Day 8: Washington DC... finally.

Campbell's Sunday School Class Donation

Day 8: 50 Miles
Total: 692 Miles
Weight Watchers Points earned: 69

The final day on the bike.  It seems like just yesterday I was leaving Lumberton, NC with the FLETC team and logging my first mile.  This would be our lightest day yet but still some hill climbing to do as we were in still in Stafford County.

The first stop was at the Marine Corps Museum in Triangle, VA.  At most of the stops the Chaplains take time to announce line of Duty Deaths.  When we left Richmond, VA (yesterday) I stood along side Heather Curtin when they announced her father.  Today I felt pretty safe that I may squeak through without Jason being announced.  I was caught a little off guard by the pair of Chaplains when my name was called along with Jenna Lee.  They proceeded to tell the story of Jason and the details around his death... painful to hear (again) but like I said before - inspiration to ride.  As Jenna and I stood there together they announced her father Sergeant Kent Dean Kindcaid and his story and while Jason's passing was tragic, I was floored at the details surrounding his death (click the link to read).  After the announcements, the team gathered around and prayed upon us and Jenna and I exchanged a hug before heading to our bikes.  Jenna is another inspirational young woman who I'd met before at the C.O.P.S. Walk... this was her first LEU ride and she made the whole journey without assistance - IMPRESSIVE.

We continued to climb and descend the hills of Stafford and Prince William counties past Fort Belvoir and onto Fort Hunt Park.  I truly never realized the beauty of Virginia until this trip.  I have seen most of the state (other parts at different times) and it really is beautiful... between the history and the topography.   Lunch was served at Fort Hunt Park, more BBQ.  Normally to eat so many consecutive days of BBQ would be a bit much, however, since doing weight watchers I normally dont get to enjoy BBQ, slaw, mac-n-cheese, and all of the "fixins."  I did keep up with my WW points and everything I ate along the way - and with as many as I earned, I could really eat most of what I wanted... but I still reeled it in a lot.

It was a great stop, not only because it would be the last stop before finally reaching the White House but because this was the first time the whole team had gotten together as George, Ellen, and Rich rode with the Pennsylvania route.   We added flags honoring the current year officers to our bicycles and lined up for the final leg into Washington, DC.  Two end of watches were announced (both of who had adult children riding with us), Police Officer Richard Scott Crittenden, Sr. the father of "Junior" or Rick who rode with the FLETC team and Police Officer David Henry Strzalkowski who had two sons riding in his memory and their brother as well.  The FLETC team lined up in the front and we led the pack down Route 1 through Old Town Alexandria and aside the Potomac River towards Washington when the LEU board took the lead.  It's not every day that you have the opportunity to ride through DC with the streets shut down.  

Ashley, Uncle Joshie, & Rachel

We rode past the Lincoln Memorial and the new MLK towards the Washington Monument where we'd take a left and head to the Oval in front of the White House... is there a front to the White House?  We were greeted by a pipe band and a lot of supporters cheering us on.  We'd ride 3/4 around to a stop... finally.  After all of these miles, we finally reached our destination... and my family, there were lots of others there too, but it was good to see family at the end.  I carried lots of bracelets with me on this ride but I presented Jason's bracelets to my sister, June's family and one to my mother.  My nieces greeted me with a cool sign and seeing Ashley normally brings a tear as it's her father that I ride for.  On a good note, the reception with the family was mostly good, we shed a few tears here and there, Dad was full of pride and kept telling me that "You did good" and I'd respond with "I know."  I just couldn't believe that this chapter was coming to a close.


I made sure to meet the families of other riders... some who I'd chatted with on Facebook previously (Jennifer Miller), new families, and then others who have become family over the years - the Piersen clan.  Some people didnt have family there so I made sure to share mine... after all, Mom isnt short of hugging a stranger.  The reception lasted about an hour before we were lined up to head to the other side of the White House for a group picture and then on to the hotel.

To the officers who ride... thank you for taking the time to honor our fallen heroes.  To your families, we appreciate you allowing them the time away from your homes for such a physical display of sacrifice.  I can honestly say that out of something so tragic, I have experienced a significant amount of healing this past week and your efforts have made me feel blessed.  I am humbled by you and your efforts through exhaustion, injury, illness, and mechanical issues to "keep on keeping on." This week was a GREAT one and I am truly blessed.