By Alix Rude

There are a myriad of dazzling views of the Pacific coast that become breathtaking and palpable on a bike ride along the nearly 1,750 miles while being passed by endless cars. Andrew Johnson was just 16 years old and a student at Helix High School when he approached this stretch of coast with determination to finish the trek. That same determination has also inspired him to publish a memoir about the trip.

Johnson’s story begins as a Helix High School junior searching for an out-of-the-ordinary experience for an exceptional senior project. Johnson had always held a fascination and respect for biking and after reading Lance Armstrong’s biography, he was inspired to push his dream into action.

According to Johnson, there was no “one most enjoyable part” of the trip, but different parts that came together for a “ride of a lifetime.” The most beautiful aspect of the trip, he revealed, was the redwood forest he traveled through in Oregon shortly before joining Highway 1 in California.

“Finishing was the most rewarding,” Johnson chuckled, but reaching the finish came with numerous hardships. He dreaded the loneliness of the trip, saying he reminisced in past events as he tried to fight off the ever-present emptiness, as revealed in the memoir he wrote about his trip titled “And So I Rode.”

Throughout Johnson’s adventures along the coast he kept a “little, red journal” by his side, jotting down notes describing the colorful characters of people he met and the stunning scenery he passed by. Having the journal was planned, he explained, but only wrote for a few short minutes before he cooked a quick dinner and slept. “It was mostly short sentences, I wasn’t focusing on being a great writer,” he said. “I just wanted to get it down.”

Upon returning home, he opened his journal one last time to write “And So I Rode,” a memoir of his experiences along the coast. He also wanted something to be proud of 20 or 30 years down the road and with this adventure and tortuous tale to tell, he will be proud for years to come.

Johnson is not only a dynamic student in school, but an active part of the community as well. He recently completed a total of 125 hours with Senator Joel Anderson’s Office where he received a certificate of recognition for his tremendous public service and the impressive accomplishment of his memoir.

“With his can-do attitude and determination, Andrew became an incredible asset to our team and helped many constituents get their voices heard in government and the help they needed from a state agency.” Anderson said. “I was amazed to learn about his riding trip he took in high school and I can see that it helped Andrew become the man he is today.”

As Johnson departed for Pennsylvania for his second year of college at the University of Pittsburg, he left with the same commitment to excellence he had while riding the Pacific coast.

– Alix Rude is a junior at Grossmont High School and a Legislative Intern for California State Senator Joel Anderson.