Here's the story of why I'm riding across america

Hello, I’m Dave Nowlan. I cycled from Encinitas, Calif., to Cape Cod, Mass. from April 22 through May 28, 2012 in an effort to raise awareness of Multiple Sclerosis (MS), and to help fund research for a cure. My wife, Claire, and daughter, Julia, both have MS. I broke my back in a sledding accident almost three years ago; I’m the luckiest guy in the world to have recovered without being paralyzed and was able to ride this long cross continent adventure. Click on this link to “my story” for more information and why I continue riding. Here is a link to Information about MS

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Day 37 - Finish Line (May 28)

Today I completed the ride at Old Silver beach, in Falmouth MA.  My dear friends (two carloads, and a motor scooter) met us on Route 28 in Wareham. We stopped at a diner for coffee and received a round of applause from all the patrons.  Our dear friends Margee and Vinnie presented us with beautiful medals inscribed with "2012 Bike Across America for M.S.-  San Diego to Cape Cod".

We received a police escort from the Burne police department over the Bourne bridge. Patrolman Wallace J. Perry made it possible to ride over the bridge on the road, in grand style.  Rolling over the top and down to the rotary on Cape Cod was such a welcome sight.  We were home again after 7 weeks (5 weeks of riding).  There were several bicycle riders (friends and family) waiting for us and we rode the 11 miles together to Old Silver Beach.  This was one of the most beautiful parts of the entire ride.  The warm weather, springtime flowers, water views along Shore road, seeing friends along the way, and the group of riders all made this a very special 11 miles.

Arriving at Old Silver Beach was awesome, there were at least 75 cheering friends and family there as I rode down the final hill of this cross country journey.  I've never felt more welcome.  Lots of hugs and congratulations from all.  Then I removed my bike shoes for the last time, welcomed the feeling of the warm Cape Cod sand between my toes, carried my bike to the water's edge and dipped the front wheel in the Atlantic  (Buzzards Bay) while listening to the cheering crowd.  This officially completed the adventure.

Arlyn White, Steve Sookikian, and Liz Strawn from the New England Chapter of the MS Society came to Old Silver beach to support me as well.  Here's a link to their MS Society Facebook post with some great photos.  Thank you for your support!

This as been an awesome journey.  It was extremely challenging, difficult, fun, and a rewarding experience, which we will cherish for all time.

Thanks to my loving Claire, who has been incredible with her unending work and support, I could not have completed this ride without her, and I can't think of a better person to have by my side for this Journey and forever,  Also a special thanks to Mark Slomba, the "Ride Commissioner" who provided daily consultations, rulings, and offered many suggestions to problems encountered.   Also many thank to my family and friends who remained in touch with words for support, visits, and hospitality along the way.  You made this trip much more enjoyable, and provided much needed encouragement when the chips were down. Thank you! thank you!

I will be updating this blog with additional pictures, videos and information as it arrives.  Donations in support of this ride to cure MS may be made at the link to the right.


I leave you with this quote from Ghandhi:
"If I have the belief that I can do it, I shall surely acquire the capacity to do it,
even if I may not have it in the beginning"

















Claire and Dave Arriving on the Cape








10 comments:

  1. Dave and Claire

    Congratulations !

    What an accomplishment
    You are Incredible
    Way to go

    Barb W

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  2. Congratulations Dave & Claire! What a journey!

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  3. Congrats to you both and I was so glad to be a very small part of your last day and ride those last few miles with you. Truly an honor. Once you feel like putting on those riding shoes again, let me know. :) -Doug

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  4. Dave and Claire - Congratulations. I am going to miss reading this blog every day. What an inspiration you both are. So happy you are home safe and sound! - Joanne B.

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  5. Amazing!!! Thanks for sharing an awesome experience.

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  6. Dave & Claire: CONGRATULATIONS TO BOTH OF YOU! What an adventure. Are you ready to turn around and head back to Encinitas now? When you do, we'll be here. Way to go!

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    1. Jon,

      Thanks for riding out with me the first day. It gave me a great send off. I have no current plans to ride back to Encinitas, but I'll be sure we get together on my next trip (airplane).

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  7. Dave and Claire,
    Congratulations!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    You two can navigate 3000+ miles and arrive on schedule. I unfortunately could not plan accordingly (traffic between the bridges) for an 8 mile trip to catch you on the Bourne Bridge.
    Weclome Home!
    Tim

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  8. Dave and Claire, many congrats!!! What an experience! Thanks for sharing it via the blog. A journey to remember. Welcome back to the Cape.

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  9. i just thought about you guys the other day, and thought I would catch up. CONGRATS!
    -Tim Cote / Joplin, MO

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