a few words from Matt himself
How to start…? More than a week after our trek has ended things are still a little foggy as I try to process all that has taken place. Our job for the last month has been to eat, sleep and walk. It doesn’t get much more basic than that. This week the ‘daily grind’ resumed and I have to say, I miss the road. There is a simple connectedness that one feels when spending their days out in the elements. The final stretch of road was rough and our weary brains weren’t leaving us much energy to provide commentary, so I wanted to share a few thoughts now…
PART 1: RETURNING TO THE ROAD
Rejoining the crew after returning from Kansas City was both exhilarating and discombobulating. The rush of the challenge was quick to return. Connecting with Brian and the new Big Red team helped to get the road back under foot – but at the same time I couldn’t help but be reminded that life and death was continuing on outside of our small fellowship. The person I have known the longest on this planet, outside of my family, had just lost his brother, who was also a close friend of mine. My heart could not help but be with them.
The day I returned was the same day we crossed the Oregon state line. This milestone had been in the back of our minds for quite some time; however, upon crossing that line in the road from one state to another, I mainly felt concern. With only 10 days left we had over 300 miles to go. The early shin splints we both experienced had set us back considerably – but had also given us an understanding of our pain threshold. The road ahead was long but our desire to accomplish the mission was great.
Oregon held many highlights. One was our experience in Coos Bay. This was the hometown of Stephen Prefontaine and the heart of running country (if you don’t know, his story it is worth checking out). It was very inspirational trekking through his turf. Barbera had set up an interview with the local news station, which Phil helped coordinate on the ground. Nicole, the friendly anchorwoman, did a great job – but Big Red’s belly quickly filled with laughter when we later viewed the clip online. Who are those crazy guys?
Oregon’s postcard coastline and rugged blue-collar tint created an amazing backdrop for the cast of characters who came across our path. The modern day shaman biking 4 miles p/day around the circumference of the United States blessed both Elliot and Doug with drum and flute songs before our paths separated. Kenny from St. Louis quickly became a part of the support crew, from sharing beers and leftovers to making dangerous pull outs on the road to deliver food and drinks to. When you start to put yourself out there, you never know who you will come in contact with. It was truly touching how many people showed interest in the endeavor and donated to our causes. Oregon is our kind of place.
PART 2: THE CREW
It was fun witnessing the dynamics and camaraderie of our support team. They all made it their own adventure and had their own fun while managing to support us 100%. Unfortunately Brian and I couldn’t partake in all the antics. At the end of each day we would eat the delicious meal Phil had prepared, enjoy one beer, and then I would crawl into the torpedo (bed). Brian often lingered for a second beer before calling it a night. It’s hard to say but I think that’s probably when the fun really started. Many, many thanks go out to the fellas.
Elliot: The proud owner of Big Red. We are so lucky he was willing to share that beautiful beast; just as he was willing to share everything else (sometimes even the clothes off his back). His enthusiasm was contagious. The energy he brought was key. He never ceased to amaze when he jumped in to help out. He is a man of many roles and costumes… bike gear when ready to hit the road, a mechanic jump suit when it was time to tinker with Big Red. But mainly he wore swim trunks and a floppy hat as he was there to be a friend.
Doug: He is the man. He was always there with encouragement, laughter and support. Everyday he helped us get out the door in the morning and welcomed us back at night. The hours between were spent working wherever internet could be found. One day he decided to get out there and walk 30 miles with us. A few days later he got out there again to cover 38 miles. He borrowed my pink Susan G. Komen NB sneakers for the mileage – fitting as Stephanie is such a close friend of his too. It was awesome that he was there to support, and also shared the walking experience with us. His kindness and determination impressed and overwhelmed me. Thank you for being a part of this journey.
Phil: You could write a book about Phil, as anyone who has met him knows. In this chapter he was a chef and a bus driver, scouted out routes, campsites, and new friends along the way. His role I appreciate the most was that of ‘walker’ – when he covered 3 days on the road in my absence. This meant so much. And although I wish there wasn’t a reason for me to leave the walk, the fact that Phil was able to step in for a period of time seemed somehow appropriate… there being yet another way to tie him into the experience. I love your energy Phil. Thanks for much for the love and support.
We had a few guest appearances in the final days of the endeavor as well. #1: Kells, who already covered 50+ miles of the California coastline, had come back for more. Maybe you only know Kells as a die-hard Red Sox fan or the third sexiest man in San Francisco, so this should give you a little more insight: at the end of his 11 hour car ride to Oregon he got a flat tire 10 miles from our camp site. After a long hour with AAA he managed to find us at 3am. Then, with only 3 hours of sleep under his belt, he walked 41 miles that day. Lucky for us Kells is the real deal. Thanks for your support.
#2: Jamie, who flew in from LA and joined the team in the final day. This was a complete surprise to Brian (well done Jamie) and a total morale boost. She walked the final 34 miles in complete style. #3: Babs, who flew into Portland on Elliot’s airline voucher (thank you), enjoyed beers with new friends, and then biked 20 miles from Portland to join the last 20 miles of the walk. So the dynamics of the endeavor changed completely on the very last day from two *macho guys* conquering the great outdoors to something of a double date… with blisters.
PART 3: THE FINAL STRETCH
The last day was the hottest of the month. When we stopped at Walgreens for ice cream and air conditioning the sign declared 104 degrees. When we got kicked out of Walgreens for loitering the temperature was 102 degrees (this was at 5pm). The last six miles dragged on like nothing we had experienced. Hopes were raised at various landmarks, only to learn there was another Shell station or large pine tree 2 miles down the road. New injuries flared up in the final miles. All trail mix and snacks had melted. But eventually we saw Phil reading on a street corner and knew we were close
Arriving at the finish line has still not sunk in completely, it’s very surreal. This journey was so spread out, being a slow and steady expedition. It wasn’t a race with a finish line in sight and the instant high of completing. A lot happened along the way. So much can and did happen in a month’s time on the road. There were so many highs and lows and plays of emotion. Crossing the city line (aka the finish line) was such a small piece of the puzzle compared to the entire journey. And the actual time at the finish line just flew by. We celebrated for perhaps 30 minutes before moving on. It’s weird how that works. The important part of this all is Stephanie and the John Muir Elementary School, talking to people along the way, acknowledging those who supported us, and proudly handing over the funds raised. Crossing into Portland was the huge goal being the endpoint – but at the time seemed like such a small part of it all. It was overwhelming and supremely satisfying that we made it… but that whole bit about the journey and not the destination being important makes sense.
At the finish line there was another guest appearance. Adding to the surreal moment of crossing into Portland was walking up the hill to the “Welcome to Portland” sign and seeing Big Red parked proudly and the road crew jumping about excitedly… and then a dapper gentleman in a suit jacket and tie in a shiny red car with the latest video camera. Of course, it was Tayeb, who had flown in as a surprise.
It was amazing climbing into Big Red, riding for the first time. We drove through the beautiful city of Portland at sunset. Our destination was Todd’s home. He provided a beautiful place to crash – a home base for us all. He offered showers, laundry, and an amazing spread of food (including a shrimp/sausage/corn/potato celebration boil). For the first time that month we were able to fully relax and let go. Thank you so much Todd for sharing your home.
PART 4: CELEBRATIONS, HOMECOMINGS and THANKS!
After a late wake-up the following day, we took Portland by storm. Though still in zombie mode, we greatly enjoyed the city and each others company. The food, beer and merriment in Portland were perfect. Rudy was the perfect host. He took time out of his weekend to show us his amazing hometown and to help celebrate… celebrate the accomplishment, celebrate Stephanie, the idea of doing something different and making a difference. The connection comes originally from Phil and Stephanie but he was so generous to us all. I could tell he understood the gravity of the walk. Thanks for being a kind person and a great host Rudy, and Jessica too.
After a full day in Portland, we made a midnight departure with Elliot at the wheel (he passed on the day of celebrating to spend the afternoon tuning up Big Red). The crew had changed as Doug and Kells stayed in Portland while Tayeb, Jamie and Babs joined the group in Big Red. We made it to the Oregon border before pausing for a few hours of sleep. Then carried on. Any other time this would have been a wild road trip (trust me, it was when things are put in perspective) but there was also a mellow and weary vibe. Understandably, we were still exhausted and still reflecting on the month past. But the beautiful views from Big Red’s window did not fail to impress (i.e. Mt. Shasta).
After 2 weeks on the road and 2 hours shy of the Bay Area, Big Red finally put her 2 cents in and had her first temper tantrum – demanding a new alternator, air filter, and gas line parts. We took a long lunch/pit stop in Vacaville so Phil and Elliot could get to work. Before long we were back on the road, then back home… and then back to ‘normal’ I suppose.
A final thanks to everyone as this could not have happened without your support.
Much Love,
Matt
