Reflections

I promised to do a final entry on my blog which would be a reflection of the trip. I seem to have been avoiding this and it is probably because I have to accept that the adventure has ended. It was an incredible journey with many fond memories, some I might want to forget, and new friends that I never will forget. Special thanks to the support of my husband, my kids and grandkids and to the Summerville bicycling group, all of whom supported my dream, my training, and the trip itself.

For anyone who might be interested in a trip like this in the future, I was extremely pleased with Crossroads. Tracy and her staff were organized, supportive, and fun. There was never a question about our safety and well being. It was great that they were able to support our individual goals, even as those goals changed over time. And we had many a laugh along the way over the small and big foibles that occurred.

Was I ready for this ride when I started? Probably as ready as I could be. You simply cannot be totally ready for a ride like this. This trip is about riding. While you will see lots of country along the way, your focus has to be on the road (the wheels in front of you, the sand on the highway, the cones along the edge, the trash in the breakdown lane, the potholes, the roadkill, etc.) Any lack of attention can result in a spill as many of us discovered. Because the miles are long each day, there is little time for side trips to interesting spots. If you are a fast rider, you have some time for coffee and pastries. If you are a slow rider, like me, you just keep pedaling because you want to have at least one hour to clean your bike and body and rest a bit before route rap. Having said that, I do have a large scale sense of the country and what each part looked like.

I became a stronger rider as the days went on. For me it was physical strength, but also mental strength. About Missouri I gave up feeling badly because I was the slowest rider and would be spending many hours on the road alone. I realized the wind is the wind, the road is the road, the hill is the hill, and my job was to deal with each one as it came along. Had I realized this at the beginning, I probably would have ridden every mile. As it was I rode the vast majority of the miles. I got on the bike every day and did the best I could do that day. When I rode with others it was a real treat. When I rode by myself it was a real treat.

My trusty Trek held up wonderfully. I don't think I can complain one bit about having one flat tire the whole way. I would, however, invest in a good saddle if I could do the whole thing over again. Mine was not comfortable and my bottom never came to like the trip. So I am now looking into getting a new one.

Would I do this again? Absolutely! I am ready to go. While I plan the next adventure, I will continue to train to ride faster and climb better.

The friendships I made on the trip are very precious to me. Each individual had their strengths and life gifts for each of the rest of us. As we go forward I know we will stay in touch and many of the friendships will grow.

Final Day - Burlington MASS to Revere Beach

The final ride to Revere Beach was a happy and sad ride. We were all so excited that we were riding 18 miles and would have made it across the USA when we got to Revere Beach. However, many of us were sad that the adventure was over. We left the hotel as a single group and rode to the rendezvous point five miles from the beach. We had become a real team over the weeks and wanted to stay together the entire 18 miles. Once we were at the rendezvous point we lined up two by two to ride in to the beach. My daughter, grandson, her mother-in-law were among the group waiting for us. Jack had made a poster saying "Way to go Grams". It was wonderful to see him and the rest of the welcoming committee.

After taking the group photo we dipped our wheels in the Atlantic Ocean. We have all had our own personal ride and grown in our own ways over the 7 weeks. The memories we share and the experiences we had will never leave us. It was truly sad to say good-bye to everyone.

That evening we had the final banquet. The staff surprised me by giving me the "map" as recognition of the inspiration I provided during the ride. I may not have been the fastest but I was determined to ride the most miles I could every day. Sometimes that meant I came in as much as an hour later than everyone else.

I will post one more blog entry in a couple of days. That will be a reflection on the trip.

Brattleboro VT to Burlington MA

Miles: 91
Elevation Gain: 5800 ft

As our last big day of riding, this was a really tough one. We left Brattleboro and immediately crossed into New Hampshire and started climbing. The climbs were not as long as yesterday but there was hill after hill after hill for 35 miles. And some of them were quite steep. My legs were screaming after yesterdays climbs. Once we crossed into Mass the hills settled down a bit. However, there was still 60 miles to ride.

I was determined to do the whole ride today if at all possible. This morning there was a prediction for severe storms early in the afternoon. Believe me there were several times this afternoon when I was wishing for the storm so I would be forced off the bike. Actually I am glad I could finish but it was really hard.

As usual I was the last one in to the hotel. It was so wonderful because several of the riders were in the parking lot waiting for me. The picture is of Chris and I.

Tomorrow we ride as a group to the beach. It will be a very emotional ride. I cannot believe what we have accomplished.
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Albany NY to Brattleboro NY

Miles; 78
Elevation gain: 6100 ft

Today was a huge day in many ways. First, we only have one more long day of riding. So it felt important to me to do the whole day. There was a lot of climbing. One climb was 7.1 miles. The slope was fairly gradual for 5 miles and then became a lot steeper. But it was relentless with many false summits. Of course the good side of all that was the downhills after the climbs. Again the skies were cloudy which kept the heat down.

Leaving Albany was not much fun. The roads were under construction and the drivers were not very nice. I was very glad to get out of town. However there was a lot of traffic most of the day.

I find it so hard to believe the trip is almost over. Just one more day of long riding. It seems like we have really jelled as a group the last couple of weeks. It will be an emotional day tomorrow and Friday.
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Little Falls NY to Albany NY

Miles: 70.3
Elevation Gain: 2800 ft

Well this was our last day of relatively easy riding. The terrain was fairly flat. Or at least the climbs were long and not too steep. The next two days will be serious climbing.

We rode along the Mohawk River today. The scenery was very pretty. The weather was quite nice--overcast and cool with a few raindrops at the end of the ride. The picture of the Blessings Tavern was taken because it was a tempting place at the end of the day. However we still had several miles to ride.

I am starting to feel sad that the adventure is almost over. This has been a terrific challenge. I find it hard to believe that it is nearly over.
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Syracuse NY to Little Falls NY

Miles: 77
Elevation Gain: 2300 ft

Another great day for riding. The weather was quite cool. In fact this morning it clouded over and was cool enough for me to put on my vest. The terrain was reasonable. There were some climbs but nothing serious. There was a good shoulder on the road. That is good because the traffic was heavy. We went along more of the Erie Canal. Two of the pictures are from along the Erie.

We came across a small pond covered with algae. In the middle of the pond was a very small church. The only thing missing was the alligators which you would have found in South Carolina.

Today we talked to a young woman on the road who was taking a year off from college. She was riding from Connecticut to Seattle. She was on a pretty old bike, didn't really have her route mapped out, and seemed naïve about what she was facing. I hope she makes it ok.

Anyone who is a bike rider, be sure to always wear a helmet. The 5th crash resulting in a cracked helmet occurred today.


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Canandigua NY tp Syracuse NY

Miles: 69
Elevation Gain: 3100 ft

Another great day for riding. It was beautiful clear skies when we left. We rode by Lake Senaca and had a great view of the lake for several miles. The countryside was quite beautiful. One advantage of climbing is the views you get when you finally get to the top of the hill.

It took a long time for my legs to warm up today. I also seemed quite tired today. Several of the riders said they felt the same way. I think maybe our bodies are wearing down.

At the SAG the sky started to look very threatening. After yesterday's storm we all got a little concerned. However, luckily no rain ever hit and the sky cleared up again. We rode past the Erie Canal today before coming into Syracuse.

The best part of today was spending time with my friend Sheila. She and I used to work together at CSC. We went to a great little restraunt and caught up on our lives and mutual friends.

It is so hard to believe we only have four more days of riding. This has been such a great adventure.
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Hamburg NY to Canadaigua NY

Miles: 85 of 94
Elevation Gain: 5000 ft

As you can see today was a long day with lots of climbing. Each climb wasn't too bad but it was one after another (rolling hills). I was well on my way to finishing the 94 miles when the sky started to look very threatening. I was pedaling fast but you can't outrun a thunderstorm. All of a sudden I could smell the rain. A few minutes later the wind storm hit along with the rain. I was very nearly blown over. I got off the bike and luckily was abe to find a building right off the road where I could get under the eaves. The van driver came back and picked me up along with 3 other riders.

The picture of the horse is a statue that was out in the middle of a field. There was no apparent reason for it to be there.

We crossed 3000 miles today. I just can't believe that. I am starting to feel sad that this will be ending soon.
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Erie PA to Hamburg NY

Miles: 78
Elevation gain: 2600 ft

What a beautiful day for a ride. The temperature was relatively cool, the sky was blue, the winds were light, and views of Lake Erie and the vineyards were great.

Yesterday was a rest day and was much needed. While finding a laundromat, Chris and I found a beauty shop and got hair cuts. That was much needed in my case. Then we went down to the Lake and enjoyed just sitting quietly by the water. We also found two very good restaurants, one with French cuisine.

I decided today that vineyards make very good Green Doors. That is a term we use when rest room facilities are not available. The views of the vineyards and the lake were magnificent. We also passed a very old historic light house.

Today we crossed into New York. The roads have shoulders on them. So that is good. However, as with all shoulders there is debris that is hard on bike tires. Cathy hit something which caused her tire and tube to blow. She had lots of help fixing it.

I rode with 5 other riders for many of the miles today. They slowed down a bit to let me keep up and I sped up so I wouldn't hold them back too much. It was good for me to push since it was a lower mileage day.
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Niles OH to Erie PA

Miles: 89
Elevation Gain: 2500 ft

Today was a great ride. For a change it was not raining when we left the hotel. The sky did cloud over pretty soon but no rain fell. By the end of the ride the sun was out. The best part was a substantial tail wind most of the day. And oh yes, there were only a few hills to climb with lots of slight downhill runs.

The second SAG stop was really fun today. As you can see from the picture it as at an outdoor root beer stand. They served the best root beer floats. I talked with the owner and the place has been in their family for 58 years.

There were lots of old barns during the route. The silo picture is of a brick silo. I had never seen a brick one before.

We crossed another state line today - Pennsylvania. The roads improved and they even had shoulders. I also saw the first of the vineyards today. I am sure there will be a lot more in New York.

Today was garbage day in Erie. Because of the high winds they were blowing all over after being emptied. One rolled out into the road in front of me. Fortunately neither I nor the cars hit it. Just shows how alert you always need to be.

Tomorrow is a rest day and we are all ready for it. Hard to believe this is our last rest day.
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Wooster Ohio to Niles Ohio

Miles: 94
Elevation Gain: 4500 ft

Another long ride in Ohio. It was raining (ever so lightly) when we left this morning. Fortunately it was overcast again all day which kept the heat index down.

The terrain continued to be hilly but fortunately the hills were the first half of the ride today. In fact there was a 2 mile climb just as we left the hotel. My legs took a long time to loosen up today. So the ride was not a fast one. Well mine are never fast but this was slower than normal.

The roads were the worst ones on the trip. There was an area that was so broken up there was no way to avoid the holes. I am surprised my bike is still in one piece. The drivers were the worst I have encountered on the trip. There were several close calls today.

There was a lab-mix dog that several of us "rode with" today. It was not interested in chasing us but only in running along with us. It ran with one rider for 5 miles. Then later we came by and it ran with us for 3 miles. We tried to go fast enough to outrun it but couldn't do it. I hope it found it's way back home.

One more day of riding and we have a day off. It is hard to believe we will be in Erie, PA, tomorrow. This adventure is almost over.
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Marysville Ohio to Wooster Ohio

Miles: 86 of 97
Elevation Gain: 5000 ft

I found today to be a very hard day of riding and my legs and mind couldn't quite do all of the miles. I am actually quite tired and the tiredness is slowly overtaking me. I guess I need a boost of firepower.

We left just after a rainshower and the skies were overcast most of the day. That was a good thing. I didn't ride nearly as well as yesterday but plugged along. Once again the country was quite pretty. The fields of wheat are starting to turn.

We had been warned that the last 30 miles of the 97 would be bad hills and they were not kidding. Some were fairly long and were 12% grade. I made it up a couple of them with legs burning. Then I came to three that I could no longer climb and walked up. After a while I didn't even have legs for the flats. The descents felt like the bike was going to shake apart because the road was so rough. Can you tell that I didn't enjoy this section that much.

We have a 91 mile day tomorrow. The climbing will be first thing out of town. Yippee. Won't that be fun.
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Richmand Indiana to Marysville Ohio

Miles: 105
Elevation gain: 3500 ft

This was a great day for riding. The sky was overcast all day but we didn't have any rain. The overcast kept the temperature down which was most welcome given that we had 105 miles to ride.

We crossed into Ohio first thing this morning. I find it hard to believe we are this far east. I am starting to realize this adventure will be coming to an end.

Today was a great day for riding because we were on back roads all day. Since it was Sunday the traffic was light also. We saw a lot of the midwest farming areas. I enjoyed the ride a lot. The only problem I had was the pain of sitting on top of that saddle all day. I guess that problem will stay with me the whole way. My legs seem to be doing ok and I felt stronger all day. That is good because the next two days are century rides.
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Indianapolis to Richmond Indiana

Miles: 84

We left in the rain this morning. It wasn't raining very hard but the prospect was for rain all day so we were all appropriately covered. It didn't rain very hard or very long. However, the clouds stayed all day and kept the temperature down.

The countryside changed a bit today. The last 40 miles we started to get the rolling hills of eastern Indiana. There were a lot of old buildings. The picture is of a very large old barn that must have been quite a fantastic structure in its day. We saw the first of the Amish buggies on the road. There was an orchard that must have had 50 scarecrows in it. I couldn't get a good picture of all of them so just tried to get one of them.

One of the big challenges for these rides is getting us into and out of the big cities in a way that avoids as much heavy traffic as possible. Today we were coming in on a four lane road which had construction shutting down two of the lanes. The drivers were not too impatient (probably because it was Sat). But it is hard to negotiate traffic when you are really tired.
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Crawfordsville IN to Indianapolis IN

Miles: 70.4

Today started out very slowly. This was a day that I really didn't want to get on my bike and ride. However, the interesting part of doing this ride is that you have no choice but to go - either on the bike or in the van. I didn't sleep well last night. Add to that the fact that we left an hour early because of the threat of storms this afternoon. So I got on my bike and started pedaling.

The cue sheet for today was long and complex. We went through the countryside and subdivisions in order to void heavily traveled roads. It turned out to be a wonderful ride. Making so many turns actually made the ride go faster. You never knew what was around the next corner. There were still a lot of corn fields but we started riding on roads that were shaded by trees along the side. Our SAG stop was at a dairy farm. The couple open up their house for us to use the restroom. And they thoroughly seem to enjoy talking to the riders.

The highlight of the day was a side trip to the Major Taylor veledrome. Major Taylor was a black rider/racer from Indiana. He was not well accepted in Indiana (or in the rest of the US). They let is ride on the veledrome. That was a cool experience. You never change gears, use brakes, or look down once you are on it. But I felt quite secure. I didn't look down to see how fast I was going. I doubt it was that fast.

We didn't get caught in any storms today. Hopefully our luck holds out tomorrow.
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