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| August 8, 2003 - Canby, ORForecast: 82 degrees Road Condition: Good from Ritzville, WA on I-90 West to Seattle, Washington the I-5 North into Downtown and I-5 South to I-205 South to Highway 99 East to our hometown Canby, OR Fuel: Super Unleaded $1.90 Miles Traveled: Ritzville, Washington to Canby, Oregon: 425 (Total 11,012) Bike Update: Running good Road Trip Log Update: Preparing to leave Ritzville for our 4th corner of Seattle, we realized that we were loading our bags one last time before arriving home. On the last day of our trip, for the first time we finally met some riders who, like us, were trying to accomplish the goal of riding all 50 states. Outside of the hotel we met Steve & Harold from Alabama who were on their way home from Sturgis, but were out "collecting" a few Northwest states before heading home. We gave them some pointers on navigational tips for the Columbia River Gorge and some sites to see along the way. After this road trip they will have only 5 states to ride, just like us...... The race is on guys, see you in Hawaii! Today was a great day to ride. The central Washington view was filled with beautiful sky and farmlands of corn, wheat, and hay. The further West we rode, we could feel that we were "home" in the great Northwest. Riding through the forest we were greeted with the familiar scent of the evergreen filled mountain air. Towering forests, snow capped mountains, waterfalls, rivers, wildflowers, elk, deer, ravens, and beautiful clear skies appeared like a welcome mat. We made a brief pit stop in Snoqualmie Pass and met some troops from the 571st MP that were on training maneuvers from Fort Lewis, WA. They were interested in the bikes and where we had been. We asked them what it was like riding in camouflage Hummers, and what their day consisted of? A 21 year-old soldier, PV1 Eric Tessenear, answered "What most people don't realize about the military is that it is a 24-7 job that requires intense dedication." His fellow soldiers all agreed with a "Yes, Sir or a Yes, Ma'm" answer. One of them added that if he had not enlisted in the service he would have never known the true meaning of commitment, honor and respect. As we watched their convoy roll out onto the highway we couldn't help but think of all the other military men and women who are in Iraq and other areas of conflict. It was a good reminder that the protection of our freedom truly is a 24-7 commitment. Interstate 90 eased into the rolling hills of Seattle, which dropped us off at the waters edge on Pike Street. We found a shaded spot for the bikes close to the elevator that would take us up to the busy Farmers Market. The streets were lined with hanging flower baskets, street musicians, food vendors, multiple shops and people speaking a variety of dialects. The big attraction of course was the famous "flying fish market" at Pike Street Fish, that was featured in one of JillMarie's favorite books 'Fish!' (www.pikeplacefish.com) The enthusiasm that the workers take in their jobs is something to see and of course they sell great seafood. Anders, a true seafood "a-Fish-enado", helped us select a crab and then along with his team prepared it so that it was saddlebag proof. Arriving back at the bikes we called ahead to our friend Mark Webber (a.k.a.: The Road Commander) to let him know that we were on schedule and we would be in Canby around 7:00 PM. Mark helped arrange a finish line welcome with our pit crew of family and friends at Fultano's, our hometown meeting place that also serves great pizza. The traffic from the outer edge of Seattle down to Olympia had other plans for us. With a continuous "stop and go, on again, off again, sit and wait" traffic pattern of 50 miles we quickly began loosing time. The late day sun and exhaust was a true test of patience. At one point around SeaTac JillMarie yelled, "Where did all these people come from!" We are well acquainted with the traffic woes of this section of I-5, and today was just one of those days . Coupled with the anticipation of coming home, having friends waiting, and being tired just compounded the frustration. From the rest stop around exit 59 we called ahead to Mark to let him know our location and he informed us that everyone was having a great time and they would save us some pizza. As we crossed the Columbia River on the I-205 Bridge into Oregon the feeling of going full circle around the United States finally hit us. As we neared the Gladstone exit we reached the 11,000-mile on the odometer. Rounding the corner to the Canby exit a huge American flag appeared marking the new Latus Harley Davidson (www.Latus-HD.com) shop being built. When we left 38 days ago, the building was in the beginning stages of being erected, and the flagpole was not up. Seeing the flag at that moment, felt like it had been put there just for us, as the perfect finish line. We now have a positive memory anchored in that flag. In the future, driving past it will be a reminder of what arriving home felt like after riding the 4 corners of the U.S. With only 10 miles to go before arriving in Canby, we again called ahead as we exited off I-205 onto Highway 99e. With being over an hour late for dinner we wondered who would still be there. Coming down Highway 99e and through the last stoplight we were overwhelmed to see almost two-dozen friends and family lining the street waiting for us. We felt like we had just won a race and we were coming into the pits to celebrate. Even with our helmets on, we could hear them whistling, cheering, and shouting. High fives, hugs, kisses, tears, smiles, congratulations, and picture taking filled the parking lot and it felt good to be home. Being on the road for almost 6 weeks takes a team effort, and the Ironman & Sugarlips "Pit Crew" made it all possible. Here is our formal thank you to everyone for making our trip such a success. It just goes to show, that when a person is surrounded with a good community of people, then anything is possible. Thank you to our "Pit Crew" at home. Each one of you played an important role in making our trip such a success. We could relax in every mile knowing you were helping us to make this all possible. The All American 4 Corner Road Trip for us, was a celebration of freedom and pride for the country we live in, and we're grateful that so many great people could share the ride with us. * Website & Communications: Mark Webber (The Road Commander) and his team at Webber Consulting: Michelle (Mighty), Brittnee (Pretty Pretty Princess), Morgan (Ironman Junior), Dave (Bro) and Cora (Grandma). (www.WebberConsultingInc.com) * The Stuart/Wiles Family Team: Carl & Dar Stuart, Aunt Phyllis (Auntie P), Heather Nelson, Gary & Blanca Wiles, Linda Thornton and Tim Wiles, Wanda Wiles * Hometown Crew: Steve & Jewel Parisi, Kirsten Lloyd, Gary McLaren, Tom & Dar Siefke, Greg & Bev Robinson, Brenda Proctor, Karl Kunberger and family, Club Fit, Canby Herald, Canby Police Department, and Fultano's. * Special thanks to the team at Latus Harley Davidson (www.Latus-HD.com) * Canby Postal Annex
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