Friday, August 10, 2012

Eat, Ride, Love.....Eugene to Florence, the Ocean, the End


They say it's all about the journey.....today was bittersweet, but more sweet than bitter. The last leg of a 4500 mile journey. Incredible. For me, it was closing a book on a journey and a life. It was a tough start to the day, but thanks to Wendy, (love her) she talked me through it and kept me guided on the road through my early morning tears. The beauty of the morning and constant chatter of friends changed my mood and we rode through gorgeous roads from Eugene towards the coast to Florence.  This was a special day for everyone.



Our mid morning eating stop (not to be confused with our early morning and late morning eating stop) was.....slow. The cafe was cute and rustic, and the poor waitress was also the cook, the cashier, and mom to the two kids running around. She made each order, one...at...a....time, even though they were all pretty much th same order. So our quick mid morning food stop turned into an hour long wait for the last person to get her food, of course it was Gina - the ever patient one. :)



This was before Gina lost her patient smile...

Our poor waitress, mother, and cook

                                                  

                                


We were excited to get to the end, but not too excited to make more stops and try to soak in the last miles of the journey. The sun broke through as we wound down the quiet river road together, it reminded me of River Road through the Russian River Valley here in Calif. Simon was excited to see Ben, Gina was excited to see Dina, and we were all anxious to come to the end of the trip, our butts were sore!

UBold and Another Stop


Love this shot. long chase to get the group to get this shot!





And Another Stop


Dad was with us the whole time...his ashes


Wendy always with her camera




Arrived at the Hotel at 3pm, not before Simon got his 7th flat of the trip with 2 miles to go. (Gina didn't get ANY flats during the entire trip). We gathered everyone together for the final trek to the Pacific. The day was beautiful, the smiles were wide, and the unexpected sand dune was tall and steep! But there it was, the Pacific ocean......

Huey didnt like this hill...


Really?  I have to carry this in the sand?


Nicole always smiling


Each of us had our own personal way to commemorate this event. Me, I just walked in up to my knees in the surf, completing Dads journey and thankful for the blessing to be there for him, for me, for Pam, for Erin, and for everyone following his life and journey. It was something pretty special and powerful. As I turned around, I noticed everyone had paused and was watching, thinking about their friend Ollie - his accident was a tough loss for them too.  When I came to join them I was a little uncomfortable to intrude on their time and space - that they had maybe moved on and forgotten about Dad after 2 months.  Not true, and this was a special moment for them too. Hopefully some healing for all.



About 4 million photos were taken among friends. Random strangers were stopping to take photos, it was a crazy and fun time.....relishing in the accomplishment and savoring the friendships and memories with smiles and laughter. Simon attempted to blow off his fireworks that he had hauled all the way from Virginia, until a wave came and got em all wet.



Simon trying to light his fireworks







Buddies forever




Simon proposed to Benjamin on the beach!







We gathered around to say a final farewell to Ollie. As we stood in a circle, I thanked them for their friendships, their kindness to our family, for their kindness to Dad, for allowing me to come join them, and for being so incredibly nice to me. Dad would be proud of them, hooting and hollering louder than any kid on the beach. He took interest in each and every one of them and only wanted happiness and success for every one of them. I told them how awesome I think they are, for DOING it, and living life to the fullest. I have grown very close to this group in one week. We passed around his ashes, each taking a handful - then walked to the ocean as a team, and released Dad to the waves of the Pacific Ocean.



Everyone waded in together to send Dad off properly






I know I speak for a majority of the group, life will be different for awhile. Re-entry will be tough for most. They have done something EXTRAORDINARY. They've ridden across 10 states, ridden 82 days and 4270 miles. They have grown very close and share a special bond. Life does move on, but it's stood still and semi-insulated for the last 82 days. I'm sad to leave them, very empty feeling inside and head full of memories and emotion. I was very happy for 7 days, honored to be able to be in their reality during their journey. Leave my busy reality and join theirs. I'm so glad I did, it's one of the better decisions I've made in a long time. These trips give you time to think, to reflect, to lose yourself in the world around you, to talk and think things out without the phone ringing or being interrupted. (except to stop and take another photo, or eat more pie) You get a different perspective on things, maybe change your life, or parts of your life, or to be thankful and realize your life is pretty damn great! You get to meet new people, hear new stories, and see new things. Life is short, and I know that sounds cliche, but so does " he died doing what he loved." But both are true.

This trip reminded me that certain people are extraordinary, and that I need to get out and do this stuff more often. I was inspired to show Amanda more of the country where she lives and show her some of the experiences my Dad showed me. Dad was doing what he wanted to do, and he was doing it, he was extraordinary.

I'm going to miss following the daily reports from his group, they kept him alive for us. Ive enjoyed writing for his blogs, knowing he'd be enjoying EFI like i was. Suddenly there will now be silence from everyone, he/they will be really gone, the trip is over. It's the horrible and difficult reality. Yet he lives on in all he's touched in his life and lessons he's taught us - do as much as you can and enjoy doing it.

This will probably be the last post from Ollies Wild Ride.  The Ride is over, the journey was as good as it gets, no regrets. 

What has become my tag line for all of these writings, Thanks for the push Ollie, we'll take it from here.


6 comments:

  1. Great Jake. Thanks for riding with us the last days. Ollie deserved this finish at the Pacific.

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  2. Jake, thanks for riding with us through the last week. Your presence added a lot. Ollie was a great guy who we all came to appreciate and care about very quickly at the start of the ride. We know he'll be missed, but we're glad you were able to help him complete his ride to the Pacific. We're happy we could help you honor and memorialize your dad. Best wishes!

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    Replies
    1. Mike, the pleasure is all mine. I'll be thinking of you as you embark on your new journey of retirement after many long years of hard work. Congratulations! Job well done on both extraordinary accomplishments.
      Our paths will cross again Im sure

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  3. Jake...thank you for sharing this beautiful adventure, after all...Ollie's life was an amazing adventure! I am moved by your extraordinary heart, this journey and the respect and honor of your father. Wow...so thankful you shared...xo
    I am certain, your fathers grace will continue living through you, touching lives and being the light on your journey!
    xo

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  4. I've just read this for the first time, a year from embarking on that crazy trip. Very moving words and thoughts, and I could never have laid it out half as good as you did Jake. I think I may start reading the blog from the beginning this year.

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  5. Ollie was a dear person in my life. I was he and Pam's server at Sierra Nevada. I would lose track of my other tables just to be near them. We talked about life, art and gemstones. This week, I saw my dear Pam in the restaurant, for the first time in years. We hugged tight! I have held onto this blog in an email that Ollie sent me on the trip. I'm happy to say I still feel the same about this fellow. I will live my dreams and never forget his lust for life.

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