Return to Normalcy?

First, is normalcy a word? If it is, is it spelled correctly? I don't really care.

We finished our ride at Bar Harbor, ME on the 31st of July. On the 1st at about 8:00 pm we left Bar Harbor in a rental car with a recently purchased bike rack on it. We arrived home on Saturday the 2nd around 11:00 pm after 27 hours of driving. Bill and my dad (Dave) did a great job. I was unable to help because I am not yet 25.

Since we have returned we have been interviewed by a local television station, and two local newspapers. My dad was even asked to give a presentation at the Midwest Recumbent Rally which took place in our hometown. We have been surprised to find out how many people have been reading and appreciating our blog as we journey across the country.

Many people have asked us "is it weird not to be biking?" That is a very difficult question since we are not bicycling across the country anymore, but I have ridden between ten and forty miles almost every day that I have been home. Bill and my dad also have been out riding quite a bit. It really is amazing how many miles you can log just by commuting by bicycle.

My dad has been very excited to be starting his new job in town. He is glad to no longer commute 45 minutes to Wausau, and to have more time to spend at home and riding.

Bill has been spending time with his family, and finding out the statistics on our trip (like a good scientist). The school year is approaching and so is his work.

I have come home and been volunteering at the Stanley Project, a workshop in town that fixes up old bicycles and gives them away. I have learned a lot more about bicycles and maintenance in my week or so working there. My family and I look forward to greeting my sister as she returns from her kayaking trip in the inside passage. We also look forward to working at family camp at Camp Manito-wish.

Although one journey has ended we all have a lot to look forward to. We have all been talking about our next bike tours. My dad and Bill are probably going to do supported bike tours with family next summer. My next trip is coming sooner when I plan to bike to school. I am still unsure when I am leaving for school this fall. St. Olaf is only 260 miles or so from my house, so it should take 2-3 days to bike there. I am very excited for this school year.

I hope that everybody has had a good time following us on our trip across the country, we certainly had a great time. It has been a once in a lifetime experience for all of us, and we are all glad we had this opportunity.

If anybody feels it is necessary to contact me my e-mail is hennegha@stolaf.edu, I am really bad about getting back to people, but will do my best.

--Patrick Henneghan