No riding today and while it felt good to have a rest day, I am eager to get back on the bike tomorrow. I sorted gear and packed for tomorrow's trip through NYC. We will not have the Sag Van with us, but are being escorted all the way to Connecticut to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation. The bathroom, water and food breaks will look different tomorrow since Bobbie is going to have to drive around the city, but I am hoping there are as many good natured people on our ride through the Big Apple as there have been all along the trip and we will have what we need. I am betting on it!
Today, I took time for a very much needed pedicure and then we went sailing with Bruce and Jill, our hosts for this day of rest. BTW, I want to take them and their chocolate lab, Jack, home with me!!!!
We ended the afternoon by visiting a 911 memorial overlooking the NYC harbor from a hilltop near the Perlmutter's home in New Jersey. It was poignant - a large sculpted eagle carrying a piece from one of the buildings . Below were engraved the names of those people from the surrounding towns who died that fateful Septmember day. Sad as it was to reflect on our nation defining moment, the memorial was beautiful and I was touched to be sharing it with people who had lived right in the midst of it all which most of us only watched on television.
Shout out to Massage Envy who contributed massages again. I didn't realize I needed one until she touched my hamstrings. Yikes!!!! Sore, inflamed and fortunately we have another massage scheduled for tomorrow night in CT. Shoulders, feet, hands and quads. That's where the stress is going, but frankly, I hadn't noticed. I think my adrenaline is working overtime and that finish line is getting close.
We will leave Red Bank, NJ - yet another part of America I knew nothing about, a NYC suburb and loved as much as any other along the way - even the rural areas of our country I lean towards liking most. At 6 am we will be met by Carmen, a woman diagnosed with MM, who will be riding with us for a few miles and then joined by other riders who will get us in and around the city for several hours before we head north to Norwalk.
Today I was interviewed by my home town newspaper and the Duxbury Clipper will be doing an article to be published next Tuesday. I learned, which I'd forgotten or not known, that my inlaws had both died of Multiple Myeloma. That brought this epic ride full circle and close to home.
Bike is ready, gear is packed and we're getting psyched for what is supposed to be a scorching Friday. May there be more water hoses somewhere.
1 comment:
Met the riders on the ferry this morning while on their way to Manhattan. Great to see them helping the fight against cancer. As a parent of a cancer survivor, I know how important every dollar is to help the cause. Because of efforts like these, my daughter, diagnosed at 4 and 1/2 years, is a beautiful 21 year old starting her junior year in college. Many Thanks!!
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