Ann's Final Reflection

My Last Blog Posting – What Has the Trip Meant to Me?

I vividly recall a conversation that I had with Jim Seuffert at our going away party in June. Since he had recently completed a similar cross-country journey, I was asking him basic information that would help me to survive: “What did you eat? What clothes did you bring? How can I prepare?”  However, he was steering me in a different direction by saying that this trip would change me forever and that I would come back to Delaware as a different person. 

As the days of the trip unfolded, I thought about his comment often. In what ways am I changing? Sure, there were the obvious physical changes. I was becoming stronger and leaner. Then, there were the changes in my cycling abilities in that I was getting more efficient with my pedal strokes and the thought of riding a mountainous century was no longer such a daunting task. Of course, there were also changes made in my circle of friends as Gail and I quickly bonded with 35 other cyclists who were experiencing the same challenges and joys that faced us daily. However, these changes were not what Jim was implying.

Now that I have been home for 2 weeks, it’s much easier to unearth the changes. There have been two profound changes for me. The first one deals with how I have been inspired by my fellow cyclists. I wish that you could have seen how some of the older cyclists persevered day in and day out. They rode by themselves each and every day facing head winds, heat, mountains, flat tires, and rain. They would arrive to our hotel much later than everyone else. Yet, they never complained. In fact, they were some of the most upbeat people that you would ever want to meet. Then, there were those cyclists who became ill or injured on the trip. One guy suffered from pulmonary edema while another person had a chronic urinary infection. One of my favorite women was a college student who battled an Achilles injury that hurt her immensely on every climb. Did these cyclists ever consider packing up their belongings and going home? Not for one second! I will always remember and be inspired by their courage and determination.

The second change that will remain with me forever is my immense sense of gratitude. I now realize that I could never have completed this trip if it had not been for so many others. A huge “thank-you” goes out to the following people:

To all of my HAC instructors, exercise partners and riding friends who prepared me physically and mentally. Because of you, this old body felt prepared for hill repeats, wind gusts that exceeded 30 mph, and grueling daylong workouts.

To the wonderful bike mechanics in this region. Somehow, you transformed my bike into a 2-wheeled tank that could sustain the teeth-jarring bumps of 3700 miles.  

To my friend Linda for creating the “Ann Bikes America” blog site which differs entirely from the Ann Rides America blog which is a porn site!

To the friends and acquaintances who followed our blog postings and made donations to the Mike Clark Legacy Foundation. Gail and I were able to feel your constant support and encouragement. We are still amazed by the number of supporters and your overwhelming generosity. 

To the children, teachers, and mentors from the Boys and Girls Club. Your letters and banners gave us perspective and the will to continue.

To my children – Kevin and Carly – for their phone calls, trips, cards, and genuine interest.  

To my dear friend Gail for putting up with me (and my competitive spirit) for the past seven weeks. I doubt if anyone on the trip had as much fun as we did. Whether it was sharing a glass of wine or sampling yet another buffet, things were always more special because we experienced them together.  

Finally, to my terrific husband Frank who not only cheered me on from the sidelines but is the one who made this dream a reality for me. Frankie, you’re the best. 

In closing, I have been asked many questions along the line of “Are you glad that you did it? and “Would you do it again?”  My answer is – No, I would not do this trip again. Why would I try to replicate this incredible journey? I want to remember it just as it was with all the breathtaking views, incredibly difficult challenges, wonderful companionship, and never-ending support. In my mind, it was perfect!

Here are some photos from our Welcome Back party.....

The End!

Day 50: The Final Day!!!

Monday, August 5, 2013: Manchester, NH to Portsmouth, NH, 60 miles with 2,500 feet of climbing

While this may be my final day of cycling, it will not be my last posting. Within the next few days, I will be writing a reflection as to what this journey has meant to me. Stay tuned!

The day began as another incredibly beautiful day. We are SO very fortunate. Of the 45 days of cycling, it has only rained on 2 days. What a contrast to what our family and friends have experienced in Delaware! We have ridden 3,678 miles (not counting detours), and have climbed (as a good friend suggested) enough miles that we could get to the moon! 

Leaving Manchester, we were all hypersensitive of safety; worried that tragedy would strike on this final day. Despite all of our precautions, a car turned in front of Gail and nicked her elbow. Her quick reactions saved her from a serious accident.

The ride to Portsmouth was uneventful with the exception of a suggested stop at a bakery in Exeter. Realizing that it was the last quality time with many of our friends, we were all a bit reluctant to get back on the bikes.

By 11:30 we had all arrived to a junior high school in Portsmouth where our group photo was taken.

Then, we had a police escort to the Wallis Sands Beach. Of course, for Gail and me the highlight was seeing our wonderful husbands and the banners that were made by the children from the Boys and Girls Club. We both became very emotional.

After the ceremonial “dipping of the front wheel” in the Atlantic Ocean, we were treated to a champagne picnic lunch that Frank and C.J. had prepared. I have no doubt that the celebration will continue well into the night.

The best news of all came when we arrived back to the hotel and received an e-mail message from Dave Ford. The donations to the Bike for Mike’s Kids have surpassed $69,000. We are so grateful to all of our donors. What a wonderful legacy to our summer on a bicycle!

Day 49: Bittersweet

Sunday, August 4, 2013, Brattleboro, VT to Manchester, NH 

77miles with 4,932' of climbing

Today, we had fewer feet of climbing and 2 less miles than yesterday. So why did it feel so challenging?! It was one of those rides where there was one roller after another. By the time we reached mile 60, my legs were shot. Perhaps I hadn't eaten enough or that I was just tired from yesterday, but the last 20 miles seemed like 40. To say that "New Hampshire ain't flat" is an understatement!

We entered the state of New Hampshire at the one mile mark. It was a feeling of relief knowing that this is the final state of our journey. 

Yuval, Gary, Gail, and I rode together and were once again blessed by great temperatures and favorable winds. We traveled through charming New England towns like Keene. Here is a photo of the center of town....

The focus of today was tonight's banquet in which we all made speeches. The evening was filled with lots of laughter but also many tears. We have bonded as a group and many lifelong friendships have been formed. Tomorrow's dipping of our front tire in the Atlantic Ocean will be bittersweet. While we are happy to return to our prior lives, we are reluctant to say good-bye to the amazing people who have been on this journey with us.

Gail and I have felt so supported by friends and family back home. In case you are unaware, we have been supporting a charity that provides mentoring and support to the Boys and Girls Club of Wilmington. Thus far, we have raised close to $50,000. If you have already made a donation, we appreciate it. If you are interested in supporting this worthwhile charity, please visit this website: 

http://www.bikeformikeskids.com/ 

Thanks! Ann

Day 48: A Day For Special Connections

Saturday, August 3, 2013: Latham, NY to Brattleboro, VT, 79 miles with 6, 067 feet of climbing

After a wonderful evening with son Kevin, we were up bright and early as usual. Kevin was there to witness our departure and wish us well. 

Today was going to be a day for climbing as evidenced by the 6, 067 feet in the heading. Leaving Latham, the climbs began immediately, but these hills couldn’t compare to what was to be tackled down the road. By the fourth mile, we crossed the Hudson River, which is not as wide as the Mississippi, but still very impressive. At mile 32, we crossed into the state of Vermont and noticed immediately that there were no billboards but lots of signs for authentic Vermont maple syrup.

The climb out of Bennington was the most significant of the day, lasting between 8 – 10 miles. Of course, the descent was fast and furious. My climbing friend Drew hit speeds of 48 mph, but I was a bit more cautious reaching a hair-raising 41 mph. At mile 59, we had a 3.5-mile climb remaining: Hogback Mountain. This is the view from the summit of Hogback Mountain....

After 48 days on a bike, we were all well prepared. Several cyclists reached the summit and said, “Is that it?” almost disappointed that the mountain didn’t offer more of a challenge.

Tonight, Gail and I were invited to my friend and former college roommate Catherine’s home for dinner.  We had a delightful salmon dinner with family and friends in typical Vermont fashion. 

Day 47: A Visit From My Son Kevin

Friday, August 2, 2013, Little Falls, NY to Latham, NY (near Albany)

74 miles with 2,100' of climbing

I woke this morning in a great mood. In a few short hours, I would be seeing Kevin who was taking the train from Manhattan and renting a car in Albany just to see his dear old mother. 

My cheerful mood only improved as the day progressed. Yesterday's rain cleared all of the pollutants out of the sky and left us with bright sunshine. Temperatures were in the 70's and, most importantly, winds were out of the west - perfect! When we had climbs, we were rewarded with spectacular views. This photo was taken after climbing out of Little Falls...

Best of all, several miles of today's route were on bike paths that ran beside the Erie Canal and the Mohawk River. The photo depicts Lock 8 on the Erie Canal...

Of course, seeing Kevin was the highlight of the day. He arrived by 4:30 and was given the room directly across the hall from us. We met friends in the lounge for a quick drink then were off to RAP where he was introduced. Gail joined us for dinner in Albany at the New World Bistro. It was one of the best meals of the trip - certainly more appealing than the hot dogs that were being served on the buffet. :-) To say that it was great to see him is an understatement. His goal was to provide encouragement to us so that we would finish this journey. I will remember this as I climb the mountains tomorrow. 

Day 46: a Rainy Ride to Little Falls

Thursday, August 1, 2013: Liverpool, NY to Little Falls, NY, 79 miles with 1,610 feet of climbing

As I mentioned to my team, a rainy day like today gives us perspective, prompting us to appreciate the countless sunny days that we have had. Everyone knew that we were in for precipitation as “80% chance of showers” circulated around the breakfast tables. 

Our team varied a bit today as Yuval rode with Don who is coping courageously with pulmonary edema. Terry replaced him and our newly found friend Philippe joined us as well. Though the skies were threatening, the rain never materialized until mile 39. Anyone who has been on a bike during the pouring rain can relate to “rooster tails” and soaking wet feet. The dirt and grit that collect on legs, backsides, and faces give the appearance that we have just finished a round of paint ball where the paint color is limited to black. In fact, I couldn’t resist wiping Jane’s face with a napkin when I saw her at a SAG stop. Sorry, but there are no photographs of the actual ride as the rain prevented photo-ops.  

Once we arrived at the hotel, we automatically went into cleanup mode: hosing down the bikes, cleaning them, and using lube on the chain. Then, we tackled our filthy bodies with a hot shower. Finally, it was time to wash the clothes, the shoes, and the helmets. Sounds exhausting, doesn’t it? I now know why most of us choose not to ride at home when it is raining!

Ending on a positive note, the hotel hosted a wine reception for us.

 It was a great opportunity to have some deeper conversations as to what the trip has meant, how we have grown, and what will happen to us when we return to reality. Since only 4 days remain, I see that folks are struggling with various emotions: excited to return to their loved ones yet sad to leave behind their new friends and the many adventures that we have had.  Gail and I have talked about the fleeting time and have consciously decided to cherish the remaining days – even the rainy ones!

Day 45: The Erie Canal

Rochester, NY to Liverpool, NY

91 miles with 1,600' feet of climbing

We had all looked forward to today's ride as we were going to be riding beside the scenic Erie Canal. However, the breakfast talk was not about the upcoming ride. It was centered around our friend and riding companion Don. After a day of severe leg swelling, he was admitted to the hospital for a series of tests. With only 6 days of cycling remaining, we were all concerned as to whether he would be able to complete the ride. A dark cloud hung over our entire group for the duration of the day. Our thoughts were with Don.

The air was crisp, like a fall morning, as we departed at 7:00 a.m. Almost immediately, we entered the Canalway Trail that runs beside the Erie Canal. We stopped frequently to investigate the waterway locks that raise and lower boats to different levels of water in the canal. Here is a photo of us standing on top of one of the locks just before it was opened....

We passed small towns that have been built beside the Canalway. It was one of the few times that I thought to myself, "I could live here." That is, of course, until I remembered the harsh winters that typically occur here. We saw a variety of boats using the Canal. Here is one of my favorites....

After 91 miles, we were more than ready for a hearty lunch. Luckily, we found this terrific restaurant called Retreat. From left, the photo shows Yuval, Ann, Gail, Philippe, and Gary....

The day ended on a high note when we walked into RAP and saw Don. It looks as though he is going to ride some portions of the remaining miles. Of course, his wife will be acting as his personal escort, keeping a close eye on him. Even our ride leader Jeff was overcome with emotion when he welcomed Don back to the fold. Now that our group is complete, the cloud has been lifted!