Day 14 - Victorviille, California - Los Angeles, California - 85 miles

Group photo at the finish

Well, the final day has come, our last drivers meeting and last load up. It's later this morning to try and beat the Los Angeles traffic. There is some debate between Tim and Gary as to whether we travel in part the way on the old Route 66 as opposed to I15. However the decision is made to travel on I15. From Victorville we travel down the pass into Los Angeles. The scenery is once again amazing, with snow on the mountain tops, blazing sun and those long trains.

Snow on the mountains

 As soon as we reach the pass into Los Angeles it turns into concrete 7 lanes of traffic, both ways and absolute bedlam. Gary calls this the final exam as the drivers negotiate the hectic traffic and constant flitting of lanes. Two hours after we started we finally arrive at our destination of Santa Monica pier with a few scary bits along the way. Ivan the Terrible gains an A+++ after being side swiped by a pick up.

Starting to hit the traffic

Ivan the Terrible's dash away from the pick up

 What can we say, its very emotional, most people are in tears. There is something about having followed the footsteps of those before to reach the promised land. We feel honoured that we have been part of it, honoured that we too have each faced our own challenges in our own way. Each of us has grown and the atmosphere is electric. After parking up on the beach we walk back up to the actual finishing point of the route for group pictures and a sense of letting loose.

Santa Monica Pier

John's St George's/Newcastle United Flag

An emotional Andy with Meercat who did the route

Ocean Road which leads down to the finish point

Bear at the finish point

 Lunch is at Bubba Gumps on Santa Monica pier - NOT to be recommended and after a bit of hassle we finally emerge two and half hours later for a brief walk along the pier and the very final journey across town to Glendale to return the bikes. By now we are in afternoon rush hour traffic and are told that there is a Dodgers game which adds to the problems. The pace gets more frantic as we approach the 16.30 deadline to return the bikes. But we achieve it and all the bikes are handed back. Once again there is an electric atmosphere. Each one of us has created some sort off alliance with our bikes, whether it be of dislike for the bulk and weight, the vibration or the sheer free wheeling skill. There is a Harley Museum at the dealership and all the blokes disappear off to look at the bikes. The ladies sit and drink tea and cool.

With Tim, who supported us so well and gave us the confidence to continue

17.00 comes and we are told that there is a limousine for us.... have you seen 17 adults bend their way into a stretched limo? It's very amusing. After an uncomfortable 40 minute journey we reach the hotel where are farewell dinner is to be held. Dinner over, certificates awarded - time to wind down and discuss what we feel, what was the good, the bad and the ugly. What we can say. Route 66 makes an impression on you. You are aware of the glitz and gaudy colours from a previous time, you are also aware of the loss and the tragedy that continues to affect the Mother Road. It makes you as an individual look at yourself, as a couple you develop trust and confidence in each other that I don't think any other experience could achieve. More than that it leaves you with a sense of achievement and an involvement in a little part off history.

Final mileage

 Tomorrow we are off to Newport Beach for a relaxing two days before flying home. A beautiful part of California where it is very much a chill experience. I think we shall need it before returning home..

Newport beach relaxing

Going over to Balbao Island on the ferry for a mooch