End of a long journey - RIP Len Vreeland

What a day today was!

My wife's dad recently passed away, and today was the day we had a memorial gathering and spread his ashes. His youngest daughter and his oldest son rode 20+ miles on their bikes to the top of Blue Mountain near Danielsville, PA.

It wasn't until today that it really sunk in that Len was a world-class athlete, accomplishing feats most could only dream of. He made the Guinness Book of World Records for most miles ridden on rollers in 24 straight hours on 10/12/75. At age 50 he ran a 50-mile super-marathon. He biked across the USA at age 52, having failed an attempt a year earlier due to strong headwinds.

You can read more about Len Vreeland at this link:
[www.enter.net]
It's a multi-page article with pictures throughout.

One quick excerpt that must precede today's later event:

Quote:

At 11:48 p.m. the caravan arrives at the Holland Tunnel only to learn that one of the tubes is closed for repairs. This unexpected circumstance threatens to postpone Len's entrance into the city. A New York Transit Policeman comes to the rescue and like a guardian angel, leads Len and his crew through the closed section of the tunnel. Workmen in the tunnel that was under repair were cheering all along the way.

This afternoon, I drove my wife, niece & daughter to NYC, and we dropped some of Len's ashes in the Holland Tunnel, while blasting "What A Wonderful World" on the stereo and in turn crying, cheering & clapping.

Here's a link to Len's obituary & guestbook, if you care to read it:
[www.legacy.com]

To anyone who thinks that you can't accomplish amazing things, or think you're too old to try something new, please think of Len and the incredible journies he made.

Thanks for reading.