By Marty
I'll tell the story in sequence:
1. Bob looks back at his amigos (2nd or 3rd to last day on the trail)
1. Bob looks back at his amigos (2nd or 3rd to last day on the trail)
2 On Friday morning 9/5, Bob again reports bike problems
3. All day Friday, Bob battled the bike. He'd started out the day early (ahead of Hans & Denise), anticipating he might have problems. The ride was really rough, and at times he had to push the bike. He was bound and determined to reach Wyoming.
He made it, although he isn't quite sure when he reached Wyoming because there was no "Welcome to Wyoming" sign.
By the time he reached Flagg ranch, the bike was down to 2 gears.
He made it, although he isn't quite sure when he reached Wyoming because there was no "Welcome to Wyoming" sign.
By the time he reached Flagg ranch, the bike was down to 2 gears.
4. Bob made the call to end the ride. He would have loved to continue with Hans and Denise, whom he now regards as lifetime friends. He had been thinking seriously about ending the ride in Jackson Hole, so this was not entirely unanticipated given his location and the state of the bike.
5. A sad farewell
Saturday September 6, 2014 - (sent with the photo, above) "Adios Amigos. My bus is here, the ride ends, perhaps to be continued another time."
Sunday September 7, at the car rental place:
"The bike is in the car and it's time to leave, what mixed emotions I feel right now. I miss my family but I'm leaving behind a sense of belonging to the outdoors that I've never really felt before.
In spite or perhaps because of the many challenges it's been a wonderful adventure, I'm truly grateful to you and the many delightful people I've met along the way.
I hope that something special about this journey remains with for as long as I live.
See you soon, love Bob".
Sunday September 7, at the car rental place:
"The bike is in the car and it's time to leave, what mixed emotions I feel right now. I miss my family but I'm leaving behind a sense of belonging to the outdoors that I've never really felt before.
In spite or perhaps because of the many challenges it's been a wonderful adventure, I'm truly grateful to you and the many delightful people I've met along the way.
I hope that something special about this journey remains with for as long as I live.
See you soon, love Bob".