Christmas!

So I don't know that anyone is reading this since I haven't posted anything and I'm not having cross country cycling adventures but I thought it'd be nice to have my Christmas card and letter posted here. So - here it is!

2015 was a year of awesomeness for me! I rode my bicycle from San Francisco, CA to Portsmouth, NH. Amazing. Not easy! But amazing in so many ways. The first five months of the year were spent preparing - mainly riding my bicycle a lot in all kinds of weather. The next two months were spent pedaling and fueling. Fueling is like eating but athletes call it fueling just because it sounds better. The last five months have been much less scripted, just kind of doing what sounds fun and feels good. With the exception of work. As you might imagine, taking two months off to ride my bike means I haven't had many days off since returning. But I do have one of the coolest bosses around to let me have the time off work for that trip.

The fourth day of the ride, we pedaled from Auburn to Truckee. Our route followed I-80. Sometimes we were on the freeway, sometimes on a side road. It was a challenging day with a lot of climbing. I tried to look around and enjoy the scenery and soak in the whole experience. At one point, as I looked at the mountains surrounding me, I had a brief glimpse of what a tiny speck on the North American continent I was. And I was riding my bike all the way across. And that was exactly why I wanted to do it on a bike! It did make me feel rather small and insignificant but at the same time, seeing my smallness in contrast to all that surrounded me, it made me intensely grateful that the God who created all this also created me, loved me, and knew where I was and what I was doing. 

Fast forward a few days to the beauties of Nevada. A day came that I had expected; a day when the enormity of the task before me really sank in. I knew excitement and adrenaline would carry me through the start of the journey but I also knew that would wear off. It did. I looked at the map that day and how far we'd come - a long ways! - but we had soooo far left to go! There was no doubt in my mind that I could do it, that I would finish the journey. I had committed myself to the task but it did seem pretty overwhelming. I worked on enjoying the moment, finding pleasure in my surroundings and companions, and just kept pedaling. I kept the big goal in mind but tried not to let it loom too large. There were definitely challenging days but overall, it was just a blast. And if you consistently do small things well, they add up to big things like wheeling your bike down to dip the front tire in the Atlantic Ocean!

I can draw a lot of parallels to this experience but one stands out right now for me, especially at this season of the year. John 3:16 - For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. God's Son, Jesus Christ, came to this world to save us. The scriptures say he received not of the fullness at first but received grace for grace. I think maybe he didn't realize the enormity of the task all at once. Maybe, like me, he had an understanding of the task at hand but when he was in the midst of it, he suddenly realized how difficult it was going to be. Mark 14:33 says when he was in Gethsemane he began to be sore amazed. He even asked if there was an alternate plan. However he'd committed himself to the task and he would complete it. How grateful I am to the "author and finisher of our faith"! And how grateful I am to his Father, my Heavenly Father, for being a finisher as well. The world may be in chaos, our lives may be in chaos, but there is a God and he does have a plan and it is a 100% plan. He didn't get 95% done and call it good enough. It's a plan that covers everyone and He will finish it. It is my faith in his plan that enables me to move forward and find joy in life and have hope for the future. 

I am so grateful for my wonderful family and the many amazing friends I have in my life. Thank you to each of you for your goodness and the love and joy you have shared with me. A special thanks to so many who shared my journey this summer. Whether you were there in person or in spirit, you made the trip so much sweeter and more meaningful than it would have otherwise been. May you have a very Merry Christmas and may the coming year be a joyous one for you and yours.

Day 52 - Manchester to Portsmouth

I'm not entirely sure why I've put off writing this post for so long. I've just lost interest? Or this will really bring the adventure to an end? As if sitting at a desk 8 hours a day didn't indicate that it's been over for a while. There may be some subconscious reason but that all comes to an end today. It's been six weeks since we rode our bikes to the beach. I feel like I still remember it pretty well although it also feels like a long time ago. Here is my take on the last day of the tour.

Breakfast at 6:00, load at 6:45. Early! You might have thought the last day they'd let us sleep in!

 We were in our AbB jerseys and there were red, blue, and silver beads being passed out. I had my squirt gun loaded and in my jersey pocket. Just in case.

It was just another beautiful day to be out on the bike! The New Hampshire roads were lined with trees, the temps were pleasant. There was still some climbing to be done but after all, who wants 65 miles of downhill to the beach? ME! ;) I think that's Russ out in front, Udo in front of Fiona. With the shorter distance we seemed to be less spread out than usual.

Spent some time riding with Andy as well. Had some nice freshly paved roads. I love Colorado but riding through scenery like this, I was not anxious to return to my customary training rides!

We all needed to meet at Rye Junior High by 11:30 which was 52 miles from our starting point. We made it to Exeter and the 40 mile mark in plenty of time to stop off at a coffee shop and share a drink and snack with quite a few of our riders. 

We were meeting a police escort at Rye Junior High to take us the rest of the way to the beach as a group. We got there with time to relax and chat and take some photos. Here we have (left to right) Veronica, Russ, Rene, Andy, Jeremy, Doug, Dave, Ingun, PC, and Brantley.

There may have been enough time for some tom-foolery as well. Don't worry, I didn't stay dry either!

Me, Fiona, and Patty

Me and Michael

Just chillin' on the front steps - Vern, Michelle, Barry (Texas Barry) and Jed

And one last picture with the whole crew! Back row is Veronica, Barry (Texas), Udo, Russ, Jeremy, Gene, PC. Third row is Andy, Dave, Ingun, and Jed. Second row is Vern, Barry (Ohio or Red Barry), Michelle, Rene, and Kathi. Front row - which is a bit jumbled - is Brantley, Dick, Konnie, Doug, Marv, Jane, Kettie, Fiona, Patty, Michael, and Shane. What a fun group of people!

And then we were off to Wallis Sands State Beach! It was only about a three mile ride. Fun to have the police escort though so we could take up the entire lane and not worry about traffic. You can see Kathi and Patty here with others behind. They'd passed out noise makers at the junior high and we were all whooping and hollering as we rode along. And then all of a sudden there we were. They announced over the loud speaker that we had ridden our bicycles from San Francisco and were finishing our cross country ride so we had some people cheering and some people asking us questions and congratulating us. My moment of fame I guess!

We took off our shoes and trooped down to the water to take some photos! It was kind of a gray hazy day which matched our San Francisco beach day pretty well. A lot warmer though!

I can't imagine a better traveling companion. We had a blast all the way across the USA!

Meet Jane - one of the staff and an amazing person. As I gave her a hug she thanked me and told me I'd made it a remarkable journey for them.

Them meaning she and her husband Gene who was our mechanic. Always happy to lend a hand and fix whatever Fiona had done to her bike. ;)

Then we figured we'd ride our bikes to Maine, just for fun! I rode up wtih Fiona, Patty, and Dick. We stopped in Portsmouth on our return journey for some ice cream then headed to the motel. And that's when it really started hitting me that the whole thing was coming to an end. :( Shane took me and my bike over to the bike shop so I could drop it off to be packed and shipped back to Colorado. I felt lost without my bike!

It was late afternoon by the time I was showered and ready for anything. Rene had made reservations for us all to dine as a group at Jumpin' Jay's in Portsmouth. Some went in earlier, Fiona, Patty, me, and my parents came a little later in a taxi. It was a fish place - to be expected I suppose - so I had limited options and ate steak my last night. After eating, we used modern technology to find a walking route back to the motel and since it was only about a mile and a half we - me, my parents, and Fiona - decided to stroll back. It was a pretty walk and relaxing after the busy day.

We captured a beautiful sunset and reflection off the north mill pond and enjoyed strolling past some nice New England homes. It was a lovely end to the day and the trip. 

Day 51 - Brattleboro VT to Manchester NH - 77 miles

I approached this day with a little bit of trepidation because I'd heard this was the second hardest climbing day of the trip. I also told myself that if I'd survived 50 days of this tour - which I had! - I could surely survive this one. :) So off we went!

One mile from the motel we crossed into New Hampshire! There tends to be a bit of a pile up as everyone lines up for pictures.

Ohio Barry got sand in his cleats and couldn't disengage his shoe from his pedal. Correcting this involved chucking the shoe repeatedly at the road with great force and a fair amount of cursing. Worked though! :)

Nice shot of Patty, PC, and Ingun at the rest stop.

Nice row of bikes at the sag stop in Francestown

It doesn't get much better than this - a freshly paved road, no traffic, beautiful surroundings!

And then if you happen to be with a good friend and you find a little cafe right by the river - perfect.

And they bring her water in a wide mouth jar...

New Boston is a lovely little place!

This is the south branch of the Piscataquog River.

Look at that map! We are almost done! It seems crazy that I've pedaled my bike across all those states. San Francisco already seems a life time ago.

We got settled in at the motel and made our way down the street for our last Dairy Queen run of the trip, then went back to our room to work on our poem for the evening festivities. My parents arrived and it was fun to welcome them to New Hamphire. We had a closing banquet that night with a BBQ feast brought into the motel. After eating, the staff presented us each with finisher certificates and a mini-sag stop. That involved a water bottle, granola bar, and check-in sheet. They took turns giving them to different people and then we could say a few words if we felt so inclined. It was fun to listen to everyone and hear bits of how they felt about our journey.

Gene presented me with my parting gifts and shared a few thoughts. He started off by referring to me as one of the Milkshake Twins. :) He said we were the last to load, the last to leave, the last into the sag stop, the last into the motel but that I always had a big smile on my face and we were always having a great time. If they needed to go look for us, they started with the nearest ice cream shop! It wasn't strictly true as Andy was frequently loading and leaving after us, we weren't always last in either, and I can't truthfully say that I always had a smile on my face but I tried! It got a laugh though and was nice to hear.

I shared just a couple of thoughts and told everyone how much I enjoyed them and how fun it was to ride with them. I had been able to ride with everyone at some point and that was fun. I also commented on how just an ordinary person can accomplish extraordinary things if they are consistent and diligent. Then Fiona and I pulled out our papers and shared our poem. :)

(Kettie) When we set out from San Fran to cross the USA

We never dreamed of all the things we'd learn along the way.

(Fiona) Now we have reached New Hampshire, almost time to say goodbye.

So much has happened along the way - it's hard to condense but we'll try!

(Kettie) Shouts of gravel! (Fiona - gravel!) Slowing! (Fiona - slowing!) Stopping! (Fiona - stopping!) (Both) HOLE!

Are phrases that we quickly learned to save our life and soul.

(Fiona) How to find the nearest subway or your favourite kinda shake

How to read a cue sheet so the right turns we could make.

(Kettie) Collecting all our quarters so our clothes are nice and clean

Respecting Mother Nature and the merits of sunscreen

(Fiona) "Passing on your left!" we'd say but never on your right

(Kettie) Because it is not legal and you may just start a fight

(Fiona) This bike ain't gonna ride itself (Kettie) Holy Cow! (Fiona) Begone with you!

Are some of the phrases that we've heard just a time or two

(Kettie) It's a factor (Fiona) You've got two choices (Kettie) See you up the road!

Checking the whiteboard every night to see what time to load (Fiona - 6:45, really??)

(Fiona) We cycled through California, Utah and K-A

You didn't have to pedal far to find a scorching day

(Kettie) Nevada was a different state, I-80 all the way!

Colorado was so beautiful we were really keen to stay.

(Fiona) Missouri brought the rollers, always up or always down

Illinois we pedaled onwards but couldn't find a town (Kettie - with a loo! Fiona - or a cafe!)

(Kettie) Indiana brought more row crops: soy bean, corn and wheat

Ohio had the best of roads, they really were a treat! 

(Fiona - for the Americans in the audience that is sarcasm)

(Fiona) In Erie Pennsylvania we found the loveliest of places.

Hotel Avalon awaited us with all it's charming graces

(Kettie - more sarcasm here!)

(Kettie) The next day started stormy but we really didn't care

Coz anywhere we ended up we'd be better off than there!

(Fiona) The greenery was abundant as we cycled further east.

New York gave us a lot of rain and quite the visual feast.

(Kettie) The last 2 states came quickly: Vermont and New Hampshire

With all the natural wonders - there was so much to admire!

(Fiona) Tomorrow we leave Manchester (Kettie) As we head towards the coast

(Fiona) There we complete our journey (Kettie) And then we all can boast!

(Fiona) We hope you liked our little rhyme (Kettie) And now it's time to say

(Both) How much we've enjoyed your company for 52 LONNNNG days!

It was a fun performance and well received by the audience. It was a nice time together and it was fun to have my parents there to share in it.

Lots of frosting on those cupcakes!

They had us all sign the map and show where we were from. Following tradition, they selected one person from the group to receive the map. Marv was selected which was a great choice. Then off to bed to get rested for one last day of riding!

Day 50 - Latham NY to Brattleboro VT - 79 miles

Brekkie at 7:00, load at 7:45 - hurray! A later than average start to the day. Any time breakfast was later then six we were pretty happy.

Not far into our ride we encountered road construction. Seems to be pretty common in the summer. Luckily no one was working there and we could walk our bikes through without needing to detour off our route.

After many days with pretty negligible climbing, the Green Mountains gave us an opportunity to see if we still had any climbing legs. The answer would be yes although some were less thrilled than others. About 30 miles into the day we crossed into Vermont - woot woot!

It wasn't generally super steep but it was definitely UP! And not just the short rollers either. We had climbs of up to 8 miles which brought some sweet downhill stretches as well. :) We also noticed that the foliage was denser and closer to the road. Not as many cleared fields and open land as we'd seen through much of New York. Very pretty, very green, not as many long views. It was hot and humid and I was pretty drippy most of the day.

We stopped off in Wilmington at a gallery, perused the paintings, and asked for lunch recommendations. We stopped in at a little place just a mile or so down the road. Turned out to be quite tasty and although we started as a table for two, that expanded as Gene, Jane, Jed, and Vern all showed up as well.

Mile 62 brought us to the summit and the "100 Mile View". I don't know if it was 100 miles or not but you could see a long ways! 

Soaking up some rays!

This was an ice cream opportunity which I turned down because we'd heard about the great ice cream place by the motel. It was another 17 miles into and through Brattleboro to the motel. Some nice downhill but still a bit of climbing to keep us awake. After checking in and cleaning up we set out for ice cream and were devastated to see that the ice cream place was closed. :( We trekked quite a ways down the street looking for other options. We eventually hit some fast food places but nothing sounded appealing. We bought ice cream bars at a gas station and called it good. That was a bit disappointing as I was really trying to take advantage of my last few days of the trip for maximum ice cream consumption. Food for the evening was a pizza party at the motel which tasted pretty good. We went to bed anticipating entering our last state of the trip the next day!

Day 49 - Little Falls to Latham - 77 miles

The town of Little Falls just had kind of a rundown feel to it, as did the motel. My feelings might have been influenced by the fact that they didn't have an elevator and we were on the second floor. I really wasn't excited about lugging my bike and luggage up and down the stairs. I mean, yeah I'm tough and I'm riding my bike across the USA but still. Bikes up and down the stairs are just awkward, especially when you're built as close to the ground as I am. 

Given the wet weather and my tiredness of the previous day, I was not sad to be leaving Little Falls behind and moving on!

We saw more Amish signs although we didn't see any Amish buggies this day. It also started raining right about NOW! Fortunately it was fairly light and didn't last too long. 

We stopped off at Fort Klock for a look around, the first fortified homestead built in the area and still maintained by a descendant of the original settlers.

We stopped at a gas station in Fonda for a loo stop and a look at snacking options and spotted these premade shakes. We'd seen them before but not sampled them so it seemed like the perfect opportunity! First step - select your flavor! Nicely frozen, Fiona gives it the DQ Blizzard teset.

Select your desired thickness

The machine adds whatever, blends it up, and presents it back to you for your pleasure and enjoyment.

Find a straw

and sample it

Not too thick to get through the straw but not too thin

An easy way to get 600 calories of frozen tastiness. :) It doesn't match up to Braum's Dairy but it'll do!

This day we encountered a lot of riders who were doing an organized ride along the Erie Canal. It was fun to see so many people out but we were not used to sharing the roads and paths with packs of cyclists. We had some nice bike paths to navigate along the canal - paved this time - and we stopped off to see what was going on at Lock 8.

The Margot and her barge were being lifted. This was the first lock I saw in action.

Patty, Marv, Michael, and Konnie were here at the same time as we were.

Fiona developed a rash on her arm and was trying to blame it on my bike giving her poison ivy. It wasn't really. The Margot is up and ready to go!

Getting the barge moving.

After lunch at Jumpin' Jacks Drivein, which was also our second sag stop, we got onto another pretty bike path which had some fun downhill sections.

We tried stopping off at a gallery in Niskayuna but they closed just before we got there. Pretty spot though!

About a mile from the motel we took a left instead of a right and got a few bonus miles in. Nothing major but slightly frustrating. I was pretty hot and thirsty and ready to be done. We backtracked and found our way in. At the front desk, I was informed that I was not on the list. I didn't really care as long as Fiona was! But the clerk wanted to be clear on the matter. Whatever buddy. This was one motel where they were serious about their client privacy. They weren't giving out room numbers to anyone who wasn't on the list and they didn't even say the room numbers, just wrote them on the key holder. Kathi was kind enough to grab my bags to bring to the room so I wouldn't need to make two trips. We were on the second floor so took the elevator up but the numbers ran out before we got to our room. After asking one of the maids, we discovered that we were in the other building. This was seldom a problem because we were usually in small enough places that it was one building. This was a pretty big complex though. So back down the elevator, through a small maze, to another elevator and a ways down the hall and we finally reached our room! There was a t-shirt swap going on at 5:15. I'd brought a Colorado t-shirt to swap but we were late getting in and after the hassle of getting into the room I wasn't all that keen on trekking over for the swap. Fiona didn't have a t-shirt to swap so we just hung out and relaxed. Later that evening I was chatting with Dick who also had a t-shirt to swap but hadn't gone to the official swapping. I am now the proud owner of an Atlanta Braves shirt. Mens XL.

My cousin Kirsten lives in Albany! So she and her friend Solon came by and picked me up for dinner and a tour of Albany. I had a great time visiting with them and enjoyed being able to see more of the city than our motel. Lots to see when I come back for a visit! Albany is the capitol of New York so we drove past the capitol building and a lot of the downtown areas. Solon is a great tour guide and driver. 

After returning from dinner I was beyond tired and just wanted some sleep. I also wanted a clean chain for the next day as mine had been making some noise. Conflicts. Fortunately, I had the best roommate ever and she sent me to bed and cleaned both of our bikes. Don't know how I got so lucky!