Monday, August 07, 2006
Day 50 - Wallis Sands Beach, NH -August 7th 2006
Weather: Early morning rain with afternoon clouds, partly sunny 78.Location: Wallis Sands State Beach (Portsmouth), NH (from Manchester, NH)
Miles per day: 53.7
Average miles per hour: 13.65
Elevation: not enough to care.
So these were my initial thoughts "Broom in hand - mission accomplished.... Watch this space for final trip summary. Thanks a ton for all your support. This has been not just one adventure but each and every day was an adventure in itself..."
Sunday, August 06, 2006
Day 49 - Manchester, NH - August 6th 2006
Weather: Superb sunny weather, 80sLocation: Manchester, NH (from Brattleboro, VT)
Miles per day: 88.6
Average miles per hour:
Elevation climb: 7111 feet (too much climbing)!
Blizzards/Ice Cream to date: 32 (Georgia Mud Fudge 9/10!) Flat Tires to date: 1
So they said today was to be the second toughest day of the trip with numerous climbs, many of them at 13-15% grades. Fear not! Since DAY 1, for me, this trip has been about mental attitude and toughness --- guts, determination and tenacity would get me over the hills. Today was no exception, physically ready or not, I wore my 'Wheaties' socks. They have been my secret weapon for any difficult day (including the 8 Centuries). Knowing I had the socks on, I would make it.
Initially, I scoffed as we started ticking off each of the early morning climbs. Ahead of schedule, we confidently took a Dunkin Donuts coffee break in Keene, NH. However, as the day progressed, I started feeling the pain. But sharing the pain is always best and so we started clinging as a group to the side of these hills.
It was appropriate that Dennis was nearby (pictured here) as we fondly recalled clamouring over the Continental Divide together. We decided today we should be embracing and savouring the moments, as we moved into the remaining hours of our trip. And that we did.
Knowing this was nearly the end of the trip, in a sadistic way, I just didn't want it to end. In full swing of procrastination, we stopped in New Boston for a late lunch. Took our last nasty climb out of town and then raced down into Manchester.To my surprise, Irene - one of my very good friends from college was waiting in the Hotel Parking lot. Words can't express having great support of friends and family on this trip. I was completely speechless as she not only tracked me down but had also scouted the local DQ!
The trip still feels like a dream (come true). Time has flown past so quickly. It may take me months to really reflect on the experience. There are times when I can't tell you the hotel or town I was in yesterday or where I am going tomorrow. But then there are times when I can tell you the exact place and moment I saw something happen. It almost feels like a time-warp. Then there's the reality of life. For 50
days, we have been coccooned from the outside world. At night, I am so tired, I don't turn on the TV. I wake up, eat, pedal, blog and sleep.... Repeat.