAP helps provide the differently abled folks in our community with the way, they all provide plenty of will!  In all, $44, 579 was raised in support of ASAP!