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Give the riders your final comments!
July 23rd, 2010 - 11:41 pm | 
Author: As the Sea to Shining Sea ride comes to a close, let us know what you’ve thought of it. What do you think of these riders? Has it inspired you or anyone you know?
Please leave some comments to help us wrap up this ride.
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Hello to a group of wonderful people. It was great to meet you all in Carson City, NV on your way through. It was a pleasure to have my picture taken with you all and you all have shown that adversity is not really a barrier. Good luck to all in your future endevors.
Bill Sweetwood CCNV Viet Nam vet/ US Navy submarine service
Could there, would there be another S2SS soon? I pray there will be! As one who was touched very deeply by their inspiration and dedication I hope others will keep that flame alive and please can you put Canton, Illinois on your list of stopover points again?
Blessings again to all the riders, all the sponsors, all the helpers and participants!! Fondly remembering, Claudia Emmerson – Canton, Illinois
I am inspired! My wife happened to be at the VB oceanfront on the 24th and she purchased a shirt for me that I proudly wear. Being retired U.S. Navy, I am immensly proud of all the participants and supporters. If there is going to be another, I will be honored to be a rider or serve in any other capacity.
Congatulations to all.
David Cummings
Virginia Beach
Great job, Team !
It was a distinct privilege to pedal, agonize, and exhault with each and every one of you for the first 1,600 miles from San Francisco to Denver….
Congratulations on a job VERY well done !!!
Your One-Month teammate,
Allen Wicken, PT
It was a 63 day journey. There were no home runs, no touchdowns, no three point baskets…nor were there any yellow jerseys worn by the leader. There was no screaming stadium full of adoring fans who forked over $100
for a ticket. There were no free agents, no papprazzi pushing and shoving to get a glimpse of a “star” for us to gossip about, wasting our precious time on earth. Instead, it was one small collection of human beings, a team of wounded veterans, who quietly pushed themselves on bicycles from one coast to another, not for the public acclaim, but to prove the value of one person achieving a dream they were told they couldn't achieve. Every day I was humbled by their work and dedication as they pushed themselves from one mountain top to the next. Every day they inspired me to be a better person, to walk a little taller, and to be a much better patriot. So next time you feel inclined to believe the media hogwash about how this country is going to hell in a handbasket, honor these veterans. Consider silencing the TV talking heads by turning off the TV and going out to do something to make this nation better. And while you're out there, thank a veteran for every single freedom you take for granted. Riders, thank you for changing my life! It was my honor to be at your side. I will never forget our all too brief time together. May God bless each and every one of you each and every day of your life. Oohrah!
I have enjoyed watching your progress from begining to end. You are ALL amazing and inspirational!!! I wish all of you the best of luck with your future endevors. Whatever the future holds for you, you all can be proud of what you have accomplished. You all have been a part of history with the first Sea 2 Shining Sea event and you will always carry those momories with you. Thank you for your service and for allowing all of us to be a small part of your adventure!!!
Congratulations on completing your ride. It was an honor and privledge to meet you in Dayton.
I have been thinking of you all daily and praying for a safe ride for each of you. You are such an inspiration to me. God Bless you all.
God Bless you and God Bless America!! You are true heroes and will never be forgotten.
Congratulations to all who were involved in this event, and especially to the riders. You are an amazing group of athletes! Wish I could have crewed for you during the entire trip, instead of just from Frederick to Walter Reed. I'll see you all next year at F.O.A. where I'll be turning in the Moto gear for my cycling shorts to pedal along side of you again. Enjoy your rest and forever be proud of what you've accomplished!
Moto-Rob
CONGRATULATIONS ON COMPLETING YOUR FANTASTIC JOURNEY – You are an amazing group of people with such a dedicated heart and sole. Amazing how you have pushed yourselves and inspired so many others along the way. I hope that as you have traveled this American of ours that you have seen how giving the real people of America truly are. Seems like news media only shares those sensation stories and not the feelings of the majority of us. You are an inspiration to all and fabulous role models inspiring so many. We are so glad you joined us in Bloomington, Illinois and have traveled the entire trip with several of our very close friends from State Farm Corporate offices. We have enjoyed the daily stories we have received from Ranger Wayne. God Bless each of you and may we all continue to work together to help others.
I am proud to work for a company, State Farm, that has been so supportive of your mission and has helped you all along your journey. Paula Witt
YOU ROCK!!!! I admire you all
It was an honor to attend the cloding ceremonies of this amazing Sea to Shining Sea bike ride. Congratulations to all the riders and a heartfelt thank you to State farm, all the other sponsors, and all the wonderful volunteers who made this outstanding achievement possible. Having a family member participating in this ride, my nephew Brian Petras (Way to go Brian!) I have followed the ride from day one. You should know that my life and I'm sure thousands of others have been touched and inspired by all of you. Thank you so much for your dedication and commitment. If you are the kind of men and women serving our country, then we have nothing to fear. Kathy Mckenzie
Congratulations you are why this country is so great. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I was provaligd to ride with you fine people and it will not be the last time I will ride with you fine people. Thanks you have been an inspiration to me.
It was a honor to be able to watch the fire works with you in Bloomington on the 4th of July. Your courageous ride has meant a lot to me as I prepare “Comfort Boxes” to the soldiers overseas. It makes me want to do more so they can come home and be honored, as you have honored us with your group.
I had the honor of helping out in Fredericksburg, Richmond, Williamsburg, and at the final stop in Virginia Beach. What an amazing group of men and women! Each and every one of the riders is such an inspiration. I cannot say thank you enough to all of our veterans for the risks you take to maintain our freedom. May God bless each rider, intern, and their families.
I along with several others stood outside Walter Reed Medical Center in Washington, DC, when the bicyclist came down the hill outside the gates and the cheers started. I was so proud of each of the riders. It was hot but they looked so refreshed! Tears of joy came down my face as I touched the riders who had traveled all across the country and I said, “You're almost there!” and one of the vets said, I can't believe we're in Washington, D.C. God Bless them! I pray for all the vets! Tuwana Johnson, State Farm Claims.
It was an honor to meet you all and help you out through Ohio. You are in an inspiration to everyone. Good luck in the future.
I had the honor of providing the police escort through Suffolk Va on the last day….you all are a true inspiration to all….I think each rider said thank you to us as you passed us going into Chesapeake…but it us that should have been thanking you. God bless you all and your continued recovery.
I was in Virginia beach to see my nephew Brian Petras finish this ride. I am inspired by all of you. My life will be changed forever by having witnessed the end of this ride. I will certainly think twice before complaining of a headache, too much housework, etc. Just remembering what you all have been through puts everything in perspective. God Bless each and every one of you.
Lorrie Petras, Annandale, NJ
I am a teacher of 4th graders and we used the ride to teach both Geography and Character Education. I worked with the mother of Brian Petras so she was able to give the students a full spectrum of how courageous all of these riders are. I have a poster in my room that says NEVER, NEVER, NEVER, GIVE UP and these riders helped the students realize the true meaning of these words.
Thank you!
I have thought of you often this weekend and I am so happy for you! What a accomplishment…to have travelled from coast-to-coast and inspired so many along the way. I hope your journey has inspired all of you as it has inspired me. I wish you all the best life has to offer. Beth in Fredericksburg, Virginia.
Day 2 Berryessa water station guy. I follows you all every step of the way. Congratulations!
We were honored to be in Vrginia Beach for the closing ceremonies. You are all truly heros!
A HUGE thank you to State Farm for supporting this amazing ride across our beautiful country!
Thanks to everyone for keeping them all safe! Our son Brian Petras was one of the riders,and we truly
appreciate the support he had! This has been a summer we will never forget! Will be forever greatful!
I had the pleasure of welcoming you to Norfolk when you crossed over on the ferry from Portsmouth. Then I met you at the beach for the celebration of your monumental achievement. I am so honored to have met each of you and assisted you as you dipped your front tires in the ocean. Watching you all celebrate in the surf was so emotional and inspirational. Thank you for your service and for being an inspiration to so many on your long trek across our country. God bless you!!
What a wonderful feat. You guys and gals go. We can't thank all of you enough for fighting to save our country for all these years. I think the USA is the most beautiful COUNTRY in the world and the most BEAUTIFUL FLAG any country could ever fly. I love flying our Stars and Stripes.
GOD BLESS AND KEEP YOU ALL IN HIS CARE.
Joan/Jerry Cleary- Olivehurst, CA
Congratulations on finishing your bike ride. I've been following you all along the way on the S2SS website and was disappointed that I was out of town for your stop in Bloomington. I am so inspired by you all! Thanks for all you have done and what you continue to do for our country. – Dawn Dieckgrafe
You'll never know how much you inspired our family. It amazes me that first you fight for our country then come home wounded. Next you spend days, months,even years fighting for recovery. Lastly and once again, it's you in the end teaching all of us to live life to the fullest and appreciate your freedom! It was an amazing experience, THANK YOU! Todd, Amy, Max and Ella Sumser (from Richmond)
I wish to thank everyone for their exceptional team effort.
The one day I rode with you – Arlington to Fredericksburg, it was apparent that everyone was part of the team, not just the support crew. All of you are amazing. I would not have been able to complete the ride without you. It was an experience I will never forget.
Thanks for being such gracious hosts and allowing me to ride with you – truly, it was a priveledge to be a part of your event.
God Bless All Of You.
Sincerely,
Bob Michael
(Marc's Cousin)
I had the honor of riding with the group on their way to Walter Reed Army Medical Center. What an inspiration to meet men and women who have made such a sacrifice in their military service in order for me to continue to live free as an American. Then to watch each of you overcome the injuries you sustained during your service to be able to ride across the country is awesome. I know God has blessed me by allowing me to spend a short period of a day with all of you and I pray that he continues to bless each of you and your successors in the Armed Forces. Glen Wilson
To ALL of you – I felt truly honored to ride with you for the short distance from Stafford to Fredericksburg, Virginia, this past Wednesday. What an inspiration you are to all of us! Thank you Chad, Andrew, Coree and Nicolette for sharing some of your story with me. I wish that there had been more time to get to know you and I will remember you always. Beth
To ALL of you – I felt truly honored to ride with you for the short distance from Stafford to Fredericksburg, VA, this past Wednesday. What an inspiration you are to all of us! Thank you Chad, Andrew, Coree and Nicolette for sharing some of your story with me. I wish that there had been more time to get to know you and I will remember you always. Beth
I think that it is a tremendous accomplishment that these people have done this. Especially since they are vets. My husband was a navy person and so he is always very supportive for the military. I also have a second cousin who was in your group. Chad Jukes. So may God continue to bless all of you and hold each one of you and your families in the palm of his hand. Again Congratulations to everyone. Becky and George Davis
I have been inspired in so many ways by this ride. I get up everyday and check the S2SS website as well as Van's website for news updates and photos. I have shared your story with so many people and plan to share it with my students this year as part of my “Power of One” theme. I try to teach my students that one person, or one group can make so much difference in the lives of others and by doing that you forget your own troubles and help yourself. This ride exemplifies that and so much more! It has also inspired me to get into better shape (and maybe take up cycling!) I will definitely be keeping up with World T.E.A.M Sports and supporting anything you are doing! So proud of you Van!
To All S2SS riders, I and my friends were privileged to meet some of you during your stopover in Canton, Illinois and have been following your progress from that day and praying for your strength and safety the remainder of your trip. I personally am astounded at your dedication to life and being a living example and inspiration to others. I am forever changed for the experience and have an even deeper appreciation for all who have served our great country and those still serving. I will miss following you all, but sure wish each and every one of you life's absolute best in all your future endeavors! God Bless You all!!! Claudia Emmerson of Canton, Illinois
May I start off saying a heartfelt THANK YOU for your service to the greatest country on the face of the earth. That is truly a selfless act and it doesn't go unnoticed here. Your inspiration is incredible. I am pumped by your ability to push through every minute of every day. I have followed you on this page and love to see the stories and your progress. It has brought tears to my eyes many times. I realize how blessed I am to be a part of what you are all doing, even if I'm not with you. I have prayed for you many times, especially when I'm out riding my bike around town. May God continue to bless each of you on your journeys. Thank you again for your inspiration and what your service.
You all have shown me what it is to be a true American, a true Hero!! I have followed your ride along the way and have been very inspired and proud of you all. Our Nephew Joshua is on the ride with your group and has always been an inspirition to us, but this ride has just broadened that inspiration beyond words. You set out saying you wanted to prove to others that if you put your mind and heart into it, you can do anything. Well, to me you have proved that beyond a shadow of a doubt – by doing what you all have now done!! THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR SERVICE TO OUR COUNTRY; THANK YOU ALL FOR BEING TRUE AMERICAN HEROES; and GOD BLESS EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU, AS WELL AS ALL OF OUR TROOPS AND VETERANS (PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE). See you at the finish line.
As a young Airman I had a NCO mentor tell me that discipline is the hardest thing to master. If you can show discipline everything else will fall in line. You all have shown a tremendous amount of discipline and preserveness. Each one of you are an inspiration to thousands across the country. I will see you there at the finish line!!
To the s2ss Riders,
What an awsome showing of true patriotism, determination and class!!! I salute you all. I watched you all ride through Mt. Ayr, IA and was very emotionally impressed. My friend, Nicolette, is in your group and she is such an inspiritation to me and so many others….. as you all are!!! I said a prayer every day (for 63 days now) for her and the entire group…. for your safety and wellbeing. What an honor to be an American because of folks like you all! God bless you all!
Ernie Loganbill