Day 50- 55.6 miles (T=3618.4) into Portsmith, NH

It is true, I made it coast to coast. Along with 44 other riders. We all helped each other along this tremendous journey and it was difficult to leave. I had tears rolling down my cheeks as I headed to the beach today and was greeted by my ever so supportive parents. The comments along the way and the staff and riders that were there made the trip a success.

Last night I was priveledged enough to win the raffle that showed our route each day. That map traveled with us and was signed by all at the end. Believe me it will have a good frame and home and will be viewed by many throughout the years.

Combined, we consumed 2000 pounds of bananas, had over 150 flat tires and lord knows how many ice cream cones and pie. We each climbed over 110,000 feet (that is not a typo) and cycled over 3600 miles. We followed the map as each days ride brought us closer to the opposite coast. We shared smiles and sweat, tears and glory. We created a family out of strangers while our families and friends were afar. And best of all, the goal set at the start of this ride for $20,000 was surpassed by a few dollars putting the total raised for SPLORE participant scholarships at $55,000!!!!
Many thanks to The Raymond Family Foundation who matched many of our raised dollars and to all the other people who have helped make a difference for so many others.

It was worth the trip.

Day 49- 87.8 miles (T=3562.8) into Manchester, NH

Who would have thought one of the biggest climbing days would be today. We climbed approximately the same amount as our days of climbing multiple passes in WY. Over 5800 feet today with all of the ups and downs including some truly steep ones at 13% and 16%. The day was gorgeous again though and although the legs are more tired then they have been in quite some time, knowing tomorrow is the last day of the ride makes it very tolerable. The best part, I am not sick of my bike!

Day 48- 82.6 miles (T=3475) into Brattleboro, VT

Yikes, a huge tire blowout today, but that being the only glich in a perfectly gorgeous day is very acceptable. The weather is better and the hills are back.

Day 47- 84.6 miles (T=3392.4) into Troy, NY

I awoke to pouring rain, starting riding in clouds and drizzle and ended in perfect weather to go have a fabulous dinner with my brother's in-laws at their lake home in the Adirondack Mountains. Lesley(wife), Phil(brother) and I even had a chance to head out on the lake, take a swim and I got to show off my great biker tan -egads!

Day 46- 82.8 miles (T=3308.8) into Little Falls, NY

It was a fast ride into town to avoid unruly weather. Hot and drizzly, much better than the last two days and in before 1:00 to the cute, old town of Little Falls. We rode along the Erie Canal for most of the day and I passed a few signs that reminded me of home (Glen Ridge folks should click on the motel sign for a closer look). There are many old brick buildings and early farms here and a plethora of flowers along the road side. Unfortunately one of our riders fell and broke his clavicle bone today and has to leave the ride for surgery:( We're very sad to see Kent go. We also passed the smallest church in the states, it seats 2 people, a little tricky to get to as well.

Day 45- 97.2 miles (T=3226) into Liverpool, NY

I had a great HOME MADE meal last night with family that live in the area. It was a great reunion although one member fell asleep quite early. Then today we went through a town that most people in Utah will recognize. One fact you may not know though is that it is supposedly the only place in the United States that has an intersection with a church on all four corners (note the steeples above). Then Dave, a rider from an earlier section showed up with his wife Jill to feed us cheesecake!
What a fun day. Finally it ended with an excellent lunch in town and then a sprint to the hotel to beat the incoming thunderstorm which will hopefully cool things down a bit.

Day 44- 84.6 miles (T=3128.8) into Henrietta, NY

Well, as we set out on our final week the temperatures are once again at a record high where we are cycling. What does that mean here? 97 degrees with a heat index of 108 degrees due to humidity. So, we were soaked about 10 minutes into the ride.
The good news is that Alex J. former SPLORE employee joined me for the ride today and will be back again tomorrow despite the heat! What a support that is! He rode about 115 miles in the heat today and says he's coming back for more. Wow! He also got this action shot, stating that there were not enough on the site. Enjoy!