Day Five, Wrapping Up the Ride

Cue the Motley Crue. We’re on our way, home sweet, home.

First, the good news. Five days and more than 100 miles of riding with two little boys and no wrecks or accidents. We didn’t even get honked at.

Morning at the beach

Friday night, we were fortunate to have the company of our support team, Jill, for the whole night. She had to leave early Saturday morning though. Jill has a weekly group ride with some guys that meet at Village Bikes in Sarasota. They ride over Ringling Causeway and up Longboat Key, before turning around just before the bridge at Longboat Pass.

This is where the richness of our week of planning reaches its peak. She left to meet them, and we left to meet her and the group. We timed it so that we would arrive at their turnaround spot at about the same time. The plan was for Ben to join the group for the ride back, if he felt like it. His brother and I would make our own way, with a special stop for goodies, before meeting up again at our pickup location.

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Sailboats and Kayaks at our meeting spot

My boys and a cyclist on his recumbent (riding past)

A special treat for the youngest rider - he actually poured that Fanta Orange into his Camelbak

And that’s how it all went down. Our smooth week of riding and fun finished harmoniously, with another well executed day. I even nabbed some Thin Mints in the deal.

I don’t think the week could have worked out much better. The weather was perfect. The distances were just right. We got a lot of help. Awesome.

Total Mileage
Ben: 135
Dad: 133
Cal: 116

Bridge Crossings: 36

Special Thanks

I’d like to thank Jill, my beautiful wonderful wife. Without her, the ride definitely wouldn’t have been possible. She made phone calls and ran errands before the tour started. She visited us each evening to resupply, assist, and share in the fun.

I also need to thank my mom and dad, who accommodated us for a night and lunch visit, while also taking care of our little monster, I mean princess, Jaime.

Our neighbors, Heather and Jim and Linda were also indispensable, as they helped us take care of our dogs Sammi and Milo.