Trans America Cycling Day 48 - Palatka, FL to St. Augustine, FL

The link to today's route and statistics is found here.
Today was our last ride, and we rode as a group, like on the last day of the Tour de France.  If someone had a problem, all stopped until the problem was resolved.  All were triumphant today in concluding their ride across America..  We rode through St Augustine to the beach at Anastasia Island State Park for the ceremonial front tire dip in the Atlantic Ocean. Then to celebrate all took a dip in the Atlantic, which was an ideal temperature for swimming, followed by drinking of Mimosas made of champagne and orange juice.

 Hope that you enjoy the photos that record the day.

Sunrise in Palatka
Bass fishermen and those after catfish were on the water before we hit the road
Chuck and Larry help fix a "motel flat" to start the day
Flat repaired, cyclists chomping at the bit at the motel and ready to ride
No drop policy in effect as Randy fixes one last flat on the road

Gnatty, but picturesque, SAG stop on St Johns River



Surrounded by docks on the river



Hydrating and refueling at the last SAG stop
One last crunchy peanut better and Nutella sandwich - the very best from TAC  
Barry heads up mock formation at Juan Ponce de Leon statue in St. Augustine
Assemblage with lion guarding Bridge of Lions between St. Augustine and Anastasia Island



Waiting for draw bridge to close


Balloons before assaulting the beach
Boardwalk on the way to the beach
Roberto cheering riders on while on a mat approaching the beach
Ceremonial front wheel dip in the Atlantic Ocean officially ends the tour, let the celebrations begin!
Yippee by the gals!



Yippee by the guys!



Water temperature was ideal for a dip in the Atlantic due to the Gulf Stream
Drinking mimosas while congratulating one another and saying goodbyes
after the trans-continental feat was accomplished
Dinner and drinks at a celebratory dinner
More celebrating
And more


Too much celebrating, or just right?

Wear your shirt proudly, you have earned it!


 It has been a very special tour, thanks to the riders and the Trans-America Cycling staff!  We thank TAC for taking on the tour to benefit veterans.  $168,000 was raised for charities benefiting veterans.  A breakdown of amounts is on the   save22aday.org   website.

 As a good friend and Swiss rider says:

 "Four wheels move the body, two wheels move the soul."

 We have had a truly soulful experience together, and one to be remembered with a smile!


We conclude with a Ray Charles rendition of America on YouTube, as we visited Ray's hometown on our ride this week.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TRUjr8EVgBg

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