Written by: Kelley Westenhoff, Blue Ride
I have been slow to get excited about this whole adventure and just enjoy the experience. But finally, in week 7, I have enjoyed the perfect Fuller Bike Center Adventure couple of days. On Friday we worked tearing off and then hanging new siding at the Fuller Center house in Springfield, Ohio. The professional construction manager, Dave, was awesome as he never got impatient or irritated with all of the bumbling workers he had on hand. He just patiently showed us what to do and encouraged us to try it all, while at the same time being the hardest working person on the site.
After a great day on the site, we got to sleep in a bit today and leave for Columbus at 8! The ride was absolutely perfect. The weather was cool, the traffic was mostly mild, the variety of surfaces was excellent, and the company was, as always, wonderful. Our host church here in Columbus has welcomed us with open arms, gazpacho, and salad nicoise!
We are heading now into the final week, to my home. We will ride down my “home” trail, the W&OD as we ride the final day — within 2 miles of my house even. And although I’m tempted to slip away and go straight home, the friends I’ve made on this crazy summer ride will be the reason that I stay to the end. We have shared a mission and a passion, and I hope we will stay in touch for years, maybe even to ride together again.