Florida to Maine Bike Trip - Day Sixteen 86 miles

What a glorious New England Day.  I am home!   I was up early, 4:30 am, excited to ride the hills of Western MA and NH.  It started tough, though, when we got to Shutesbury.  Bobbie and I stopped for directions; Marty had plowed ahead.  Met a local gal peddling around who pointed the way.  She said the hills were steep for a few miles but then would turn into a more rolling terrain.  I know my limits so I hopped aboard the Sag Wagon for those  4 miles.   But once we reached the village summit, those steep climbs were behind us.  The rest of the day was 86 miles of quintessential New England.  Stone walls, old cemetaries, history at every turn, farms and more farms.  And to be surrounded by the architecture l love so much, to this day and decades after having moved away, was a treat.  

I love the strategy of careful descent and balanced climb.  I could do this all day long.  13.2 mph overall rolling this Monday!  For this non-super hero, I'll take it.

When cycling in Colorado, descending the mountains was frightening because of the open vistas, but here with the tree coverage, I am more comfortable.  Road conditions kept my attention engaged, however, as one deep pothole in the road can spell trouble.  But I felt very strong all day - though was head down, eyes 10 feet in front of me with each big climb.  Mentally this worked best.

Along the way we met a group cyling from NY to MA.  21 year old Matt Austin, Uncle Adam Austin and crew.  Matt recently has been diagnosed with Huntington's disease, the disease that claimed his father's life years ago.  Aletheia Films is recording their 1500 mile cycling journey as they connect with doctors and other's with Huntington's, and Matt and Adam grow their family bond deeper.  They, too, had a Sag Wagon.  It preceeded them and a motorcycle brought up the rear.  Well protected.  Check out their website "aridewithmatt.com" - you will be inspired.

My dad called today and that was wonderful.  In the beginning he was tough on me when I told him about this trip; I had to dig deep to put his concerns aside and commit to take this journey.   I think it's called faith.  The only way I could do this was to get to Maine before calling him again, but he beat me to it.  After 17 long days on the road, my father was no longer afraid of what might happen to his daughter.....and instead was proud of what she has accomplished.

Tomorrow is it.  We are ready for the finish!  All three of us have done great, considering we have been roommates for over 2 weeks!  No major melt downs and all pretty darn adaptable.  Good job one and all.

If you are joining us for the finale, this is from our lofty leaders at MMFE:



"The spot is Sohier Park, York, ME.  This is the park at the edge of the point overlooking the Nubble Light House.  PLEASE NOTE:  I am told by locals that the traffic  is always REALLY BAD if you come up Route 1A on Long Beach Avenue from the South.   You don’t want to be sitting in bumper to bumper traffic and miss the arrival of Marty and Diane.  So, We suggest you come up Route 1 and cut over and enter the beach area as shown below… from the north.  You’ll all need to mapquest your own directions based on where you are coming in.....  We’ll meet at Sohier Park at 1:30.  You can track Marty and Diane here: Where’s Marty?"