Coast to Coast - The Northern Tier

 Last day of riding!  Just doesn't seem real. We ate our last breakfast together at the college then spent the first part of the morning on New Hampshire backroads before crossing into Massachusetts.  It was a little warmer today and we faced a bit of a headwind today. I guess that was Mother Nature’s way of slowing us down so we would cherish this last day together.  Our first destination was the High School in Gloucester where we waited for everyone to to arrive. Then we did the last mile with police escort to the Harbor for the ceremonial wheel dipping.  Ride stats:  65 miles, 2,887 feet of elevation gain   The evening was spent on a harbor cruise drinking margaritas and reminiscing.  This was such an amazing trip thanks to the Cycle America staff!   As always, these endings are bitter sweet.  You are ready to be home with your family but hate saying “see you down the road” to your new friends!  Never say goodbye as we all promis...

Today we crisscrossed back and forth between Maine and New Hampshire as we headed mainly south to Durham.  The weather was perfect and it actually warmed up to 91 in the afternoon.  The route was very undulating, and had lots of twists and turns. Lots of lakes, pine tree line roads and overall a very fun ride!   Terri and I both had a great day on the bike and both felt strong.  It was a great way to feel being the second to last day!   The location of the camp was about 5 miles outside of Durham in the Forest Glenn Campground. Kim, Terri ans I didn’t feel like pitching a tent so we book a room at the Holiday Inn Express.  That actually added 5 additional miles to the planned route as we had to pack a backpack and ride to the hotel.  Dinner tonight was at the University of New Hampshire and it was fabulous!  We had stir fried vegetables and shrimp with brown rice and of course dessert!   Tomorrow is our last day and then we celebrate our acco...

 Today we crossed over into our 12th State, Maine.  Only one state left.  We woke this morning to rain and the rain continued for almost the entire ride. I would rank this as the worst ride to date weather wise so, that should tell you how lucky we have been on this trip. Today, we started with our rain jackets on and left them on for the entire ride. Even with our rain gear we were still soaked all the way through.   We did most of our climbing in the first 25 miles. The route took us along Ammonoosuc River, over Crawford’s Notch and near Mt. Washington. I am sure it would have been amazing views if it wasn't raining and fog covered.  The climb up was gentle and the decent seemed to go on for miles!   Tonight we are camping at the Fryeburg Fairgrounds.  We are sleeping inside in one of the exhibit buildings.  Stats: 64 miles, 2,083 feet of climbing  Crawford’s Notch Look at that cloud cover

 We avoided the rain again today!  The weather forecast did not look good but we made it to Littleton and then out to eat dinner before the rain came down at 7:00 pm. So glad we are camping inside tonight.  Today’s route had a bit climbing but nothing real long.  Our first climb of the day was early and it was short but steep!  Terri said her Garmin registered 19%!  The rest of the climbs were not that steep.  We made our way through several small Towns including Peachem which was founded in 1776. One if the residents greeted  us as we climbed the hill into town. We felt like we were in the Tour D’France.  Tonight we were on our own for dinner.  I really like those nights when we are free to explore the towns!  Kim picked  an awesome pub with great food and beer!  It was so good I had 2 red ales!   Pictures today are compliments of Kim. I didn’t take a single photo today.  Stats: 74 miles,  4,872 feet of ele...

 Today was another beautiful day!  Our morning route took us along Lake Champlain where we took the Grand Isle Ferry (our 5th ferry of the trip) across the lake and into Vermont our 10th state. Eric joined us today and then after the ferry ride Mladin joined us too.  With one week left we are trying to get in time with everyone!   After we entered Vermont the terrain got increasingly hillier.  We knew it was going to be a day of climbing and it didn’t  disappoint. We had several short/steep climbs before picnic and then after picnic we climbed “Smugglers Notch”.  Smugglers Notch is our last long climb of the tour.  It started at mile 43.4 and you hit the summit at mile 51.6. So, an 8 mile climb with the last 2 miles hitting grades between 8 - 12%. I even saw 13&14% pop up on my Garmin for a short time!   Terri and I were so proud of how well we did on the climb.  We are definitely much stronger than we were on those early climbs. I g...

 We are getting used to these late starts. Today, we had breakfast at our hotel.  It was really great!  Made to order omelette, potatoes, french toast. So good!   Then, we finally hit the road at 8:15 our latest start yet!  Today’s route was in general downhill with some fun rollers mixed in. Kim rode with Terri and I because Scotty and Barry her usual riding buddies decided to do the optional whiteface mountain climb. It was an 8 mile climb with 8-12% grades. Those that did it said it was the toughest climb to date but very beautiful!   Even without that climb, today’s route was stunning!  Couple of waterfalls, a covered bridge, rivers and Ausable Chasm to name a few!  Again, the roads of NY were great and the weather just like a perfect fall day. Definitely, a very memorable and fun day!  We made it to our final destination of Plattsburgh NY by about 1:00. Tonight, we are staying in the doom rooms at SUNY.   Stats: 57 miles, 2,146 feet...