'Pilot Bob' completes coast-to-coast bike ride

FALLBROOK – "Pilot Bob" Sheldon of Fallbrook successfully completed his coast-to-coast solo bike ride, Aug. 17, in Florence, Oregon, to waiting family and friends.

Sheldon, a Navy veteran, began his ride across America May 15, in support of Project Hero, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping veterans and first responders affected by post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury and other injuries. His goal was to increase awareness for combating this national mental health emergency.

Upon arrival, Sheldon was greeted with cheers, gifts, praise and admiration for his determination and perseverance in completing his "bucket list leader." He greeted the group and said, "Mission accomplished."

During the ride, Sheldon said that three full months is a long time to be away from home and family and "all things familiar." But upon arrival, he said it was "the sheer jubilation" and that he felt crossing that finish line "made it all worthwhile."

Sheldon said that "in the grand scheme of things," the difficulty of being away from home for so long will have been a small sacrifice made to achieve a lifetime of memories and unparalleled sense of accomplishment.

In his first post-ride interview, Sheldon gave somewhat the same answer to two different questions – what was the biggest surprise of the trip and what was the most memorable part of the trip? His answer to both questions was: the people he met along the way. Sheldon said he had no idea when he started out that he would encounter so many other cyclists and walkers, all with their own unique and fascinating reason for being there, and that the camaraderie and friendships he made was something that will stay with him forever.

"It seemed like I was fighting the wind much more often than it was helping me, so I think next time I'll go east, instead of coming west," he said.

The "next time" was the only part of that statement that got attention, particularly from his wife, whom he had just greeted after three months away.

"OK, well perhaps that wasn't the right way to put it," Sheldon said sheepishly. "I just meant if I were to do it again."

Family members said they knew what he meant – give him a few weeks rest and he'll be craving another adventure. It's in his DNA, they said.

Press release submitted by the Sheldon family.