Hopkins 4K for Cancer

July 29, 2005

China Camp State Park, CA
When we rolled out of Stockton this morning I was filled with mixed emotions. I wanted to get going, start biking right away so we could just get there but I also wanted to savor every last minute on this trip because I knew that I would miss it immensely.

We said one final goodbye to our amazing host family who treated us like their grandchildren. Franca, Sandra and I spent the night in the bedroom (on beds, such a treat) where their grand daughter usually stays. We got to do laundry, and had an absolutely fabulous meal at St. Anne’s Episcopal Church.

The day started later than usual as we were escorted out of the city of Stockton. While we were pumping our tires Rodrigo mentioned that he has yet to get a flat tire. Amir told him jokingly that today was the day and sure enough before we left the city limits Rodrigo was changing his tube.

At the first water break a van was pulled over next to our van and the drivers were struggling with changing a tire. Fish rode up and asked them if they needed any help. While the rest of us relaxed at the water break, he helped them changed their tire. They were so grateful we got a very generous donation and everyone was off on the road again.

The section between the first water break and lunch was very hilly and the should was very narrow. Sandra got a flat tire and a broken spoke simultaneously so we had to wait for the van in the middle of a very steep hill. Then, on the way into the town where we had lunch she had another flat on Steve’s borrowed wheel.

We finally made it to lunch and it was well worth the struggle. Mrs. Brody went to Trader Joes with Travis and stocked us up with the best lunch on the trip so far. We had tons of real cheese and bread and spinach, fruits and vegetables (and really good chili lime chips). Also, I had a special surprise because my dad was at lunch waiting for us. Neither of my parents were planning on coming to San Fransisco to see us cross the bridge so when my father turned out to have a business trip to San Fran at the exact time that I was going to be there, I was ecstatic.

The ride after lunch flew by but I do remember one moment for reflection. Stopped at a stoplight very close to the place we met up to be shuttled into China Camp a couple in a car asked us where we were riding to. I yelled “San Fransisco!” way too excitedly for someone who could practically see the golden gate bridge. They replied, “Well you’re almost there!” And then I realized that it didn’t sound as impressive when we were in California. Back in Butler PA when someone would ask us where we were riding to and we said San Francisco their jaws dropped. So desperately I replied “But we started in Baltimore.” Everyone in my group laughed at my last ditch attempt to sound not as pathetic to a stranger.

We finally set up our tents and got around to eating when it was dark out. We had to carry all of our gear to the campsite, which is quite the task. Everyone passed out after a long and trying day. We couldn’t wait for our final day of camping and that moment we all were waiting for, crossing that bridge!
-sharps