Post Script: March, 2012

T0 create a memory book of my ride across America, five years later, I needed to transfer my original blog into this formal blogging website. In doing so, I have added nearly 85 additional photos, and made some revisions to add special memories.

Most of the new pictures came from our tour leader, who sold to all of us on the ride a CD containing the over 3000 pictures he took of us during the 32 days. In this way, I was able to add numerous photos of ME.

I also found that I needed to "correct" information I had posted about the Erie Canal. Now that I have completed the Great Loop cruise, I know much more about the Erie Canal than I knew then! I might add, it brought back wonderful memories when I was cruising on my boat along the Erie Canal where I had ridden three years earlier. And twice I took bike rides on some of the same roads in New York we had pedaled during this bike tour.

Also, on the Illinois River, I passed under the same bridge at Meredosia we had cycled across and stopped to take one of the photos in this book (Day 20). Just as Rick and I cruised under that bridge, I phoned Dave Thompson and we reminisced about that biking moment.

I thoroughly enjoyed revisiting my wonderful bike trip, as I transferred each blog entry and added the new photos. It remains one of the highlights of my life.

Emotional completion at the Atlantic Ocean

Day 32, May 24 Keene, NH to Salisbury Beach, MA

Data: 124 miles Riding time 8:09 (15.2 mph avg)

They saved one of the best bike rides for the last day! Up to the lunch stop in Manchester, at mile 77, the mountain scenery and back country roads made it a true highlight of this trip. We had super-steep hills during the first 20 miles, then "regular-steep" hills for the rest of the mountains to Manchester (it was the third-most climbing of any day on this trip).

There also was a lot of internal congratulations among us today. Here I am "holding five" with Scott up a hill early in the day, to share our feelings of accomplishment.

Another highlight this morning was having Chuck and Martha Martin at the 28-mile rest stop to cheer us on. Martha brought homemade brownies for us, which she made after our dinner last night. They were yummy!

We again had rivers running next to our roads much of the time, with waterfalls and lakes and pretty springtime flowers. It truly was one of my favorite rides I've ever had. There were "Moose Crossing" signs, so I kept looking for them and twice ran off the side of the pavement to my right, in front of the Hammers and Karen, whom I was riding with at the time. How embarrassing.

In the middle of the forest, I also noticed this railroad car in back of a mountain home. I slammed on my breaks and turned around to go capture this unique sighting. What made the owner want to bring this here?

I commented to other riders about the churches -- how each of the little "villages" we passed through on these country roads were tiny little towns, yet had about five or six beautiful churches. And many had the exact same statue out in front of a Civil War soldier, to honor their locals lost in that war. Here's one of them in Antrim.

After the lunch break, I rode with Pam most of the rest of the way. We got to ride along a huge, beautiful lake, with no one water skiing on it -- can you believe it? The scenery along the various roads was nice, but the road had a fair amount of car/truck traffic, and also was newly paved; the little "asphalt pebbles" pinging around the bike was kind of strange.

As we got closer to the end, we just wanted to reach the staging area a few miles from the beach, where we agreed to wait until all riders were in so that we could ride to the ocean together. Pam and I got there long after others, but I still had time to eat two ice cream treats from the convenience store. It was actually pretty hot. People were already congratulating each other, and some were getting emotional. The tour leader had written "Smell the ocean" in the bike lane just before this stop, and it got us finally considering our accomplishment. Here are a few of us at the convenience store - Geoff, Steve, Guenter, Bob Long, and Victor.

Once AJ and Dave arrived, we all rode the final few miles, lined up in our matching America By Bicycle jerseys. We looked pretty cool, and passers-by randomly cheered for us. There was no talking, as I think we were all lost in our emotions. Along the way, we couldn't actually see the ocean due to the rise of the sand between us and the beach. We finally made the turn, saw the ocean, and a big crowd of friends and relatives cheered wildly for us. It's hard to describe right now the emotion I felt, but it was one of those special moments I'll not forget. I'm the one with my fist in the air.

Once we arrived, the celebrations began. The mood changed from pensive to festive (but later back to pensive). Pam and Vic even dunked themselves completely into the ocean. We all, of course, had our "victory" photos on the beach and in the surf. First, my beach shot.

Then, my surf shot, with Greg and Kasper (whose wife and son were there from Holland!).

And we also all had our pictures with our front wheels dipped in the Atlantic. I had about 10 of me to choose from with all the photographers out there, and here's the one I chose.

Here is my friend James Keast, who had worked with me in my Nestle role of safety officer for promotional toys. We had even taken a hike together once to visit the St. Francis Dam disaster site north of Valencia.

Eventually, the beach party ended and they put my bike on the van to take to a bike shop to ship home. The somber mood returned for some of us -- for me to be sure. I got this picture of Rob reflecting on what he has just accomplished, and it matches exactly what I was feeling. In fact, I had been sitting for a few minutes in this precise pose before I saw Rob.

James drove me to the car rental place 30 minutes away, toward Boston. Annette flew in and took a taxi and met me there. We zoomed back to the motel, hurried a shower and went to the banquet that already had started. It was a nice evening, as we said our goodbyes and congratulations. 

 Staff ordered a big decorated cake for us.

Our table included Dave and Sandy Thompson, "Berkeley Bill" and his wife, and Geoff. We received certificates of completion, and then said a few words. I feel a sense of accomplishment, but also I can just say I had 32 fabulous bike rides with the support of the staff to make them great.

And here we are in our final group shot. I am just to the left of center in the back row. I'm getting emotional again just looking at this photo...

My final odometer mileage was 3,540 miles for the 31 days of riding. That's a daily average of 114 miles. I loved it all, and am sorry to see it end.

Solo ride through lake and forest beauty

Day 31, May 23 Amsterdam, NY through Vermont, to Keene, New Hampshire

Data: 129 miles Riding time 8:10 (15.9 mph avg)

Another perfect bike ride! They just keep getting better, it seems. The Vermont and New Hampshire countrysides are forested, green, and hilly, with rivers, streams, lakes, gorgeous mountain views, and picturesque villages.

It took me about 15 miles to "get my legs" this morning after yesterday's hard day. I think I was the last rider after 15 miles, but then I felt stronger and caught up. We went northeast away from the Erie Canal, and the highway was less scenic than usual until we got to Mechanicsville. We then crossed the Hudson River, which was exciting for me. When I do the Great Loop, I will take the Hudson up to the Erie Canal and then head west, so I will not pass by this spot. However, others doing the Great Loop elect the route that continues north to here and on to Lake Champlain and eventually to the St. Lawrence River.

East of the Hudson, we began beautiful hilly country roads, including along the scenic Tomhannock Lake. When we got to Vermont, I was with Dave, Geoff, and Jerry.

We took "Scenic Hwy 7" all the way across Vermont. It runs through the Green Mtn National Forest, and also crosses the Appalachian Trail. So you can imagine the beauty! While still in NY, we passed the Hoosic River Falls, and I posed for the camera.

I left my riding buddies in Bennington to visit its Battlefield Memorial, a tall obelisk we could see for miles as we descended into the town. It commemorates an Aug 16, 1777 defeat of the British by the local militia.

Once I stopped for sightseeing, I was on my own, which means more stopping for photos. On many of the long hills we climbed and descended, we were right next to a rushing river, making it special and pretty.

I hate to admit this, but I was by myself and made a wrong turn onto Interstate 91 as I was coming into Brattleboro, VT. Our route sheet said to turn left at "Hwy 9 E/ 5 N". Well, I saw a sign saying that, so I turned. However, I missed the fact that this was the interstate onramp, and the sign was simply pointing out that Interstate 91 also led to 9E and 5N. Anyway, as I was merging onto the freeway, I realized my mistake, but before I could even think what to do next, a state trooper stopped in front of me on the side of the hwy. He got out and sternly said: "You're not allowed to ride here. Turn around and walk your bike back off this onramp right now." Okay, I did! Once I got back to the original road, I went another half mile and got to my left turn, which of course also said "9E/5N".

As you'd expect, I passed many maple syrup stores and even a maple syrup museum.

There was a pretty mountain lake in Vermont and I took this picture while pedaling.

I eventually crossed the beautiful and expansive Connecticut River and was in New Hampshire. Today was our third three-state day on this bike trip. And NH makes state number 14, with only one more state to enter tomorrow.

We traveled on Hwy 9, another designated scenic road, and went up and down hill after hill until reaching Keene. One descent was particularly steep -- Logan got up to 55.9 mph (I got to 46 mph, an all-time record for me). Here's a photo of us riding through wooded roads just as the ABB van and trailer was passing us. I'm at the back in the yellow jacket.

I had a special treat for dinner: Charles and Martha Martin, the parents of a good friend in Simi, Bob Martin, live 23 miles from here, and took me out to dinner at the down-home Family Ties Restaurant. It turns out tomorrow's route goes within three miles of their home northeast of here, and our official rest stop is right there! So, they said they'd come on down and cheer us on. It was so nice to meet them and for them to take me out.

Tomorrow's the final day, and we'll dip our front wheels in the Atlantic Ocean! My friend James Keast, who used to live in Santa Clarita but moved to Massachusetts, will meet us at Salisbury Beach for the ceremony (and then drive me to Amesbury and the car-rental). Annette will get there in time for the final banquet tomorrow night. I probably won't have time tomorrow night to write my update, so you'll need to wait two or three days for an account of tomorrow.

Here's a typical New England church along the way, prim and proper.

Out-sprinting the Dutchman into Amsterdam

Day 30, May 22 Syracuse to Amsterdam, NY

Data: 122 miles Riding time 7:15 (16.6 mph avg)

Another perfect day, including warm weather, and we got to ride along the Erie Canal most of the way! I hope to be going the other direction along the canal in a boat in a year or two, so it was special to see it.

After 25 miles, we got to a long section of the original 1825 canal. Notice how it is only 40 ft wide, and has the tow path. Course, that tree would not have been there blocking the tow lines in 1825!

Much of the first 60 miles today were on country roads with the familiar rolling hills that I enjoy. The tour leader got a shot of me cruising along alone.

Then I came upon something that you'd only discover on a bike ride across the U.S. -- "The World's Smallest Church". As you can see, it was right in the middle of a pond, and a scummy one at that! There was a little power boat at the side to take you out, unless you want to get married in winter and you can just walk out there yourself. Stuff like this cracks me up.

Eventually we got back out on Hwy 5, the one we've been on for much of NY State. The highway normally isn't as scenic as country roads, but today we were along the "canal". It actually is the Mohawk River, but serves as the waterway that replaced the original Erie Canal. It wasn't until we got to Amsterdam that I found a lock, and it had just finished raising two boats (locking them up). I took this photo after the boats were back on their merry way, and this one is a Kadey Krogan trawler much like the one I hope to buy for the Great Loop cruise.

I then went right up to the actual lock and spoke with the lock master about how it all works. While I was speaking to him, he got a call from a boat about a mile away, saying he'd be there soon. The lock master then turned a valve and the water started rushing out of the lock. When it had all gone out and was level with the downstream river, the boat came into view and he opened the gates to prepare for its arrival. I didn't wait for it to arrive, but the whole thing was interesting.

The photo here shows the lock with the water emptied and ready for the gates to open for the oncoming boat. You also can see the dam in the background (the river locks are associated with dams to maintain deep water levels where rapids or falls would normally be).

Along the road today, we came upon another Amish area. This time, a young man was "riding" a small wooden wagon down the shoulder of the highway (pushing with one leg). As before, I felt I should take the photo from my bike from behind. When I then passed him, he gave me a hearty "How are you doing?" He had a full red beard, glasses, and had a pipe in his mouth! Whether he was actually smoking the pipe I don't know, but I sure wish I could have taken a picture of him from the front instead of this one from behind.

I've passed numerous historical markers over the past few days, far too many to stop at each one. Most are about a tavern or home (or other building) that was originally on a site, or an event from the Revolutionary War. Luckily, most were short and in large type, so I could slow down and read the whole thing as I passed by. I stopped three times at historic museum sites, but all were closed today. Every village sign says when it was settled, and the oldest today was 1723, older than yesterday's 1789 towns. As we get farther east, the dates on the markers get older, as you'd expect.

I'm pretty tired tonight because three times today I "hammered" for many miles, usually to catch up to groups way ahead of me. While doing this I usually average about 21 mph.

Since Kasper is from Amsterdam in Holland, we've all been making jokes about his being in his hometown tonight. He was particularly wanting to "win the sprint" to the Amsterdam city sign, but his riding buddies ganged up on him and he was beaten. This requires a little background: Ever since about day 7, his little group of six ("the Dutch Masters) has fun seeing who can be the first person to a city sign. It's similar to intermediate sprints (for points) they do in famous stage races like the Tour de France. Today, Logan started his effort a full mile from the city sign. Kasper finally decided he'd better chase him down, but Brian and Bill Phillipi went right behind him, getting his draft. When Kasper caught Logan, Brian then broke away and Kasper had to chase him down, with Bill in tow. That finally allowed Bill to be fresh enough to win the final sprint! They all got a huge laugh out of it. They then had to turn around and ride back to the city sign for photos with Kasper.

Once I got in and showered, I walked around the town a bit and here was the rushing river tumbling to the Mohawk River below.

Gosh, only two rides left. They should be very scenic. I'm sad it'll be over. I wish I could keep riding all the way back to Los Angeles. And see more signs across America that would be like this one here in Amsterdam, NY.

Upstate New York beauty

Day 29, May 21 Batavia to Syracuse, NY

Data: 128 miles Riding time 7:30 (17.1 mph avg)

Today's beautiful route took us through small hamlets all settled in 1789; through the birthplace of Jello; past one of the finger lakes (Lake Seneca); through Waterloo - where Memorial Day got started; along rolling hills on a lonely country road; over the Erie Canal; and along Lake Onondaga next to Syracuse. Clear sunny skies all day - a great bike ride.

Our actual town tonight is Liverpool, a suburb of Syracuse. So, it sounds funny to say that tomorrow we're riding from Liverpool to Amsterdam!

Only 11 miles out this morning we passed this sign, and I'm pretty sure I'm the only one who saw it. Historic! Momentous!

It was 7 am, so I couldn't explore the Jello Gallery I saw. And, remember all I've been saying about our infatuation with milkshakes? Well, now we know why! This sign in front of a fast-food place explains everything.

The hamlets along our Hwy 20 reminded me of New England. Village greens, taverns, and tall-steepled churches. I saw a marker for Barney's Tavern, 1789. Eventually we got to different scenery -- newer cities, and Lake Seneca, then Seneca Falls where there are canals linking Erie to the finger lakes.

Passing through Waterloo gave us the sign in the photo below. They had a Memorial Day Museum, but I didn't go in. It started on May 5, 1866 to honor Civil War veterans.

Since this weekend is Memorial Day, the whole city was abuzz with getting ready for festivities. Flags were everywhere, and on every home. I rode off the course through some neighborhoods and flags and banners were on just about every home and building.

Flat tire #2. After lunch, I sped along to catch up (since my explore of Waterloo got me way behind again), and I finally caught my morning riding buddies Dave T. and Jerry at about 100 miles. While riding behind them on a highway, I went over something big, and got a flat on the rear tire. However, my wheel also was out of true, so I thought I'd broken a spoke. It was worse; the wheel was seriously cracked at about six of the spoke entries. The wheel was no good. Just then, the ABB van pulled up behind me.

I can't believe my luck -- when I had my first flat, Shane immediately pulled up to fix it for me, and now on my second flat and broken wheel, he immediately pulled up again. He gave me a loaner wheel, and had to move my gear cluster to the loaner.

Then my luck continued, because I rode up on Judd and Dave R. who were just about to head off course to a bike shop. I could buy a new wheel, although I didn't know how I'd carry it the final 8 miles to the motel. They said we'd figure something out. Here's what Dave, Judd, and I did, however, on our way to the bike shop. We could NOT pass up a bakery!

As luck would have it, in the bike store we got to talking about our adventure with various people, and a woman who lived only a block from our motel said she'd bring it here for me! I was all set with a minimum of hassle.

I passed over two Erie Canals. The first was version #2, the man-made dug canal that was widened from 1835 (just 10 yrs after the original opened) to 1862. (I learned that the original canal went right through what is now downtown Syracuse.) The canal was widened from 40 ft to 70 ft, and deepened from 4 ft to 7 ft. The tow path is still on one side, and is now an historic section maintained for public use.

The other Erie Canal I rode over is the current waterway, called the New York State Canal System. I combines the original, where still needed, with a system of natural rivers and lakes. It was actually the Seneca River we went over, and there were several boats out there.

I should note that for the past three nights, only Phil and I have been in the motel room instead of three of us. Another guy's roommate decided to get a room for himself, and the guy asked Kasper if he'd join him. So, I paid only for a triple, but on nine nights on this trip I've been in a double occupancy. Phil keeps saying "we beat the system."

Playing catch-up in the rain

Day 28, May 20 Dunkirk to Batavia, NY

Data: 94.3 miles Riding time 5:31 (17.1 mph avg)

Note: My computer was really slow last night, so I couldn't post anything. I'll do my best to remember yesterday's ride.

The highlight of the day was touring the bicycle museum in Orchard Park, 40 miles into the ride. Here's what it looks like when we all go in somewhere together on our bikes.

The owner gave us a tour and explanation of the history of the bicycle and how it altered society (e.g., leading to the automobile and their rules of the road). The guy personally has collected all the old bikes and mementos on display. There were many examples of the "ordinary", the ones with the huge front wheel and tiny rear wheel. The examples ended with the mid-50s Schwinns and Murrays. The photo is a "radio" bike from 1955.

The ride to the museum was nice - more vineyards, rolling hills, views of Lake Erie, small quaint villages. I thought this picture was cute, with the horse peering at me out of his door.

Much of the morning ride was on a highway with cars, so not as peaceful as the back roads of Ohio; plus it was cold and threatening rain. I took a picture as we crossed over the Catteraugus River because the gorge was so spectacular.

When we left the bike museum, it was raining pretty hard. I was the last to leave, and almost immediately made a wrong turn. It didn't seem right that I should be going west, so I stopped in a guy's open garage to pull out the route sheet to check on directions. Before I could, however, the America By Bike van went by in the same direction I'd been going, and it always follows our route. Right. So I kept going. After 4 miles, I just knew it couldn't be right, so I checked again, and had to backtrack those four miles -- in the pouring rain. When I asked about this later, they said they were going to a grocery store, and I'm of course NOT supposed to follow them, I'm supposed to use the route sheet!

Since I was WAY back in last place now, I decided to "hammer" to catch up. Eventually it stopped raining, so it made it easier to ride fast. I skipped the Millard Fillmore House in East Aurora, but later joked with people that I was late because I spent the afternoon touring it (of course it was a believable tale, because that fits my reputation on this ride).

Due to the rain, my speedy effort, and the busy highway we were on, I took no photos after the bike museum. Since I don't have many photos for the day, I'll stick in one I took back by Lake Erie of a boat that was exactly like the one I owned from 1986 to 88.

I eventually caught several people, even riding with AJ while he told me two jokes (he loves to tell jokes -- long, drawn-out ones). I even "saved" Berkeley Bill: I was climbing a hill and saw the ABB van coming behind me. Just before it reached me, I crossed a street and noticed a rider going up that street to the right instead of straight. I flagged down the van and they headed up after the rider. I learned later it indeed was one of ours, and he had gone the wrong way and was almost out of sight. It also was another case of my always looking at all possible scenery in all directions, instead of just watching the road or wheel in front of me. This is why I've seen so much of America along our tour.

Here's one more picture from the bike museum. We all got to take turns riding on top of the "ordinary", high up on that tall front wheel. Here's Pam trying it.

When I got in, I joined the many riders cleaning their bikes, which is necessary after it rains. We use a hose, rags, and brushes for the gears.

And we need to clean and dry our outer clothing, and eat, and go to Rap, and get everything out for tomorrow, and check e-mails, and write our blogs, and...