Cheers, whoops and applause greeted  the  Schroeder and Halvorson families Saturday as they rode their bikes down the steep gravel path to the beach at Joseph Whidbey State Park near Oak Harbor.

After spending nearly three months pedaling more than 4,000 miles, the glorious moment finally arrived when the travelers were able to dip the front tires of their six tandem bicycles into Puget Sound. More cheers and shouts of joy erupted as the waves lapped at the bikes, signifying an end to an unforgettable cross country journey.

Actually, the celebrating began even before the group of travelers got to Oak Harbor. A welcoming party was waiting at Deception Pass Bridge to cheer them on the last few miles of their journey.

“This is a huge accomplishment, it’s just crazy and really cool,” said Emily Huffer, 15, a longtime friend of the families. “They will always remember this trip.”

Long journey

Clark and Annemarie Schroeder and their children, Hannah, 17, Emily, 15, Ella, 13 and Noah, 11, along with Dan and Lesli Halvorson and their children, Jon Michael, 14, Sarah, 13, Lydia, 10, and Abraham, 8, left Yorktown, Va. on May 30. The four adults and eight children set out from Yorktown, Va. on May 30. The six tandem bicycles each pulled a small trailer full of camping gear and supplies. They stayed in campgrounds, city parks, churches, hotels, private homes and even a fire station.

“It’s hard to put into words,” said Clark Schroeder, a Cmdr. in the Navy Reserve and an employee of a defense contractor. “It was really hard, really challenging, but such a grand experience.”

“It was beyond my expectations,” Lesli Halvorson said. “I didn’t think I could do it. And then every time we went over a pass, it was such a sense of accomplishment.”

Biking across the country is a significant accomplishment for anyone. Lt. Cmdr. Dan Halvorson, newly retired from the Navy just before the trip began, had done it once before 10 years ago. The joint trip was his idea and both families started saving years ago to make it happen.

Before they left, Clark Schroeder said they had four goals: to strengthen relationships; develop character; plan and accomplish dreams; and to share Christ across America. He said he felt they accomplished all of them.

“More than anything, I think the kids learned that if you have this giant thing to do, just do it a little bit at a time. That’s what we did every day,” he said.

“We learned a lot about perseverance and overcoming challenges,” agreed Lesli. “You can’t run away from your problems when you don’t have a car. So it was a good lesson for the kids to learn that you can face difficulties and persevere.”

“I’m really proud of these folks,” said Richard Haines, who was there to celebrate with other members of Family Bible Church, home church of the Schroeder family and the Halvorsons, when they were stationed at NAS Whidbey Island. “The kids have learned principles that will last them the rest of their lives, that no task is too big.”

Lessons learned

“I know I can do big things,” said Sarah Halvorson, 13. “It taught me perseverance, endurance, submitting to authority and I really grew in my faith. And it taught me to be content with what I have.”

“It taught me about being patient and content and to put others first,” said Lydia Halvorson, 10.

The trip was not without its difficulties. Searing heat in the Midwest  meant traveling several days in temperatures above 105 degrees. On the flip side of that, they didn’t encounter a lot of rain, said Clark. They lost count of the number of flat tires the group had and they were fortunate not to experience too many breakdowns. But those were the times that proved to be the most inspirational.

“We had a breakdown outside of Kettle Falls, Wash., and there were no bike shops within 70 miles,” Clark said. They didn’t know how they would get it repaired. “A man offered us a ride there and back to get the bike fixed. It was so humbling.

“That’s probably my biggest memory,” he continued. “The generosity and hospitality of people.”

Faith renewed

“I think for all of us the best part of this was meeting so many neat people,” agreed Lesli. “You stop and talk to them and you learn so much about generosity and kindness.”

“It renewed my faith in America,” Clark said.

Now both families are looking forward to what comes next. Annmarie was overheard telling someone she has much to do before school starts. The Halvorsons are planning a year-long mission trip.

As people exchanged hugs and caught up on three months’ worth of chat with friends, already life seemed to be heading back toward normalcy and the kids especially were looking forward to things they hadn’t had in a while.

“I want a good, cooked breakfast,” said Lydia.

“I’m kind of sad it’s over, but I’m happy to be done,” said Emily Schroeder, 15. “I’m looking forward to sleeping in.”