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The ride may be over, but the journey never ends... November 15, 2008Leave a comment ;)
So where is the blog you are probably asking? In cyberspace... After having spent the better part of three, no four hours typing it, my computer froze and what I had been continuously saving on the website, was no longer responsive and all gone! Heck, darn, grrrr.... I will try again in the morning! And it was really going to be a doosie... My apologies... Enjoy the pictures. It's 1:45 am and I'm going to sleep now... Ok, I'm back, refreshed and reinvigorated and ready to make my final entry. The title of this blog may have more to do with my computer not wanting the journey to end, so it throws me a curveball late in the evening and I have to start all over. Well that's ok. More thoughts and reflections come with a good night's sleep rather than a late night, furious typing session. So let me try this again... I believe the journey never really ends because the destination is never static. There should always be another place to go or challenge to accomplish as we go through life. When one adventure ends, another one starts. I just have to figure out what my next one will be! The day started off early, early, early. I was up at 5:00 am in order to get the bike back to where I left off in Titusville last Thursday. I was scheduled to meet my press escort at the KSC Badging office on State Road 405, at 8:00 am. In my hustle to get out the door I always forget something. This time it was my camera. While I assembled my panniers back on my bike, Jay and Margo were kind enough to return to the hotel and fetch my lost article. Luckily my bike doesn't require a set of keys to start; otherwise I would have forgotten those too! (Sound familiar Mom and Dad?) The ride through Titusville was a non-event. The roads were quiet that early in the morning as most folks were probably sleeping in after the launch the night before. I trundled down Hwy 1 and crossed the NASA Causeway on SR 405, arriving at the Badging office precisely at 8:00 am. I was met by COL Johnny Johnson, USAF (Ret), our escort and docent for KSC and Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (CCAFS). I've worked with COL Johnson before during previous trips to KSC and he is always fun to be around and full of interesting stories. I was also incredibly pleased when four colleagues from NASA pull into the parking lot to greet me. Jerry Ross (one of only two people to have flown in space seven times and my mentor), Dr. Joe Schmid (Flight Surgeon extraordinaire, and my personal physician when I become the President), Steve Pruzin (keeper and provider of all things Flight Data File, all of the checklists and articles used by the astronauts during flight), and Jose Hernandez (astronaut in the class of 2004 and assigned as a Mission Specialist on STS-128, also the Prime ASP (Astronaut Support Personnel) for STS-126). As the Prime, Jose was responsible for strapping the crew in the vehicle and is the last man out of the hatch before it is closed for flight. I was a member of that team for two and a half years. Best job in the office next to flying in space! It was great to seeing everyone and fun to talk about my journey. Thanks so much for coming out and wishing me well. After discussing the route I would follow with COL Johnson, I headed through the west gate and north along the road to the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB). Just after I turned north, I noticed a bald eagle sitting off to my right. Proudly perched on the branch of a pine tree, it symbolized that my journey was nearing completion and that I had been guided safely across the country. If you remember, my journey began with a blessing from the Makah Nation and eagle down was sprinkled on my bike and me to keep me safe in my travels. I turned east in front of the VAB and made a stop at the Press Site for more photos. Curt Richter, a world-class photographer on assignment to document the end of the shuttle program, came along to take some large format pictures. It was like watching Ansel Adams and his big box camera at work at KSC. I continued down the crawler way toward Pad 39A with Jay Roman hanging out the back of the van, high definition video camera in hand. I passed the crawler-transporter, a massive 5.4 million pound behemoth that carriers the shuttle to the launch pad. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crawler-transporter We rounded the edge of the pad perimeter and headed out to the beach road, before venturing into a stiff 20-knot headwind. I was hoping to draft behind the van, but they stayed too far ahead to make an impact, so I was left to grind my way down the road, no rest for the weary! We made numerous stops along the way to the Cape. First was the turn off to the KSC Beach House, which is used as conference center and for the crew. Next, we took some time to pay our respects at Launch Complex 34, site of the Apollo 1 fire and the launch site for Apollo 7. From there we stopped at the entrance to the Gemini launch site as well as the Mercury Seven memorial. Under the concrete lies a time capsule that will be opened in 2464. http://web.mac.com/jimgerard/AFGAS/pages/misc/mercmem.html I passed the Cape Canaveral Lighthouse before turning on Camera A road and the beach at Cape Canaveral proper. Just as I left the pavement, I came close to doing a head dive off my bike as the sand took my tire to the left and I went right. Luckily I was able to quickly release my right foot from the pedal just in time. It would have been the only time that I fell off my bike this entire trip and right in front of Jay's camera! Thank goodness for the quick reflexes of a 50-year-old young man! Just as I had done three months before on Hobuck Beach, in Neah Bay, WA, I pushed my bike through the deep sand and stood at the water's edge as the surf enveloped my front tire and feet. Four thousand, one hundred and eighty-four miles after I began, my trek was complete. Almost complete, that is. I still had to pedal down to the Cocoa Beach Pier and meet with a reporter from the Florida Today, Rebecca, and two friends of Joe Oswald that attended the launch, Sarah and Matt. Once at the pier, I pulled my panniers off the bike and loaded it up in the van and closed this chapter of my life. Now I turn the page and start to write the next... So what was this all about? Why in the world would I pedal over four thousand miles from coast to coast? As one of my fellow cyclists I met during this trip told me, people have an easier time believing that we can fly in space than being capable of pedaling across the country. Why did I do it? It was for the challenge, to be quite honest, both a physical as well as a mental challenge. And not just to challenge me, but hopefully to challenge students to accomplish great things in life. I was only able to accomplish difficult challenges in my life, because there were people who believed in me and encouraged me to do my very best. I hope that in some small way, what I have done over the past three months will give students the encouragement they need to seek out their own challenges. Flying in space is a challenge, graduating from high school or college is a challenge, as is pedaling across the country. The things we do in life that take tremendous effort, also provide the greatest reward. There is a phenomenal amount of satisfaction that comes from doing a good job, more so when the job is difficult and demanding. I tell students, if you do nothing, you will be nothing. But with time, effort and motivation, all things are possible. You just won't know if you don't try. I challenge everyone to challenge themselves, accomplish things you might not think you are capable of doing. You just might be surprised at where it takes you! I extend my deepest thanks and appreciation to everyone that has followed my journey. I could not have done this without the support and financial assistance of the Chickasaw Nation, Pro Bikes, South Dakota Gearup and Trek Bicycles. To Jay, Stacy and the folks from Linn Productions, thanks for the IT support and helping document my journey. To Margo, my love, I couldn't have done this without you. No more early morning phone calls with wind in the background from my Bluetooth headset! To my parents, brother Jim and sister Jenn, thanks for your love and encouragement. My birthday celebration in Thermopolis, WY was the best I have ever had. I'm still freaked out over my brother appearing out of the darkness! And, lastly, to my daughters Jessica and Amanda, thank you for always being there for me! I love and adore you both more than you will ever know! More Images: ;)
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49 Comments
Apr 20, 2009 3:22 pm - desirae wrote : ME HERE AGAIN.I FINLY GOT A E-MAIL.SO E-MAIL ME.SO HAVE A GREAT WEADING OR IF IT ALREADY HAD IT.WELL HOW WAS IT.TEELL ME WHEN U E-MAIL ME. WELL GOT TO GO. BYE BYE. SEE U LATER.
Apr 10, 2009 3:44 pm - Saurav Shrestha wrote : Good Afternoon Mr. Herrington: My name is Saurav Shrestha, Mathematics and Electrical Engineering Senior at Michigan State University. I attended your lecture at MSU last week and I really enjoyed it! I want to thank you for stopping by to give the inspiration lecture. After you mentioned about rocketrek during your talk, I checked it out and I have been reading your blog whenever I get a chance. It looks like you had a great journey traveling from SE US to NW US and you sure did inspire lots of people. If I ever get a chance, I would love to do similar bike travel as well. Thank you again, Mr. Herrington, and may God continue to bless you. You are truly an inspiration to lots of people in many, many ways! Sincerely, Saurav Shrestha
Feb 25, 2009 5:53 pm - Jim Marchetti wrote : Hi John! So sorry I missed the actual TREK, but awesome job from a fellow BOOMER! Also, great to see fellow Boomers posting messages here too!!! -- Jim theshooter@gmail.com
Feb 24, 2009 3:07 pm - DESIRAE wrote : I ALMOST FRGOT TO SAY CONGRATS ON THE PERPOSLE.WHEN IS THE WEDDING.TELL ME TOMORROW AND WHO IS THE LUCKY WOMAN TELL THAT TO ME TOMORROW TOO!RELLY HAPPY FOR YOU!BYE MRS.HERRINGTON AND MR.HERRINGTON. P.S. LOVE YOU TWO LOVE BIRDS!
Feb 24, 2009 2:52 pm - DESIRAE wrote : HI,I KNOW I HAVE NOT TALK TO YOU IN A LONG TIME.I HAVE BEEN VERY BIZY LIKE A BEE.YOU KNOW.I KNOW YOUR COMING TO MY SCHOOL TOMORROW NAMED CROKED OKE AT 11 O'CLOCK.I THINK?WELL GOT TO GO.BYE MAN. P.S.I THINK YOU ARE THE BEST.P.S.S.I WILL BRING A CAMRA TOMORROW.IF YOU DON'T MIND.PECE HOMY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jan 30, 2009 11:16 am - Patrick wrote : Hi, I have often wondered about your claim to be the first American Indian in Space. William Ried Pogue - A Choctaw - flew on the SkyLab missions and the longest space flight in history at the time. He was inducted into the Five Civilized Tribes Hall of Fame in 1975, which would make him the first American Indian in Space rather than Mr. Herrington. Can you explain this?
Jan 16, 2009 2:52 pm - Alisa Hines wrote : You can see a video of John's ride that aired on Oklahoma Horizon TV here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v VYLSFmaTbgg It shows a little of what John did during his school visits.
Jan 9, 2009 3:03 pm - Ron Hayes wrote : John, Being a Chickasaw brother, you make me proud. Keep up the good work and lets get together.
Dec 22, 2008 12:33 pm - Bob Ryan wrote : John, Pam & I congratulate you...albiet about 37 days late. Your arrival at the Cape was a very good day happened to be my Birthday . I'm sorry to have missed you in OKC but know that you needed to get on the road and were being chased by some nasty Tornadoes. Glad you outran them. Derrick Seys mentioned that while he planned to cycle with you...he couldnt keep up LOL. You mus tbe in some kind of shape!! We're proud of you...what an accomplishment. All the best to you & your new bride.... Bob Edmond OK
Dec 7, 2008 10:52 pm - Penny wrote : Well now that you've had a bit of a time to relax. Congratulations! We watched you from beginning "We knew you were coming" to the end "We knew you'd make it" And we loved having you here on the Flathead Indian Reservation in Montana. Let's talk about a visit back our way we'd love to have you. Happy Holidays, Congratulations and God Bless E Bay that teddy bear! just kidding Keep him for your grandbabies! He has quite a story to tell.
Nov 30, 2008 10:17 am - Denny Mu wrote : Hi~~~~! John It is nice to seeing you again! very Glad to know that you finished you track. Wonderful!! say hello to your family~~!Awesome...!!!John you Made it!!!
Nov 26, 2008 2:00 pm - Juniper wrote : Congratulations and have a Happy Thanksgiving!
Nov 24, 2008 10:01 am - Pete Signor wrote : Hi John, You must have kicked it up a notch to finish so soon. Last I looked you were in the Ozarks. Great job. Congratulations! I know a good dentist who can help you get the bugs off your teeth. Remember 48? Boomers is short for Boomerangers, as in 'boomerangs always come back'. That means you now have to ride back from Florida to Washington. Cheers!
Nov 20, 2008 10:55 am - TARON wrote : IM back hi john just wanted to know what you were doing?
Nov 20, 2008 10:54 am - celste wrote : SUP DUD HOW U DOING SEND ME A INVITION FROM CELESTE
Nov 20, 2008 10:52 am - MANUEL wrote : DUD YOU ROCK
Nov 20, 2008 10:52 am - Nammaria wrote : congratultions to mrs .herrington mr.herrington from marial
Nov 20, 2008 10:48 am - DAKOTA wrote : HI HI HI HI HI HI HI HI HI HI HI HI HI CONGRATULATOIN
Nov 20, 2008 10:46 am - alisha wrote : HI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Nov 20, 2008 10:45 am - celeste wrote : congraltions so when is the wedding .
Nov 20, 2008 10:40 am - Ruby Murphy wrote : Halito John, Chim achukma? Congratulations on an amazing journey. Team Herrington has enjoyed keeping track of you and your adventures. Best wishes to you and Margo on your new journey together. Congratulations! We are looking forward to your visit to our school! You have been a spectacular inspiration to me and my class! Yakoke for letting us share your adventure! Chi pisa lachike chikana, Ruby
Nov 20, 2008 10:40 am - dakota wrote : CONGRATULTIONS ON YOUR TRIP AND YOUR MARRIAGE TO MARGO!!!!!!!
Nov 20, 2008 10:39 am - TARON wrote : HI JOHN,CONGRATULATIONS you finished your journey. WHEN ARE YOU GETTING MARRIED TO MARGO? IM just so curious. OH yeah CONGRATS for you and MARGO.YOU are so cool!!!!!!! IM HAPPY FOR YOU!!! THIS IS TARON LOGGING OUT...
Nov 20, 2008 10:38 am - mariaf wrote : WHEN ARE YOU GOING TO GET MARRIED AND WHERE ARE YOU GOING TO GET MARRIED AND WHERE DID YOU MEET MARGO AND CONGRATULATIONS FOR TO GET MARRIED
Nov 20, 2008 10:37 am - taujaa wrote : Hi John I exited because I got good news.the good news is thet you are geting married! Congratulation to you ,and your new fiance.So, when are you and your future wife geting married?well got to go. Talk to you later at home. I`ve got to my class right now i`m in the computer lab.well bye-bye got togo to my home room.
Nov 20, 2008 10:35 am - zara wrote : hi,have a safe journey congratultion for your weding oh yeh when is the weding i hope you have a wonderful time with your fiance bye see you at the weding
Nov 20, 2008 10:35 am - zara wrote : hi,have a safe journey congratultion for your weding oh yeh when is the weding i hope you have a wonderful time with your fiance bye see you at the weding
Nov 20, 2008 10:34 am - alisha wrote : congratulation on your trip and margo
Nov 20, 2008 10:34 am - dakota wrote : HI ARE YOU OKAY? did you get to see your friend goto space
Nov 20, 2008 10:33 am - marial wrote : HAVE A SAFE JOURNEY AND GOD BLESS YOU MARIAL
Nov 20, 2008 1:00 am - manuel wrote : HI!!!!!!!
Nov 20, 2008 12:09 am - Dave Atala wrote : President? You've clearly been on the road too long. You like making friends too much for that. Congrats on the end of this journey and for whatever new one begins for you. Wish I could have been there, but you're a hard one to keep up with, so at least thanks for these blogs! You rock,Dave.
Nov 19, 2008 11:26 am - Bill K. wrote : Fantastic Effort John!! You truly live by example. Congratulations on completing a very significant inspirational journey!!!! Welcome home..
Nov 19, 2008 1:50 am - Jennifer Wyrick wrote : John: Sounds like a remarkable trip--Kudos on your efforts and outreach. When do you get back to OK? We want to have you over for dinner so we can hear all about it--also heard some exciting news thru the grapevine about you....congrats! Best-- Jennifer, Jeff & Emerson
Nov 18, 2008 7:31 pm - Becky Travis wrote : Chukma, John! Congratulations to a fellow Chickasaw.
Nov 18, 2008 5:55 pm - Brett wrote : Excellent job! Check in with us when you get back up here. Brett.
Nov 18, 2008 5:23 pm - Joe Huwaldt wrote : Congratulations John! Both on completing your journey and finding a new one along the way. You have indeed been blessed. Ad astra per aspra.
Nov 18, 2008 2:27 pm - Steve Watkins wrote : Way to go John! I have really enjoyed following you and your trek across the country. What's next, Washington to Adak on a canoe? Steve
Nov 17, 2008 11:34 am - Derrick Seys wrote : Pretty incredible to be able to go all that way and finish it up with a night launch!Congratulations!
Nov 17, 2008 8:09 am - Jerry wrote : John- it was great to see you at KSC and to meet Margo! Congratulations to both of you- May God bless you always. I am sorry your trip is over, I have really enjoyed your daily reports! Happy Holidays!
Nov 17, 2008 7:34 am - Jeff Gebhart wrote : Atta boy, John! We've enjoyed following your trip, looking at the photos, meeting all of the people and seeing the sights you've gazed upon across the many miles. It's been quite a ride...thanks for bringing all of us along.
Nov 16, 2008 8:50 pm - The Fredricks wrote : Great journey John! Thank you for letting us be apart of your cross country adventure, the whole family enjoyed following your stories and photos and learning a little more about you. You really don't care for headwinds and rumble strips while biking do you? As this exciting chapter has come to an end, we look forward to what lies ahead for you. All our best.
Nov 16, 2008 5:51 pm - your lil sis wrote : Congratulations LBB! You did it! We are very proud of you! xoxo, ls & family
Nov 16, 2008 4:38 pm - Liz Warren wrote : Congratulations, John!
Nov 16, 2008 10:59 am - Warren A. Blikken wrote : Got your blog site from Gebby. So what's next on Superman's agenda? One thing I would not recommend, getting a job. Just keep having fun! Drop a line sometime.
Nov 16, 2008 12:22 am - Joe Oswald wrote : John, I am happy that you met Matt and Sarah at the end of your ride!! They enjoyed the Endeavor launch and were very appreciative for your help in making it possible. I made another 40 mile bike ride yesterday and didn't run into the back on anyone. So, I am making progress! Take care, congratulations for a safe and successful journey, and I hope to see you again soon.
Nov 15, 2008 10:17 pm - Uncle Don & Aunt Rubye wrote : Proud of you John. Have a safe journey wherever you choose to go. God bless. Uncle Don & Aunt Rubye
Nov 15, 2008 9:27 pm - Ed Q wrote : Way to go John - now start peddling back to Washington! Awesome job! Add a comment: |
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