Vertical: 2517 feet Depart: 6:36 AM Arrive: 1:27 PM
Calories: 4068
Link to Garmin ROUTE DATA
Today was all about a group celebration of a common achievement than about the route or the ride. For the record, it was a perfect day to ride. The weather was probably mid 60s to start, and I don't think it ever got above 80. The route was along lovely tree lined roads and quiet residential neighborhoods, but this was not the focus.
As this first picture shows, virtually the entire group was together for at least a while at the only SAG. Everyone wanted to share in the joint feeling of achievement, and of course, what have become good friends will be going their separate ways.
About 10 miles down the road, we came across a bakery, and again, almost everyone stopped to share the experience with coffee and pastry. We sat outside on the patio and chatted. We had been given a target to be at Rye Middle School no later than 11:30, so we couldn't stay indefinitely. It was still about 11 or 12 miles from the bakery to the middle school.
Once at the middle school, once everyone was accounted for, we assembled for our final group photo. You can see the handsome bunch below.
Of course, once a photo had been taken with virtually everyone's camera, it was off to Rye's Wallis Sands Beach for the final festivities. Here you can see me making the ceremonial dip of the front wheel in the Atlantic. It was a festive occasion.
Once again I was fortunate to have friends in the area. My old friend Doug Joyce and his wife Phyllis, who live in Stratham, NH came down to the beach to greet me at the finish. They are pictured here with Leo and Sue Anderson, who they quickly found had a common interest in sailing. Doug and Phyllis were kind enough to give me a first class tour of the area and a fine dinner on the water to cap the adventure.
Of course, I had to make my way back to the hotel after the festivities at the beach, and couldn't resist a quick side trip across the bridge to Maine, to add one more state to the trip. I stayed about 1 minute, and got back and boxed my bike and showered to be ready for Doug and Phyllis.
This brings us to the end of another wonderful ride. I hope those of you who have been with me through this blog have enjoyed the journey. I can't tell you how much fun it is to make the trip, and what a sense of accomplishment comes from its completion. If you enjoyed the ride, drop me an email to let me know.
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