Over the next few weeks, I will take the time to go through every single interview again. I will review websites, pick up the phone and make some follow-up calls. I will go through all of my submitted stories, and in the end, I will give away ten $1,000 awards. 

In the end, 4,000 miles were pedaled.

Wow! That was a lot of driving...Boston to Sacramento, but Julian and I made it back! I think, truthfully, I was happier to not have to get back in the van and drive than I was in not having to get back on the bike!

When I planned the Extra Mile America Tour, I admit that pedaling over the Rockies was always in the back of my mind. It would be one of my greatest physical tests, and I would definitely give a sigh of relief when I was coming down the back side.

Today, I took the time to stop at the Harry S. Truman presidential library, home, and burial site. I have always admired Mr. Truman's rise from his Missouri farmer's roots to the White House and his great lifetime love with Bess. It's a hero's story all the way around.

The long drive back has begun. Breaking the trip home in 500+ mile days, Julian and I are scheduled to be back in California on Thursday.

Navigating in the busy downtown streets of Boston today was a bit of a challenge, but eventually Julian and I made it to the beautiful downtown YMCA. The YMCA today is not like how I remember it as a kid. This one in particular has a $52 million budget and provides a wide range of social services to Boston residents. The building has been around since 1912 and this Y is one of the oldest anywhere.

The day was getting late, and it was bitter cold without my gloves. The sun was not sure if it wanted to hide for the rest of the day or still stay out and shine. Regardless, today was the day. I touched ocean.

I'm not sure exactly, but an exaggerated estimate is I have eaten at what seems like thirty Chinese buffets on this bike trip. Being that I don't eat meat, it is a challenge at times to find restaurants with an appropriate menu choice for me...thus, Chinese buffets. I do believe I could qualify to be the "Jared" (Subway spokesperson) for Chinese restaurants. 

I met a guy today who had a tough start in life.