Day 48: The Finish Line: Burlington, MA to Revere Beach, MA

This morning it was grey, drizzling, and 62 degrees. We set off from the hotel in groups of two and three. Peter and I went off together, and there were quite a few family and friends watching the riders start, snapping pictures and cheering us on. After we all left they went down to the beach to meet us.
We grouped up at about mile 13 and the CrossRoads vans led us down to the beach those last few miles. It was fun to see everyone there waiting for us (more cheering here...). Also there was my friends David and Ginger Wheat from (yes!) the best bike club in America, The Trilogy Bicycle Club. We have plans to have dinner with them Sunday night in Boston, but David got the day off today and they sent me an email last night saying they would love to come to the beach today for the wheel dipping. Awesome!So there was David in his Trilogy Bike Jersey, plus Ginger and Bruce, of course.
I was caught off guard that I became somewhat tearful as we arrived at the beach.  It has been a long journey. We all proceeded to peel off our shoes and socks and carry our bikes down to the water to dip the wheels in the Atlantic. Lots of pictures were taken, hugs shared and a few tears shed.  I still am a little in shock that it is over and we actually did it. We had a banquet tonight and said goodbyes all around. I think I will add an Epilogue to the blog in the next few days, if anyone wants to read it. For now, enjoy the pictures and thanks to everyone for your support, encouragement and love.

Day 47: Brattleboro, Vt to Burlington, MA

4895 feet of climbing and 93 miles today ...10,272 total feet of climbing yesterday and today...
arrived in Burlington, MA and found Bruce waiting with flowers. Love that guy.
Too tired to blog and pictures are stuck. Wheel dipping tomorrow in the Atlantic...I
will give the detailed account of both days tomorrow...only 18 miles in the morning.
Hasn't really penetrated my brain yet that we are here.

Day 46: The Road to Brattleboro, VT

The front that blew through yesterday left us with low humidity, blue skies, and a nice NW tailwind. Wow. We crossed the Hudson River and then started climbing almost immediately. The Vermont Line was at about 32 miles in and then we went through Bennington, VT and started a big climb through the Green Mountains. (The picture with the views in the background was taken at the top of Hogback Mountain.) Most of the grades were in the 7-9% range and then we had a big descent down towards Brattleboro. The descent was kind of hair raising with lots of traffic and a narrow shoulder. Glad that one is over. 

There were loads of wild flowers along the side of the road especially at the higher elevations. Beautiful...

The picture of Robin and me was taken at the second SAG today...she is such a great person. Every day she cheers us on, shouting "Tailwinds" every morning as we leave the parking lot...waits for us on the road, is almost always the last "sweep", fixes food at the SAGS...etc...

Tomorrow is our last big ride day and then Friday we are at the Atlantic Ocean. I can hardly believe it. Today: 80 miles, 5377 feet of climbing. 

Day 45: Herkimer, NY to Latham, NY (Albany)

The observation for today: never underestimate the power of the weather bubble. Weather forecast was for heavy thunderstorms, gusty winds, etc. I deployed the rain jacket, rain resistant bibs, rain socks and shower cap. Off we went under very threatening skies, so dark I had to wear my regular glasses and put my sunglasses in my pocket. Sure enough, about 2 miles from the hotel it started to rain lightly....so, 62 degrees and raining. Just the way we like it....
However, after about an hour of this, it stopped, the skies started to clear, the humidity went up to 150%, and I had a rear flat....nice....a big chunk of glass embedded in my tire. By the time I changed that I was filthy, in addition to being wet, and the bike was even more filthy from road spray and grit. By the time we got to the 40 mile SAG, the sun was out.
We went through the Mohawk Valley today but unfortunately we couldn't see much. Heavily leafed trees lined both sides of the road so we couldn't see out. We did get a glimpse of the Erie Canal here and there, but that was about it. Only about 2200 feet of climbing, which was good as the next two days are heavy climbing days.
We are all discussing the end of the ride now...everyone is ready to be finished. So meal conversations center around various iterations of how we are feeling...it is interesting to hear the various perspectives.
No pictures today..not much to see. We cross into Vermont tomorrow. Only 2 more days of riding Wednesday and Thursday and then the ceremonial ride to the ocean on Friday.

Day 44: "A Brochure DAY" (Syracuse to Herkimer, NY)

It was a fantastic morning, sunny and warm, with a nice tailwind out of the west. Ron Rossi, who joined us in Champaign, IL has ridden this section before and gives out a piece of advice: ride easy the next two days because the last two days into Burlington, MA are "ball busters" .....
hmmmm... Peter and I decide it is a great day to take the "local tour", no pushing, just enjoy. We mosey on down the rode and what a great ride it was. Nice country roads, not much traffic, cute little towns along the old Erie Canal. We find a little coffe shop called "Toast" and had some real coffee and homemade biscotti. Spent a good 45 minutes there...unheard of. Continued on and ate lunch at a little local Italian place before heading into the hotel. I think I like this touring mode! We decide this day was a brochure DAY, not just a brochure moment!
Tomorrow we head to Albany, NY but RAIN is in the forecast. We are hoping the weather bubble may kick in!

Day: 43 Canandaigua, NY to Syracuse, NY

Good things about today: (in order of best first)
1. Tailwind
2. It started pouring rain about 10 minutes AFTER we got to the hotel
3. Only 68.6 miles today
4. We hit 3,000 miles...
5. Donuts at the SAG

Not so good things:
1.  Woke up in the night with nausea, headache and proceeded to RUN to the bathroom
multiple times....suspect food poisoning...wasn't sure I could ride this morning but decided to give it a go and felt better by mid-morning
2.  Got chased by a big black dog (Rottweiler?) up a hill...I think he got tired before I did but boy was I scared! I didn't know I could accelerate that fast UP a hill...
3.  After I got to the hotel I actually fell asleep on the bed holding a cup of coffee...now that is tired.
(and what a mess)
4. We had the mother of all rough RR crossings..had to carry our bikes through

(see picture)

Counting down now to Boston. 5 days to go.

Day 42: Hamburg NY to Canandaigua, NY

Summer made a reappearance today. We had a cool start at about 59 degrees, but the sun was out and it warmed up quickly into the upper 70's. This was the saving grace of the day...that and the fact that we had very little wind. Otherwise, it was climbing and more climbing.
94.9 miles and 4212 of climbing. (Everyone in the Trilogy Bicycle Club knows how happy this makes me.)
The country here is called the Finger Lakes Region of upstate New York...very pretty and green with big rolling hills. Nice, tidy little towns...all of which I failed to get a single decent picture of.
So it was a plodding kind of day, one big rolling hill after another. General fatigue has sort of settled over the group the last couple of days. No one except Joanne is injured, but muscles are just tired.
We have started talking about the end of the trip...jokes fly about how we are not going to dip the front wheels of the bikes in the Atlantic, we will just took throw whole bike in and be done with it.
I think most people feel sad that it will be over, but also kind of ready. Lots of friends and family members will be joining the group in Boston for the Finale, and everyone is looking forward to the festivities. Only 6 more days.

Pictures from Erie to Hamburg, NY

Day 41: Erie, PA to Hamburg, NY or, Who stole summer?

For some reason I thought it was nearing the end of June and it should be getting warm...BUT, we had a cold north wind, overcast and drizzle, and 58 degrees this morning. It became clear that if we were going to make any decent headway that it would be a paceline kind of day. (NE headwind at about 10 maybe, and of course we are going NE!) So we grouped up and made pretty good speed, and we kept saying..only 80 miles today...boy, how your perspective changes. We think anything around 80 or less is a lighter day.
At the first SAG the temp was dropping. Now 56 degrees. Yikes! This is winter! Some of us got our heavier jackets off of the truck at that point. The scenery would have been spectacular with views of Lake Erie and lots of vineyards, but the grey overcast and cold wind put a damper on things.
We stopped at a fun local place called Aunt Millie's. :-) They have a great bakery and I had the biggest almond pastry I have ever had...literally the size of a dinner plate. I put half of it in my pocket for later and gave some to the guys, too. We sang Happy Birthday to Craig who turned 61 today.
We crossed the New York State line today, and before long we were in Hamburg, which is not far from Buffalo. Just as we were getting to the hotel the sun started peeking out, but we expect to have a cool start again tomorrow.
Big news: No KT tape today on either knee...woo hoo!
The Internet at this hotel is terrible...once again picture issues. I will try to post the pictures from today tomorrow.
Thanks again to everyone for your comments. I love to read them!

Day 40: Rest Day in Erie, PA

Really not too much to report. Out to an Italian dinner last night with some of the other riders. Raining this morning and chilly, in the 50's. Hung out at the hotel and did all the obligatory stuff: laundry, cleaned the bike, even took a nap. Walked around the Lake Erie waterfront a little but the main part of town is up a big hill...nope.
Heading out tomorrow for Hamburg, NY. It is supposed to be a pretty ride along Lake Erie. I hope the weather cooperates.

Day 39: Niles, OH to Erie, PA

So today was the seventh and last day of this segment. Everyone is tired, legs are sore, and we still had another 90 today before the rest day in Erie. I think we are incredulous that we will have basically done four centuries in four days. It was actually a fairly uneventful day...and not too much climbing. We crossed into Pennsylvania but we could only take a picture from a distance, as there was road construction. The second SAG was at the White Turkey Root Beer Stand, which is a local institution since the 50's. It was pretty cool and we chatted with the owner. Unfortunately, because of a power outage there was no ice cream and some people really wanted the house specialty, which is a root beer float..so that was too bad.
After the rain yesterday, which was apparently a cool front, temps this morning were mid fifties...winter for this Arizona girl! I had on a base layer, jersey, light jacket and arm warmers...which never came off all day. When we arrived in Erie, we still only hit 66 degrees. Our Hotel for the off day is very nice, sits right on Lake Erie and has Starbucks coffee!
Last seven days: 604 miles and 15,994 feet of climbing. Last four days: 388.4 miles. Two of those days had 7403 feet of the climbing. These legs need a REST!! BUT, I made it.
Forgot to mention that yesterday 4 people ahead of me went down on a wet, double RR crossing. No one hurt, just scrapes and bruises. I didn't see it, but I am thinking they must have been too close to each other..just sayin'.

Day 38: Wooster, OH to Niles, OH or, Can I really go 90+ miles again today?

I haven't written the blog for several days and there is a reason for that. It is called T-I-R-E-D.
After we left the rest day in Champaign, IL we had 3 days of moderate distances (81, 61, 73) and very little climbing.. hey, life was good! The fourth day out we had a long century day to Marysville, OH (105) but not too much climbing (only2277) and no headwinds. Then all the fun started. The fifth day was essential another century (98.5) but with 3717 of climbing. OK, now the legs are talking to me. Still, things were not too bad. Now the sixth day out. Essentially another century (94) and 3690 of climbing. Legs are screaming...what the &@#¥&@!!! To add insult to injury, at the first SAG we had a light drizzle and I thought, well...I COULD get my rain jacket off the truck. BUT, no. It was so hot and humid, I thought I would just sweat underneath the jacket....this was a bad decision. About 3 or 4 miles past the SAG....torrents of rain. No thunder or lightning, but that was the only good part. I did have a shower cap in my saddle bag so I put that on under my helmet which kept my head warm and dry. I think it poured for about an hour and a half, then it started to clear up but we had a cool, more north, wind....now we are freezing. Just the way we like it????....So now you think, the worst is over.
BUT, no. I dropped my chain on a right hand turn with an immediate uphill....almost fell over because of the grade, managed to unclip and stop but found that the chain was REALLY jammed...not just a little, either. Peter and I wrestled with it for a awhile, finally decided to call for SAG support, and by the time they came and we got it fixed, we lost maybe an hour, and still had over thirty miles to go. By the time we got to the hotel, still half wet, dirty from wrestling with the chain and DOG TIRED, I thought to myself...no way can I ride ANOTHER 90 tomorrow...
BUT, I stretched, did the jacuzzi, iced the knee, took a naproxen, ate yet another HUGE meal and promptly fell asleep at some ridiculously early hour.
One interesting note, we ride in a bike way today for about 8 miles...my only boring picture is of the bike way, but the picture of Peter was taken near the end of this day...still smiling, unbelievably.

Day 37: The Road to Wooster, OH

It poured rain overnight but skies were clear this morning as we headed off into the 90% humidity. Before long we were once again soaked just as if someone had dumped a bucket of water over our heads. It was moderately hilly but we hear from the staff that the last part of the ride has some really steep climbs. Just the way we like it!
At the first SAG, Janel (one of the staff) had "Buckeyes" for us... She lives in Ohio and of course is a huge Ohio State Fan... Her husband came yesterday and brought these treats for us. They are made to look like the buckeye nut (which are poisonous) and they are kind of like eating a big round Reese's cup...chocolate outside and peanut butter stuff in the inside. The pictures are of Janel in her Buckeye hat.
We did hit a nasty patch of road construction today. No top coat just the rough part before they pave. One of the worst bits of road we have been on. If anything on your bike wasn't loose, it is now. Forget
your joints..
Second SAG, then we hit the steep hills. Some pretty good ones...12-14% but not too long. Short and steep. We went through a lot of Amish country today, too. A couple of Amish children saw us stopped by the side of the road and asked some questions about where we were going, etc.
I think we looked like aliens to them.
Tonight in Wooster we had one of the best meals of the trip at a locally owned place called Broken Rocks Cafe. Excellent! Magnum Bars from the gas station after dinner... Just as we were crossing back to the hotel a rainstorm blew in... Apparently this is our Karma right now and it is pretty good!
Today: 98.5 miles, 3712 of climbing.

Day 36: Richmond, IN to Marysville, OH

Today was the first of four long days before we have the rest day in Erie. It was extremely muggy this morning when we started out, but we had nice country roads and no wind. We crossed the Ohio State line within a few miles of the hotel, did the obligatory sand offering and moved on pretty quickly as we knew it was going to be a long day. Before long we started picking up a tailwind (yeah!) and made pretty good time to the first SAG. We are all soaked through by that time (from sweating due to the humidity.) Yuck.
It ended up being a pretty uneventful day except for a few people who had mechanical issues with their bikes. I think the miles day after day are starting to take a toll on the bikes. Final tally today: 105.3 miles.
The tailwind actually picked up and we had a great last 30 miles. We even saw a Starbucks on the way into town and Peter, Damian and I had iced coffees...!
Tomorrow we have around 97 miles or so, but some hefty climbing in the second half of the ride on the way to Wooster, Ohio. I think having the new gear will be a big help.
Jim C. says we are traveling in a "weather bubble"....no rain on us today, although it is all around. Let's hope our bubble doesn't burst!

This sculpture was in a front yard out in the country...carved out of a dead tree apparently.

Day 35: Indianapolis, IN to Richmond, IN

Last night my friends John and Betsy MacLennan came from Valparaiso, IN to have dinner and spend the night in Indy. They hit a lot of heavy rain on the way down, but made it safely and we went out to a great dinner at a place called "Late Harvest"... delicious! Not a chain restaurant or hotel food...!!!
Betsy also got some fresh picked strawberries for the SAG today and they were fantastic! They waved us off this morning before they headed home..thank you Betsy and John. It was really special to have you here.
The trip to Richmond today was pretty uneventful...the most notable event being large swarms of gnats that we rode through and they stuck to us...hair, legs, ears..we even ate some....you get the idea. Yuck...that combined with the humidity had everyone wishing for a shower by the first SAG.
The next few days look daunting...tomorrow 104, then 97, 91 and 89 before we hit Erie, PA for a rest day.

Day 34: Crawfordville, IN to Indianapolis, IN OR, BIG MO #2

Maybe the Internet not working last night was an omen...today was a series of mishaps all of which turned out ok....first off we had a car come a little too close on a country road...an angry woman inside flipping us off etc.....nobody even in the oncoming lane. Really?  A few days ago we had a trucker harass us...I think there are some angry people out there. yikes.
Second, a man on a platform mower blew grass and rocks our way...not on purpose as he did stop but a little too late. I took a rock to my left sunglasses lens and it chipped it. ARRGH! My new Oakleys!
I am just happy I was wearing them or I could have had a serious eye injury.
Third, hit the first SAG and upon preparing to depart...flat. Rear, what else? So, big slice in my tire that I put on in Santa Fe after the blowout in California. Totally ruined the tire.
So now, I have Big MO tractor tire #2 on there, and I think we will be friends until the end of the trip.
Where I go, he goes. Drag or no...sigh. I long for my racing tires at home waiting in the cupboard.
One piece of good luck...Peter and I stopped at a Starbucks (really!!!) and had iced coffees and sandwiches, and just as we were finishing, we heard thunder and looked out to see big black stuff coming. Thankfully, we were only about .5 mile from the hotel ( since it was a relatively short day today, only 60 miles) and just as we pulled into the lobby the skies opened up. We took note that it was pretty steamy today...Midwest summer in full force.
Tonight my friends John and Betsy MacLennan are coming from northwest Indiana (Valparaiso) to see me and have dinner...so excited to see them.
Today's picture: quintessential Indiana

Day 33: Champaign, IL to Crawforsdville, IN

The internet wasn't working at the hotel last night in Crawfordsville, so this posting is a day late. Yesterday was " decorate your helmet day", so on the day off in Champaign we all got our creative juices flowing and it was pretty fun. We laughed a lot....I rode as far as the first SAG with my decor which was a Fourth of July type theme. It doesn't show up all that well in the pictures...I had an American flag on each side, a flashing light red star headband, and a red, white and blue bow on top. I felt quite jaunty. Although, I did keep the flags on til the end of the ride.
We crossed the Indiana State line, sprinkled sand and took pictures, and I felt quite at home in my old adopted state. The corn goes from horizon to horizon and is a luscious green from all the rain. We crossed the Wabash, which, just as most of the other rivers we have passed, was over its banks and into the adjacent feels and low woodlands. It was over 80 miles today, so all were heading off to their rooms after dinner....at only 7:30! Sleep is becoming the desired state. :-)

Day 32: Rest Day in Champaign, IL

Today it was just nice to sleep a little later. I ate TWO breakfasts and chased it down with a green machine smoothie and a Hershey bar at about 10a.m.!  ( I continued to eat my way through the rest of the day, too)
I was able to get my bike from the bike shop after lunch since Mark (one of the other riders who lives nearby) and his wife Beth had their car. Hopefully the 12-30 will be enough gear and I also got a new chain. Tomorrow we cross the Indiana state line.
I am posting a few random pictures that have been passed around. Thanks everyone for all your comments and support...unbelievably, two weeks from Friday we ride into Boston.

Day 31: Springfield, IL to Champaign, IL

We had 87 miles today but the last 30 or so felt really long...in the last 7 days we have gone about 620 miles...I haven't checked that against the Garmin but it is pretty close. Everyone was anxious to get to Champaign for the rest day tomorrow as fatigue seems to have settled on the whole group at this point. Mary Jo, who joined us in Albuquerque is leaving us now, and her husband drove from Cincinnati to pick her up. He brought about 20 pints of ice cream that is a special local ice cream from their area, and it was fantastic! He had it set up in the lobby when we all started  arriving...it really hit the spot.  I had 2 helpings of mocha chocolate chip...outstanding!  Unfortunately, Mary Jo took a fall yesterday. Hit a patch of gravel and went down. Some road rash, a fair sized hematoma on her right hip, and cracked her helmet. She couldn't finish yesterday but rode today the whole 87. What a trooper.
We have two sectional riders joining us from here to Boston, but we haven't seen them yet. I assume they will arrive tomorrow.
I am giving myself a flunking grade on pictures the last couple of days, BUT, tonight's lone picture is pretty impressive...it was taken by a staff member of the rollers we rode this week. Also, I am going to try and post some of the pictures that have been circulating among the riders and staff on the off day tomorrow.

Day 30: Quincy, IL to Springfield, IL

There were thunderstorms all night but this morning it was clear, the humidity was down and we had a TAILWIND! There were a few rolling hills until we crossed the Illinois River, then it flattened out into corn and soybean fields. We had what we call a "brochure moment" ....when conditions are perfect and we are just rolling down the road....it sure made for a much easier 108 miles...!
Today our group averaged 17 mph which we felt pretty good about.
Mark Summer is from right around the Springfield area and it was fun today because as we approached town several groups of his friends were out holding signs and cheering him on...we stopped and talked to them a little and they took our picture. Mark is riding to raise money for Alzheimee's research.
Today was the first day I actually didn't take any pictures, so I will try and post the Illinois line from yesterday.
We will go on to Champaign, IL tomorrow... 87 miles. Then Wednesday is a rest day. Woohoo!

Day 29: Kirksville, MO to Quincy, IL

A relatively short day today at 79 miles, less climbing (only 2273 feet), and no super steep hills. It was a good thing too because my legs are still tired form the last two days of climbing all those rollers. It was very humid today and some of the riders from cooler climates seemed to suffer a bit more. The big event of the day was crossing the Mississippi River and entering Illinois. We sprinkled our sand but not with a lot of fanfare as everyone was hot and sweaty and we were only a few miles from the hotel.
Injury update: Joanne is riding the last two days and doing okay, so we are all happy for her.
A bit of sad news: Roomie Maggie and I are splitting up...she cannot tolerate air conditioning and it was okay up until the last week or so as the weather was cooler, but now it is hot and humid, so going forward we will have our own rooms.
I also made the decision to get my gearing changed in Champaign, Illinois on the rest day. I have contacted a bike shop there that is well known to one of the riders (he lives nearby). They are ordering the parts and will get it done for me that day. Sorry no pictures tonight...the Internet is giving me fits. Will try tomorrow.
On to Springfield.... a mere 107 miles.

Day 28: Chillicothe, MO to Kirksville, MO or: I can't take one more !%#¥! hill!

Today was tough, that's all. A now somewhat famous Liam (our Irish rider who lives in Scotland) quote..."you could wake up in the morning and take a hammer and hit your big toe, and it would be just as painful but less expensive"....that about describes today. Nothing but climbing...big rollers that just got steeper as the day went on. Common grades were 9-10%... hit some 13–14%.. and one 16%. This for the second day in a row...legs were already tired to start the day. What has become seriously apparent is that I don't have enough gear on my bike, so when I get close to the top of the steeper ones I have to stand on the pedals to get over the summit...over and over and over....148 rollers today, 79 miles and 4277 feet of climbing. To say I am tired is an understatement. (At least it wasn't raining and no serious wind.) And, the legs are strong, thankfully.
We did have a fun SAG stop at a local farm where we had some great turkey sandwiches. We literally felt like we limped into Kirksville and are staying at a Comfort Inn tonight that is not up to the usual Crossroads standards. One good thing...one hour delayed start tomorrow. On to Quincy, Illinois...we will be crossing the Mississippi River.