Ten days and 1,100 miles after our cross-country trek had begun, we arrived at our destination in the City of Santa Cruz. We had averaged between 100 to 150 miles a day of riding with nothing more important to concern us then eating, sleeping and riding. The distance had had its toll on riders and machines. Of the 120 riders who had originally begun the trip approximately 90 finished. My Kawasaki Prairie had begun to feel like an old friend, like a well-worn pair of shoes or your favorite chair back home. Its seat had molded to fit me and I knew its every sound–it had served me well. Somehow, handing the key over to someone else was like saying goodbye to an old friend.

We celebrated our return with group photos and what became a community bath after someone decided to start spraying beer all around! While I was sad to see the trip end I’d also had the greatest adventure of my life. I had developed good friendships with many of the riders on the trip and they would be missed. However, I know that one day I will once again return through the looking glass to visit and ride with them again.