It is also great to be able to go back and read our own story now.....as it became one big blur after a few days. We both are amazed at what we actually did when we look at it as a whole...1200 miles is no small feet. However I think the reason it went so well for us was the fact that we never did think of the whole project. We concentrated only on the task at hand each day. In that respect it never became daunting. We knew we could ride 40-50 miles so that is what we did......32 times!We loved meeting all the fellow riders in camp. We also believe that camping in the hiker/biker camps contributed to our success. The sense of community was wonderful....like minded folks created a 'norm'. We were all working towards a similar goal.....it was a normal thing to be doing. When we were away from the camps in hotels we lost that feeling of being part of a community. I loved passing other bikers. The waving of the hand or just the tipping of the head you knew you were fellow travelers by the load on our bike.....you were a brotherhood. While riding yesterday I saw two young men coming into Monterey and gave them a nod...I knew from their lack of reaction they had no clue I was one of them....I just didn't have the appropriate attire at the time. It was a sad feeling. I wanted to stop them and validate myself ..cry out----I am one of you. We did what you are doing!! What we learned:1- Stick to your plan. We wanted to be done in a month and we were only one day over including our day of rest. We felt we enjoyed our pace and it allowed for us to enjoy the parks we were at. Had we tried to do more miles daily it would not have been fun -and that was the whole idea. 2- Love our Surly LHT!! They are wonderful. They actually ride better the more weight you put on them. They are strong, dependable and responsive. We can not say enough good things about them. I was told recently by my sister (she heard it from some bike store guy) that 'those Surly riders are like a cult' that might be true...we believe in them totally. Make sure you have good gear...from bike to tent every little thing makes a difference. It isn't how much gear it is how well it works for you! 3- Continental City Ride Tires!!! We can now say the 'F' word..No FLATS!! We can not believe it - we traveled through some serious debris on the roads. These tires rule. 4- Believe in your own ability and listen to your body. I thank Jack every day for saying ....don't worry you can do this no problem. I had some moments of doubt but all in all it seemed doable! Thanks Jack for the pep talks!! 5- Only do what you are comfortable with. We each have our own limits and it is all a journey from one place to another. The getting there is the goal..the how you do it is all very individual and makes it your story. Never compare your journey to anther's .......they are all good.6- Appreciate all that you have and all those along with you for the ride!!! Be thankful for the opportunity and ability to experience this adventure.7- We are already thinking of the next trip. Not sure where or when but we will get back out there!!Happy Trails .......Jack and Janet