Epilogue: With a Little Help From My Friends

Friday morning, for the final departure from the hotel, the Tour Operator paired up riders and assigned us departure times so we'd all meet at the Everett town swimming pool for our last assembly. From the pool, we'd form a a two by two procession to the ocean led by one for the CrossCountry Tour Vans.

There was a lot of whooping and hollering for each departure team. Each team had picture taken with a sign for Boston before the 3. 2, 1 ...  countdown for each team's departure. A bit corny, but I suspect most everyone secretly enjoyed the moment at least just a bit.

Photo Op before take off from hotel

The final leg to Revere Beach was an enjoyable roll through suburban Boston to the Atlantic. Not sure about the others but my mind was all over the place. Believe it or not, but I had only one flat tire the entire length of the 3400 miles and was wondering if today would be my day to mess up my incredible record. I also thought of so many great small moments I had with different people along the way and how much I'd miss them. Thought of the heat in the desert along the interstate, the huge climbs and switchbacks out west... the rollers of Missouri...the gallons of V-8 and chocolate milk consumed, and the innumerable visits to DQ...

I also thought about how I'd need to trim down my calorie intake as I wouldn't be on my bike for 6-8 hours a day. That'll be the real challenge.

Before I knew it we were in Everett at the last assembly site. Luckily, some contractors who were there for some maintenance work didn't mind if we used the facilities' bathrooms. 

 Bike line-up at Swimming Pool in Everett assembly area

Last chit chat before lining up to go to beach

The final roll out began and I began to get a little tight in the throat. I chatted lightly with Will from Great Britain as we rode over the final hill to the beach at around 9:00 AM. We could hear dozens of friends and family members cheering, shouting. I picked out my sister and brother-in-law who I knew would be there but was overwhelmed when I saw my brother from Florida, and my Nephew's wife and grand-nephew from Tucson, AZ, holding posters (Congratulations "Bad-Ass" - I guess they read my blog). Two of my longtime and dearest friends from CT also showed up a little later as did Mike.

After excited hugs and greetings all around, I remembered to take my shoes and socks off and headed across the beach to the surf line with my trusty bike. Oh, the roads and conditions I put that two-wheeled machine through! It's amazing how all the parts stayed intact! Rugged little bugger.

Despite the fact that it had been a cool overcast day with with occasional sprinkles, the sand was soft and the water felt just great on my feet as lowered my wheels into the water. I made it home in one piece.

Friends

Had to get collect a bit of Atlantic sand to go with the remaining Pacific sand that will sit on my mantle for a while. I posed for a few pictures but searched out my friends to congratulate them for their achievement and to thank them for sharing their time and stories with me. A lot of smiles of astonishment as the fact that our trip was over was starting to really settle in. We were probably mingling with everyone for close to an hour, sitting for group photo's, and not wanting the moment to end until we finally loaded our bikes onto the truck and into cars before heading back to the hotel.

Around 5:30 that afternoon we gathered at the hotel's lounge for a social hour before heading into a banquet room for dinner. A slide show of the many places and faces we met along the way. My seat was such that my back was to the screen but in hindsight that really didn't really matter as I was able to stay focused on my family and friends - the most important people in my real life - sitting with me at my table.

As expected the tour operator had many nice things to say and was very gracious. One by one, she called up each of the participants and highlighted some of the remarkable achievements they had made and some amazing obstacles some of the riders had overcome just to be on the tour this year. I was privileged to ride with an exceptional group of people.

My favorite part of the evening was when Tracy invited both Matt and I up to get our certificates. She mentioned how we serenaded Maggie along the way from time to time. The room chanted for a song so without any prior arrangements, we looked at each other, swallowed hard, then did the last song we sang which was unbelievably appropriate: The Beatles. "With a Little Help From My Friends". The whole room joined in our ragged A Capella version. It was a special moment. It really told the story of the whole experience for me. We didn't do it alone. We all got through it together with a little help from our friends.

Thanks to all.

The Atlantic Ocean

June 26, 2015

Revere Beach, Massachusetts

Next stop: Atlantic Ocean

From Brattleboro, VT, today to Burlington, MA had to be one of our tougher days. 5,000 ft of climbing with some rather sharp hills. Some of our steepest of the tour but not as long as other climbs.  Still a tough day.

Second dream day weather wise. Crazy number of turns to get here. Heard one rider swerved to avoid a black bear. Cool!

Just before take-off

NH state line, today.

Dinner tonight was a catered affaire with many friends and family in attendance. After discussing route protocol for the trip to the Atlantic, and after our meal we each had the chance to share some thoughts and observations on our tour. I was touched by the heartfelt expressions of thanks to all who bonded and how we all helped each other across. I'll have more on this in the following days. Need to turn in now to be ready for final ride with friends tomorrow.

MA state line 

  

Sign in log at last SAG...

Holy Hogback Mountain, Batman!

Weather. Astonishingly beautiful, partly cloudy but mostly sunny day. Temps in mid 70's to mid 80's. Dry air. Riding weather made to order. Then there were the hills. Whoa. We were briefed that there would be climbing. Word! There was a 6 mile climb of some considerable intensity, with the last 3.5 miles billed as being "steeper". Indeed. Low gear, settle in, and get job done.

We did slay those hills.

Can't say I forgot about the earlier 12 mile climbs or the 7 mile climbs.  Yes we did complete those too, but this was still a bit of a pinch in the rear. What helped me through the task was this route brought me over the same roads I traveled again and again in my teenage and early adult ski life. A lot of memories were jarred loose as we cleared Wilmington. Memories of Chimney Hill, 

shredding Haystack Mountain, week after week with my brother and sister, "sick days" from high school spent with friends at Mt Snow.  Glad to see the roads have improved considerably, but those curves, hills and descents were still there.

I was really glad that the group got to see this part of Vermont in its best light. It doesn't make up for the soupy weather we had in Sedona, but it was a beautiful day despite the work we had to put in this second to last day of tour.

My good friends Matt, Cynthia and Peter doing the Pacific Sand Sprinkling ceremony at the state line 

Standard State Line Shot for Blog.

Just west of Brattleboro along Rt 9

Did get a great surprise tonight. I live about 60 miles due south of where we're staying tonight.

Mike actually drove up from home to meet me along the route and cheer me on. Unfortunately, I made a side trip to get a hot fudge sundae and smoothie, so we didn't meet along the route but we did connect at the hotel and were  able to drive downtown for some lunch. Awesome surprise.

After Mike went home, we had a "Meal on your own" night tonight. Matt and just I hoofed it to a pizza joint and on way back to hotel picked up our last bottle of Blue Powerade to start our morning ride. That's one part of the routine that has seen its last day. 

Final notes on today, had a challenging detour around a bridge that  was out. Required pedaling a fair distance ( maybe quarter mile) through some tough gravel and rocks. I'm surprised I didn't dump my bike at a couple points the way I sunk in. Phew! But I did get a shot of calf housing at the farm we were allowed to use for the detour. 

From the poetry corner, we did pass the graveyard where Robert Frost was buried in Bennington.  Let me then leave you with the obvious quote:

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, 

And sorry I could not travel both 

And be one traveler, long I stood 

And looked down one as far as I could 

To where it bent in the undergrowth; 

Then took the other, as just as fair, 

And having perhaps the better claim, 

Because it was grassy and wanted wear; 

Though as for that the passing there 

Had worn them really about the same, 

And both that morning equally lay 

In leaves no step had trodden black. 

Oh, I kept the first for another day! 

Yet knowing how way leads on to way, 

I doubted if I should ever come back. 

I shall be telling this with a sigh 

Somewhere ages and ages hence: 

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I— 

I took the one less traveled by, 

And that has made all the difference 

--Robert Frost

Arrived in Albany/Latham

Need to be brief tonight. Big ride to Brattleboro tomorrow. Lot of climbing as we hug southern VT from Bennington to Brattleboro. Weather looks coolish, drier, and should be sunny skies. Doesn't get better.

It looked like we were going to get hammered today with rain and gusty winds.  Folks back home in Springfield, MA, and Hartford, CT, were under severe weather alert and were concerned we were seeing the same. Other than some light sprinkles, dank humidity, and ominous skies we escaped another round of nasty weather in our traveling bubble.

Starting to feel like we front loaded the bad weather to enjoy pretty nice traveling weather the majority of our miles...big smiles from all on tour.

Since we're closing in on the big day, we're having fun at dinner. We usually wait forever for our drinks and entrees, and it's become a point of one-upmanship as to who gets served first.  Last night, without any pre-determined plans, Matt and I found ourselves in a booth by ourselves so the waitress, at her convenience, just got us out of the way first.  Never happened before on tour when we got served before the others. Wow. Guiltily, we left the restaurant as others were just being served.

Tonight, Peter, Cynthia, Matt, and I secured a booth, and while Matt was at the salad bar, Peter convinced the waitress that it was Matt's birthday and to ask the chef if his meal could come out first. Peter is a charmer so of course Matt got his "birthday" meal first. He paled not quite understanding at first but got on board as we enjoyed his squirming.

The big surprise was as the four of us were wrapped up in post-ride discussions and opining on how the tour had been run, everyone else had finished their meals and had cleared out and headed back to the hotel. Things just average out. First last night, last back to the hotel tonight.

What about the ride?

I remember traveling to points around here for work years ago. Amsterdam Savings, Cayuga Savings, Schenectady Federal - all gone now or merge with other Banks. I loved traveling out this way because the interstate was scenic as I travelled the Mohawk valley. Funny, but traveling on secondary  roads on same track just wasn't as attractive as I thought it would be.

But it was a safe ride, I had a smoothie and sub along the way, and as I mentioned, the weather was kind to us. Didn't have time to serenade our British friend today so we'll have to do it tomorrow (...sorry, Maggie!).

Horse grazing at shop that makes Adirondack Chairs and Lighthouses 

Old power plant re-purposed as brick and cinder bloc manufacturing site

Mike, a rider on our tour, sent me picture of Kansas "Speed Bump" 

(Thanks, Mike!)

Riding Watson-Crick Style

Mr. Watson and Mr. Crick described the DNA molecule as a double-helix structure twisting in a spiral pattern. Our riding today was generally due east riding along secondary roads that crossed over the I-90 interstate highway multiple times. The route's twisting pairing with the highway reminded me of my early biology classes. 

Fairly short ride with spectacular conditions. Cool dry air that warmed to low to mid 80's with mostly sunny skies by the time our ride was through at 2:00 PM. Today's cycle time discussions ranged from the criminal justice system and jury by your "Peers" to the case for legalized intoxicants. Didn't quite solve the issues but did chew on them for a while as the miles flew by. 

As we rode we had ample opportunity to get more views of the Erie Canal, some of its old locks, and reportedly, the smallest church on earth. 

Herkimer is a convenient stopping point before heading on to Latham (greater Albany) tomorrow. Weather tomorrow may break our lucky streak. 

Discussions at Route Rap tonight started touching on logistics for riding to beach, riding back from the beach, final banquet arrangements, who will ship bikes out, who will take people to/from beach. We're starting to know this tour is winding down and it's back to our old lives. 

Let's be clear, there are some tough riding days ahead to rival any we've seen in the past. Gotta get passed those demons before we can claim victory.

Wrangling the troops for departure.

This church sits out in a duck-weed covered pond.

Like a scene from the Louisiana Bayou. 

And why the two Adirondack chairs?

Local color I guess.

Snap of the snapper.

The Road to Syracuse

Not a big surprise but my legs were tired today.  Although we only had 68 miles to cover and 2,700 ft of climbing, the legs just under-performed. Simple arithmetic: race with "Dick" yesterday, stay up late to finish movie, start ride an hour later in humid conditions and the sum is sub prime.

Still, new sights, - the Erie Canal, more Finger Lakes, the birthplace of Women's Rights movement, Llamas, - new challenges closed roads, looming clouds, and New York drivers. Other than the cranky legs who just needed some discipline to bring them in line, we pedaled onward and celebrated our 3,000 mile mark at our SAG stop.  It almost didn't register as it was an ordinary riding day until I posed beside the 3K sign. Getting excited about how close the end line is and paranoid about what could possibly go wrong between here and the Atlantic. Think positive thoughts, be watchful, clean bike and chain.

Finished ride under gathering clouds but still stopped for a couple of hot dogs and root beer at a local joint "Heidi's".  Got caught in some light sprinkles but nothing like a couple days ago when it poured for a couple hours.

We're starting to talk about what happens once we all return to our homes and our former patterns. Sure, we'll rest a bit but our constitutions will still be expecting daily 85 + mile rides. Our stomachs will still be looking for massive amounts of calories. We learned that the topic will be addressed in an upcoming meeting before we finish the tour. A little reassuring.

Tomorrow we go to Herkimer. We leave an hour later again. Looking at the mileage and altitude we'll cover between Albany and Brattleboro, and again between Brattleboro and Burlington, it seems a reasonable approach to prepare for the final push.

Negotiating a closed road and rough Rail Road Tracks.

The 3,000 mile mark.

This guy was interested in the other rider taking his picture...

My first look at the Erie Canal. It was closed back in 1917.

Many towns have created public walk spaces along its old footprint.

Church where Women's rights proclamations first presented

Finding the Finger Lakes

Starting to look back at the previous weeks and noticed a few things. My morning anxiety of the first week or so has been replaced by the calm certainty of a well established routine. Maybe it's discipline needed to succeed day after day or just realizing (to quote a fellow rider) "There is no plan B. We just have to do this." Knowing that makes choices a lot easier.

The other thing I noticed is that my body has adapted to the requirements of my daily routine. I won't get graphic here but it is amazing how my body chemistry has adapted to my new waking, eating, riding, sleeping patterns and has accommodated my needs quite nicely.  In talking to a former rider (who I met  a few days ago), he mentioned that the routine and closed social environment we're in is a bit like a prisoner of war camp. You adapt to the new reality and social norms almost subconsciously. Interesting observation, maybe a bit extreme, but I understand what he was driving at.

Next observation is that the rides although routine in one sense, just seem to get richer every day. No matter the riding conditions or terrane, I'm enjoying the ride more every day. Despite this daily joy ride, I'm aware of its limited shelf life and sigh.

Today's joy was discovering a new element to cycling psychology. I probably knew it but just having gone through it made for a new twist to the final stage of our ride. At the second SAG stop, in Avon, NY, we met a local gent who meets the CrossRoads cyclists every year when they pass through his town. He asked if we would mind if he rode with us for a bit - the leg from the SAG stop to the Canandaigua town line.

"Sure"

It was on.

The next 25 miles of climbing was some of the most aggressive riding I've ever done. Not something I'd planned to do today especially because of the length of the ride (some 95 miles) and the amount of climbing (4,700 feet). It was supposed to be a steady, relaxed ride to conserve strength and keep safe for the last week of the tour. Well, plans change. This dude was looking to prove something and we had the duty to preserve the honor of the CrossRoads riding team.

We traded summiting some monster hills despite the fact we had already pedaled 60 plus miles already today. But we kept at it. All the way to the Canandaigua border. Our friend did make the town line first but I did notice his heaving lungs as he dismounted his bike and pulled it off the road into a nice patch of shade. We smiled as we waved back at him realizing we had been used as pick-up  training partners. No matter. We held our own and then some.

It was a great day to ride, cool early on then it warmed up slightly under sunny skies. It did cloud up toward the end of the riding day and despite stopping for both a chocolate fudge sundae and a strawberry/banana smoothie (recovery nutrition) we got to the hotel by 2:00. The NY roads we travelled today were close to paralleling Interstate 90. They were in really good shape with wide shoulders and moderate traffic. Had ample opportunity to ride two abreast and discuss the world condition for miles and miles.

I had been through western NY years ago on trips for work but was reminded again of the rolling hills, and pastoral scenery - probably not the first images that come to mind when thinking of New York. Again, I'm privileged to be on this trip. Thinking of my guys back home who support me.

Rolling hills, vineyards, farms, and paddocks...

Tucked away behind the local Starbucks, was an access road to Canandaigua Lake.

I was surprised how congested the lake seemed with sail boats, power boats, and paddle boards. 

Watched a woman tossing rocks into shallows so he dog could play.

They both were having a good time.

Paddle-boarder coming ashore as rain clouds gathered.

Hotel was just another half mile away so we made it there before the rain started.

Roland the Headless Thompson Gunner

- reference: Warren Zevon.

There was no blog from me yesterday. It was our last day off.  In anticipation of the climbing and distances we need to cover this final week, I did my best to recharge my legs. I spent most of yesterday morning in the lounge eating a long leisurely breakfast of toast, oatmeal, fresh berries, yogurt, bacon and eggs, and downing about a half gallon of Starbucks coffee while I managed to finish the entire Wall Street Journal and USA Today. I was in no hurry.

While there I overheard the hotel server ask a gentleman if he met any of "those bikers". He replied he met 5 and being as hyper-caffeinated as I was, I blurted out I was the 6th.  He introduced himself as "Ty" who had done this tour twice before. We then began talking, sharing our experiences. He had a few eye opening details about his crossing the Mojave in 116 degree heat when I had only clocked top temps @ 103.  As I suspected our group has really had the best weather so far, relative to rainy days, headwinds and heat. Not that we haven't had our share challenges but on balance it's been pretty good.

After lounging most of the morning, I went to find my vest that I had forgotten under the CrossRoads Tours sign in the lobby from the previous night. Not there. My fault for forgetting it. Rats. I decided therefore to have lunch at the hotel. I met a fellow rider who was finishing his lunch and catching up on email via phone. After getting a meal recommendation, I ordered a hot chocolate - it was an overcast and drizzley day - and a turkey club. It was a good $20 lunch. (Cough)

After lunch it was time for a movie on my iPad (Whiplash - I wanted  to see JK Simmons Oscar winning role for a while now) and a later nap. On waking, it was time for supper. Quick walk uptown with a party of 7 and we found ourselves in an Irish pub. Food was OK. I mean "ok".

Chuckle of the day:
I had asked one of our British riders at dinner in the Irish pub what surprised him most on his trip across the States. He was most surprised by how friendly and nice the people here were and how willing they were to talk to strangers. He thought the British were a bit more reticent to talk with strangers.

Later, on our walk back to the hotel, our group of 7 was walking closely to a group of 4 or 5 younger folk. Someone passing by in a car yelled out the window at that group "Hey! Your a** is hanging out of your pants!"
To which one of the demure ladies in the walking group shouted at the passing car "**** You! A******'s! #%*** and your €%###!!!"
I looked at my British friend and said, "Yes, I guess we are quite friendly and willing to talk to strangers, aren't we?" A good chuckle.

Today was Friday the 19th.  Short ride scheduled for today only 80 miles. Still bummed about my vest, I asked the support team if they saw or found it.  They checked in their vans and asked at the hotel front desk but they came up empty handed.

Someone mentioned that perhaps the front desk wasn't invested enough to really look and maybe I should ask them again. Since I had no vest, I asked if the photographer that was shooting pictures there yesterday had placed it behind the front desk. Apparently, that did the trick. The clerk came back with two vests, a sweater, and an Apple Store bag with some product. Great! I got my vest and Mark's vest returned. I returned the Apple bag to the clerk then brought my bike outside to prepare for the day's ride. Good way to start my day.


Weather was cool with overcast skies. Stayed that way for all but the last 10 miles. We travelled parallel to Lake Erie for 50 + miles saw many vineyards. Might be a nice place to ride again doing a winery tour.  Saw one Winery named the same as a friend of mine. Took a snapshot and emailed it to him.  Decided to lunch at local diner but heard that the pie shop across the street was probably the better joint.

One creepy moment was when we stopped in front of a cheesy lawn ornament and homemade candy shop to take a picture.  See below to get a sense of what the place was like...
While taking some shots, a guy pulls up in an electric cart and recommends we go inside and check the place out.  Trying to gracefully decline wasn't going to work with this guy so to move along we went inside.

It was a great candy store but it was chock full of the weirdest collection of statues, clothed manikins, Christmas "decorations?", lots of what looked like stage props.  The"merchandise" hadn't moved in years. It had a faint musty odor and a slight yellowed patina from 30 years of jus sitting and waiting and waiting and waiting....  I wouldn't want to be there after dark. We got out of there fast and after pedaling a few more mikes the sun came out! We arrived at the hotel by 2:00 which allowed plenty of time for cleaning the bike, sink laundry, showering, and getting ready for Route Rap.

Went to a nice local restaurant for dinner. The food was good but we only had one waitress for the 20+ of us. The ordering of drinks then taking dinner orders just took forever. I know it's Friday night but it took over an hour for our meals to reach our tables...

Tomorrow will be a tough day. Over 90 miles and 4,600 feet of climbing. But we're getting closer.

Nearly coast to coast, now!

Creepyville. Note the life size Jesus with back to camera.

Not in picture are the Lawn Jockeys, Elephants, and Dinosaurs.  

Here in Erie, PA

I feel like I'm almost home. Riding the 91 miles to Erie, PA, reminded me so much of the roads at home. Rough, pot holes, some stretches of nice pavement, loads of tree-lined streets, and picture perfect homes with tidy lawns. Weather was our friend today.  Started out overcast in low 60's - almost chilly - so I started day wearing my wind vest but left my arm warmers in my bags. It remained cool but pedaling to the first SAG (Supply and Gear) stop generated enough heat to keep me comfortable. I left my wind vest with the crew at that point and enjoyed the remainder of the ride in what I consider perfect cycling weather - low to mid 60's.

The starting time has become much less rigid with most everyone now leaving around 7:00.  It does tend to bunch up with the Legacy Italians and New Italians intermixed with the rest of us for the first  10 miles or so, but as the legs warm up, the New Italians tend to break away first, followed by the Legacy group, then the rest of us fall into riding buddies or groups of buddies and we start setting what feels like a good pace. 

Had a couple of good chuckles and assortment of surprises again, today. First picture below is at the PA border. Notice the state sign is rather unimaginative. While traveling with a buddy today, we stopped to take pictures as we frequently do. It happened at a point where they were re-paving a section of the road. I was asked to take a picture in return for taking mine. Sure. I wasn't sure of what was so interesting about the steamroller pressing out a fresh patch of asphalt but hey, à chacun son goût, oui?

I understood later that it was the picture at the state line sign that was wanted. Oops. I hope I got the sign in their picture. Luckily, later that night it turned out that I accidentally got the sign and the wanted shot.  Phew! 

Along the way we also quizzed each other on which stops came next on each of our riding days.  Without this blog to refer to, I would be "kicked off the Island".  You'd think I'd remember as I was there but the days do seem to collide into each other.

We were glad to get to second SAG stop which was hosted at a local root beer and hot dog stand. Their speciality is the Root Beer Float and their chili dogs. I was lucky to get there when I did because some truck had taken out a telephone pole and the wires had come down across the road blocking traffic in both directions just near the stand. Riders behind us had to figure out a detour around that mess. When we got there power was out. Although we could get root beer and chili dogs, they couldn't do ice cream. I guess they use soft serve ice cream machine to make their floats. No power meant no ice cream. It didn't stop me from enjoying two root beers and two chili dogs, though.

Near the end of the ride today, there was an optional detour to Presaue Isle state park. It's a recreation area along the lake. There are campgrounds, beaches, a large water park, and amusement rides. On the long hill that descended into the park on the way in, we noticed a large arched overpass. I assumed it was pedestrian walkway. On the slower ride out of the park and back up the hill I noticed the familiar clacking sound of a wooden roller coaster ascending a hill followed by the screams and roar as its cars crested the peak and rolled down the slope and over that overpass as we were pedaling by. I had almost forgot that by now, schools are out and it's summer vacation time.

Got to the hotel just a little after 2:00. Wow. We usually stay in nice places, Hampton Inns, Holiday Inn Express, Hilton Garden Inn and the like. But tonight we're on the water in a Sheraton. I'm on the 8th floor with a sunset view over Lake Erie. It's a great place to spend time for our day off. On arrival, I jumped into the shower and then dashed to the laundry to get that chore behind me.  I usually do my bike clothes in the sink each night but I've needed to do some ofmy street clothes too which are better suited to the washer and dryers.

We assembled at the hotel lounge to figure out dinner plans. While assembling there we met a bunch of insurance people gathered for a regional convention. Had a few chuckles with them. There must be 50 or more of them milling around. Nice group of high energy, young folk mostly. Reminded me of my working days when we had our company conferences. 

Our group broke up into a couple of smaller parties where 8 of us took a couple of cabs to a nice Italian restaurant. Food was good and plentiful, and since we sat at a round table, we could all talk and hear each other. We cried tears over a story someone related about a friend who had accidentally got locked out of his room in the middle of the night. We all could relate because of all the changes we've made from hotel to hotel the past 6 weeks. A great night with good friends. 

There's that discreet state sign and the freshly laid pavement. 

I call these guys "Root Beer & Float" 

Chatting up the owner of the Root Beer stand. Good root beer and chili-dogs. 

Just a lonely looking still life at Lake Erie. Well, at least they have each other...

I Can Ride For Miles And Miles.....

"I know (that you read) me, now here's a surprise
I know that you have 'cause there's magic in my eyes

I can (ride) for miles and miles and miles and miles and miles."
- Loosely appropriated from Pete Townsend, The Who

Yes. We made it to Niles, OH.
We've been traveling in this amazingly good (but hot) weather bubble for many days now, and today that bubble burst. This was day 6 of a 7 day string and it was the third day in a row we rode over 90 miles (102, 98, and 94). We may be in fairly good shape, but we are tired. Looking forward to getting to Erie, PA, tomorrow and our last rest day of the tour.

The day was overcast and in mid 70's. After a couple hours on the road or about 40 miles in, the gray skies decided to dump their water. For about two hours, the rain came in torrents. Despite putting on rain jackets but we were soaked through. We did slog on since there was no lightening and temps were tolerable. There were some nasty stretches with narrow side lanes on rather busy highways, but I just focused on maintaining straight lines, riding with ample space between next riders to accommodate longer braking distances with wet brakes and paying attention to the road. It was just a minor speed bump in a great number of superior riding days. I did manage to have a good day considering it all.

But not without some minor mishaps. There were several railroad track crossings in this leg. In the best of conditions crossing them is always a bit dicey. When wet, it's another magnitude of crazy. There was one section of a double set of tracks at an angle to the highway. Four riders went down there at different times and I nearly finished my tour at the same section. I got my front wheel caught in the 4th rail groove but somehow I bounced out and amazingly, pulled out without a tumble - which by all rights I should have gone down (I thank you all for your prayers in days gone by).  The four other riders who did go down luckily had various degrees of bumps and scrapes but no broken bones. There was a bent dérailleur but that was the worst of it. They all completed the day.

There was also a fair amount of climbing - more than yesterday. Everybody was well drained. Despite the tumbles and the sloshy rain period, everyone finished the day. What a hearty group.

I'm reluctant to document what it feels like knowing we have only 8 more riding days before we complete our journey. Something special has happened while we all travelled in a bubble with a common purpose, eating together, commiserating, lots of laughing, lots of singing, some grumbles, sharing aches and pains and remedies. Slowly getting to know more about the people you ride with mile after mile. It is a very special experience that I know will end but one that I'll take with me and will surely last my lifetime.

Although I'm looking forward to returning home to Mike and Buddy - who by the way have been incredibly indulgent in their support for this mad adventure of mine - I don't know how I'll be able to thank my new friends for all they've done to get me through the day to day of getting on that bike and facing another amazing day on the road. I know I'll be a mess come Friday morning at the beach in Revere. I can only hope they understand how much they all have meant to me...

Blah, blah, blah, I'm tired and getting sappy...

A couple quick snaps to follow.

At the food trough. Sometime, it's how I feel trying to shovel in nourishment at breakfast.

Another quick stop for V8 at another gas station

Wildlife spotted at the second SAG stop today. 

Wooster not Worcester, OH

Never quite to know what to expect on any given ride. Sure we look at weather forecast (and the weather service never makes any mistakes), and review the ride route at "Route Rap" each preceding day, but the magic of the day is that you never quite get what you expect.

We've been traveling under threat of rain/T-storms 50%-60 % chance for days now. However, we've been just missing them. Have to admit it must be close to 90% - 100% humidity with temps in the 90's so it's pretty awful. We also expected close to 4,000 feet of climbing with some steeps at 12 - 13% grade. So it was billed as a tough ride.

The temperature prediction was right, the humidity was about right, the steeps were aplenty on the last 16 or so miles of the 98 miles I had logged but the rain stayed away and I had forgotten that we're in pretty good shape from the last 5 weeks of daily rides so although the hills were a challenge, we all got through them like champs.

The unexpected part was the nearly 4 miles of milled road surface which loosened my teeth fillings, sent my seat post to the nether reaches of my insides, and made my calf muscles flap like rags in a wind tunnel. Yes. Surprisingly ugly section of road just before the last 16 miles of climbing.

But like I mentioned, we all got through it like the true champs we've become (modesty is sometimes overrated - I may edit this section out later when I'm not so tired).

On balance another amazing day for everyone.

And of course there was ice cream. And Buckeye Balls. One of the support teams husbands made these chocolate and peanut butter confections for us to welcome us to their home state of Ohio. We had them at the one of the SAG stops today. Great treat.  .  .  Thanks!

We're in the really neat town of Wooster, Ohio. Ate at a local restaurant and had the best meal of tour to date by far. It was real, non-chain, made for individuals food. I had the Italian sausage and Bow Tie pasta with a potato and broccoli soup with a nice glass on Pinot Noire. Others had equally savory dishes. It's actually a place I would go to for a special night out if it were in my hometown.

Sorry for short post tonight. We have another two 90 day rides ahead of us before we get to Erie, PA. Our last rest day before our final week on tour. Time to turn in.

Not a Yelp worthy photo but it was really good food with my favorite friends on tour.

What is Broasted?

Went to a Bob Evans for dinner last night. I was hungry (Big surprise there, hmmm?) I ordered the half chicken plate, with baked sweet potato, and corn. Since we've been eating at chain restaurants, my expectations were on the low side as to how well I'd like the meal. It was the most succulent chicken I've ever had in my life. I don't know what "Broasted" means but whatever it is I have to tell you it must mean crispy outside and juicy and succulent inside - even the breast piece. It  was absolutely incredible.

We were a group of anxious souls this morning. Weather had 60% chance of rain and we had a long 103 miles to travel in hot and humid conditions. Somehow, despite the sweltering humidity, the sun stayed behind high clouds until about noon, when it decided to poke through. Luckily, the wind was at our backs, and despite the temps (I was reading between 92 and 96 degrees) the ride was less of a monster than it could have been.

We crossed into Ohio within just a couple miles from our departure time. After sprinkling our Pacific sand at the base of the state line sign and taking some quick snaps, we were on our way. Had a great time hanging with the "New Italians" for a spell. We picked up two new (strong) riders in Champaign, IL. They were in a group with some of the original Italians who defected to an earlier departure time. Because we had the wind at our backs, we traveled a good couple dozen miles at rather zippy pace (19 + mph).

After a spell we ran into a former riding buddy who had chain issues similar to my issue yesterday. We stopped to give a hand and steady the bike. The chain was eventually wrestled free but we ended up flagging down the SAG van for additional help as we had loosened the front dérailleur.

At that point I continued on paired with anothe rider and we cruised at a good but comfortable clip to the next SAG stop and on to a local ice cream shop just 6 miles from tonight's hotel. What was feared to be a grueling day, turned only to be a hard but satisfying ride. I had an awesome day. Glad it's over - another Century on the books - but tomorrow will probably be the zinger of the week. It's another 98 miler but with a lot of sharp hills in the last 20 miles.. Hot and humid weather will continue. There had better be ice cream or Broasted Chicken.

Bikes lined up before ride. They don't look very antsy to get out there today. 

Sprinkle sand, take the glamor shot, and move it along. Another 100 miles still to go.

What a perfect hang out on a hot and muggy day like today. 

Back on the chain gang.....

There's a guy on a lawn mower mowing this massive lawn.

I believe this is downtown Saint Paris. Stopped here to grab a V8. Great fuel on a day like today..

My two constant companions. My bike and my ice cream.