I had no idea what to expect when I got on the plane headed to Seattle to begin Pedal the Pacific. The previous teams had explained to us what Pedal would be like as best they could, but until you experience it yourself, it’s all relative.
We’ve been on the road for 35 days, living and learning about each other, ourselves and strangers along the way. We are now on the home stretch of the ride. The 9 girls I had never met before this adventure have become family, the bike I bought back in November is now my child. Talking to strangers about sex trafficking doesn’t make me blush anymore and I know how to set up and take down a tent.
A few days ago on our way to Half Moon Bay, we all stopped for lunch at a sandwich shop. We sat at lunch for 2 whole hours, reliving funny stories from the trip and sipping on chocolate shakes. We made fun of Haley for always losing things (including the SAG key and her wallet), laughed at the night where Chloe threw up outside the tent and Sarah insisted she cover it up with dirt to distract the bears, the time I ran over a dead crow because I assumed it was a T-shirt and the day Haley caved and drove Keaton, Hadley and me up the biggest hill of the entire trip because we begged.
All that to say, I can’t believe it’s ending. I am so excited to sleep in my own bed and shower without putting quarters in per minute and to transport myself with a vehicle. But, I will miss the adventure and the wander of this trip. I will miss the girls, surprisingly the camping and meeting new people who turn into family every single day.
To quote Andy Bernard, “I wish there was a way to know you’re in the good old days before you’ve actually left them.” I know these are the good old days, and I don’t want to leave them!!
Pedal the Pacific is so special and I wouldn’t trade it for the entire world. See you in a few, San Diego!
-Grace
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