The best Homecoming ever!

It took Ryan and me almost three days to drive to San Diego from my home here in the Chattahoochee Valley, and today we all rode in to a great welcome from all the local Fuller Center supporters. It's really hard to capture all the emotions in one post, and I wish all the riders could have the chance to "ride home". Suffice it to say this has been a group effort from Day One. We could not have done this without the tremendous emotional, spiritual and physical support of ALL our fellow riders. That to me signifies what the Fuller Center is all about. Taking on a seemingly insurmountable task like providing affordable housing for all and helping each other to realize that goal through sharing the workload and lifting each other up along the way.

Our day started in Auburn, AL, where we were joined by several new riders, some for the day, some for the rest of the trip! Team Merchant joined us from St Petersburg, FL and will ride part of each day with us until the coast, where they will continue until they reach their goal of 800 miles. Local riders Carter Brown, West Point Mayor Drew Ferguson, Craig from Charter Bank and Auburn Student Government President Lauren Hayes all rode the 30 miles into the Valley, where we were joined by more locals for the final three miles. After riding past the first Fuller Center homes built on 6th St in Lanett, AL, we were met by more supporters and my family for hugs all around. The local media was present (newspaper and television) to help promote the ride and the Fuller Center cause.

Thanks to host families, all riders will enjoy beds for the next two nights. Lynda Spofford treated the group to a great lasagne feast, and afterwards, we all went bowling at Valley Lanes. Owner James Caldwell gave us a discount and even had news cameras show up to document the event.

Finally, a word of thanks to Golden's Bike Shop and owner Bill Golden, who fixed Ryan's bike at no charge! Oyee, Bill!

It's too late and I'm too tired to come up with any pithy comments. My hope is that this ride will inspire others to take action in their communities. The Fuller Center has already made a difference here in the Valley (15 homes and 2 rehabs toward a goal of 500) and the enthusiasm is contagious. Just get near us and we'll be glad to infect you, too!