26 July 2008: Stage 21 Compete! On to the Champs-Elysees!
CJ and I rode the final stage into Paris yesterday. Circling the
cobblestones of the Arc de Triomphe was a moment of pure joy and
disbelief. If it weren't for a beat-up old bicycle, an aching pair of
knees, and an odometer that reads 4093 km, you would have a difficult
time convincing me that I hadn't just awoken from a dream.
I have finally had a chance to look again at the website, and want to
give special thanks to Valeri Devaney for the great work, to Tom and to
CJ, to all the "angels in camping cars," to the prayer warriors back
home, to the journalists in Texas and France who have covered the story,
to each of you who sent messages during the ride, to everyone who has
contributed to BORP and Kinetic Kids, and to everyone who is planning to
do so.
An epilogue will follow in the near future. I am toying with the idea of
making Rick's Ride an annual relay event, with multiple riders
completing various stages. Let me know if you are interested in
traveling or riding in France. Meantime, CJ and I are headed to the
Champs-Elysees, and Rick's Ride goes on! Keep the donations coming!
