Map and Pics: Click Here for Map and Pics.
Miles 3781 to 3845, 64 miles, 2500 feet of climb, max speed 36 mph, avg speed 16 mph, first 55 miles avg 22 mph.
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| Celebration after tire dipping - Atlantic! |
When we came around the corner and saw the Atlantic Ocean for the first time we all let out a "preema” yell. I couldn’t believe my eyes. It was there; the goal was at hand; the challenge had been answered. The ride to the shore was the experience of my life, and we gathered at the Rye High School after our mad dash to the sea as the place to regroup. At 11:30 the police provided us an escort as we rode as a group down to Wallis Sands State Park. It was so beautiful but there was no chance for pictures – nor did I want to ruin the magic of the moment. Our Dutch contingent, the “Jelly Bellies” led the parade, and when we arrived at the beach the announcement came over the speaker our accomplishment. The bathers on the beach cheered and congratulations. The dipping of the front tire in the ocean was not just joyful, but also spiritual in tenner. The big “Wow”
I rode with the elites today. To put it bluntly, tourist mode was over, and the strong riders were told by staff to “Get me to the church on time.” Picture taking was specifically prohibited, and nothing less than a flat tire or broke spoke would justify stopping. Everybody knew I had gained the strength enough to do it, but also knew my will was weak. I like to smell the flowers and talk to folks. The pace was breathtaking and not since day two had I rode with the pack. It was quite fun, and I was allowed to breakaway charging the hills, actually four in a row. The adrenaline carried me over each of them. One particular moment in the ride I will forever retain, one of the stronger riders decided to brake away from the pack (which is common) on a steeper downhill and Frans challenged me to “chase down that rabbit” followed by cheers of encouragement from the other riders. I couldn’t say no and it was off to the races, going into a tuck at speeds in the mid to high 30’s. Without doubt Frans is the undisputed ride leader of the tour and later told me how proud he was of me for the conditioning I had gained since leaving the Pacific. His gift is encouragement. I arrived with the lead pack of five riders an hour before schedule. This was the highlight of my whole trip. I was invited to join the elites, and by grace and the knowledge of no tomorrow, I met their standards.
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| Welcome to Maine - State #14 |
The ride into Maine followed the tire dipping event. About five of us rode across the high bridge into Kittering for the photo-op (I was allowed to take pictures again) and then it was on to the hotel. We had to scurry to get all our tasks completed. Those who ordered boxes for bikes had to get them ready for shipment. My task was easier because I could ship mine without rush. After stripping down the bike I caught a ride over to a bike shop to have it packed up and shipped FedEx back to Madison Cycles. As an understatement, the ride whoppz the snotz out of that bike and I need my bike shop professionals to bring it back to life.
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| Claire and Steve - Portsmouth NH |
The gem of the day was without doubt everybody’s rider friend Steve. After cleaning and packing up, he took Claire and I to downtown Portsmouth for a walk around town, ice cream and shopping. He asked Claire for reassurance that he had picked out something very nice for his wife. When we came back to the hotel the ‘big chill’ was on: one rider purchased some really top drawer wine. When everybody was there and feeling fine, we then went over to eat at the restaurant across the street from the hotel. After dinner I could not have been more physically spent, and the hot tub was calling my name, and I wasn’t the only one who felt the same way. Around 10PM fatigue forced us to our rooms and I was asleep before I arranged the pillows on the bed.
Bottom Line: WE DID IT! WE DID IT! Wow.
Congradulations! We're sooooo proud of you!
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