After months of prep, PBP 2011 is now in the books and so are Felkerino and me, successfully completing the adventure in about 81.5 hours.

Overall, it was a highly civilized ride for Felkerino, friend Jon G., and me. Yes, even with the hours of cycling through lightning storms.

And regarding those storms, I just want you all to know that my parents did teach me better than to ride through lightning. That was a little ridiculous, I admit.

I’m already brimming over with great ride memories. Felkerino and I had a fantastic ride. It was a fine mix of cycling, friendship, undulating terrain (though I would have happily foregone all the chipseal), and food (let’s hear it for bowls of coffee and mashed potatoes in the morning!!). Lots of forward momentum, but few moments feeling rushed. I could not have asked for more.

I am the luckiest stoker in the world to get to ride with Felkerino!

I hope those at home enjoyed following us on the Twittosphere and the “fantasy PBP” rider tracking. Your tweets to us kept us inspired and moving forward. They meant so so much. Thanks, everybody!

Congratulations to all who rode PBP this year. Now we figure out how to get home as Hurricane Irene swirls up the East Coast.

More to come. In the meantime, be safe, my Washingtonian friends!