Great people who became great friends

June 18, 2012 to August 6, 2012

Janel, Lynne, Crist, Sam, Diane

Note Crist's jersey.  It is a special present because he was the engine that could.

  He rode in front nearly every day and towed the train across the country

Janel Behm, most improved rider

Lynne Texter, steady and consistent, great in rain and hail

Diane Canady, best source for salves and repairing your glasses, has a smile for everyone

 Crist Smith, strong rider, always ready to take the lead,

 had the best view across the whole country





2nd from left: Jeff Lazer Far right: Kathy Horner

2 of the staff who kept us organized and upright on the road 





Bud Stratton and Karen Bauer

Great riders and outstanding staff, rare moment sitting still



We made it

A dream come true

 



LAST DAY  DAY 50

WE DID IT !!
The last day started with a beautiful ride through New Hampshire and ended at the beach in the water.  The real emotion and ending hit when I could see the ocean through the trees.  That's when I went My god it's over we did it.  The ceremony and pictures on the beach were fun and the sun was shining.  (When we were on the beach in Astoria it was raining).  Melanie, the oldest rider 83 old blind in her left eye, poured a bottle of water from the Pacific ocean into the Atlantic.  She is a really amazing woman.  Rode so many miles in all kinds of weather.  Much of it slowly by herself.
The biggest emotion right now is relief.  We're done.
Over the next few days I will put together more notes and pictures.
For all of you hard cover picture lovers, I have ordered the "official" DVD reported to have 5,000 photos.  I have seen about 500 of them at meetings and the awards banquet.  Many of them are spectacular and memorable.  Yes, it is the ultimate vacation slide show.  I will watch it all.  Nobody else could possibly sit through it.
Thanks to everyone who wrote emails, posts, and send cards and packages.
Special thanks to my sister Sandy and her friend who drove all the way to Idaho for my birthday.
Anita, Maryjo, Peggy, Art and all my brothers and sisters for their support
Gail for her near daily emails.
Bob Hanisch and the people at Peak Performance Professionals, where I spent many Thursdays training
Jeff Dickinson, friend and supporter for so many years.
Thanks most of all to
Mary my wife, and biggest supporter
Life is short, enjoy the ride
Sam

Day 50  Manchester to Portsmouth

Just a quick note as I am getting ready to ride. 
IT IS THE LAST DAY 
Yesterday was long as we added (I) added 10 bonus miles to the route.  Missed a line on the cue sheet.  Had to change rooms and the the trip banquest was last night with skits, speeches and a few mementos were handed out.  I have some pictures from the last few days and will get caught up.  Today is a 48 mi. ride, ceremony at the ocean, pack up the bikes, tols and luggage.  Then we are going for lobster rolls and the first drink in over 50 days plus some champagne.
I REALLY appreciate all the support from friends and family.  Everyone in the group spoke last night of the support from within the group of riders, staff and friends.  We could not have done this without all of you. 
Very mixed feelings as I type the words
"Only one more day"
Hope to see all of you soon.
Sam

Day 47 Little Falls NY to Latham NY

Today was a day of ups and downs, both figuratively and literally.  The day started with an infamous motel room flat tire.  The tire was fine when I went to bed, got ready to ride this AM and it was flat.  Changing the tire was troublesome, mostly trying to find why the tire went flat.  We were literally last riders to leave the hotel.  We then proceeded to go the wrong way and it was a very steep uphill (BPM 140).  By the time we got to the top of the hill we had figured out we went the wrong way and got to ride down the hill.  This added an extra peak to the 8 we already had on the route.
Much of today's ride was along a very scenic portion of the Erie canal

Riding along Erie Canal

When we weren't on a trail along the actual canal we were still near it  and seldom in rural farm country.  Some of the locks and dams are still used to promote recreational use of the canal.

Dam for controlling the water level and lock for letting traffic through

The canal may be flat, but, the banks are not.  I don't ever remember seeing a walk your bike sign because the trail is too steep.  Of Course I didn't walk my bike

I was careful to watch for other riders.  Beautiful view from the top of the hill.  All day we were fortunate to be riding on smooth roads and paved paths.

Jeff looking, back to front, Janel, Diane, Lynne, Crist
Time for dinner
Sam

Day 45 Henrietta (Rochester) NY to Liverpool (Syracuse) NY

We rode along part of the Erie canal.  Very pretty and scenic. the middle of the day was NY Bike route #5.  Mostly highway 31 which has a smooth wide shoulder.

Lock on the Erie Canal

House boat on Erie canal

There were only pleasure boats and sculls that we saw on the canal.  No commercial boats except 1 boat for tourist rides.
The ride id nearing the end.  We have 2 days in rural NY to ride.  1 hard day in VT and 1 hard day in NH then the last day of 48 miles to the ocean in VT.  It is hard to remember individual days.  We will have stayed in 46 cities in 50 days.  At 3,376 mi.  it is longer than going cross country by most routes.  I will have to review the pictures and blog to remember what we've done.  The ride has been more than I could have hoped for in so many ways.  The longest and most demanding days were not the ones that looked hardest on paper (most miles or most climbing).  The hardest days were headwinds and or hail.  45 mph side winds with traffic.  Narrow roads with drivers who didn't budge.
One aspect of the ride has been very interesting.  How demanding it has been to stay focused on the riding.  No daydreaming or worrying about "What if" while riding.  It has been focus on the road, the bike, riders around me, my body, Very much focused on the here and now.  No time to think about what's next.  This has been a common theme with other riders.  Perhaps on the flight home some of this will begin to sink in.
Time for bed.
Sam

Day 42 Brantford Ontario to Niagara Falls, NY

Great day to ride!! sunshine, low humidity, scenic...  The whole day was fun, from the smooth roads in the morning to colored lights and fireworks over Niagara Falls at night.  First time all trip we stayed up after dark!!

Start of the day in rural Canada


Who knew Miles Goodwin's fame had spread to rural Canada?

The group enjoyed meeting Miles on his Harley in Wi Dells, we didn't know he is such a celebrity.

Small town local color:

Oldest Sugar Maple in Canada, Donated by the Comfort Family

The farm where the tree is located has been owned by the same family since 1816

We stopped at the town store and they had a hard time understanding why someone would ride across America (so do we) The Comfort tree, is the biggest local attraction.

 Lift bridge on the Welland Canal

 Diane and Crist at Niagara Falls 

 Highlights of the day were Niagara Falls and arriving back in the US at NY.  Diane and Crist at Niagara Falls

Sam and Janel entering the US at NY

View from the bridge

Crossing back into the US on the Rainbow Bridge.  Customs went very fast.  They let 4 riders go through at a time.  Check passports, a few questions and we were done.
Monday, last rest day,  will be a quiet day.  Rest and eat.  Go to the park on Goat Island, just above the falls.  Read and eat some more then sleep.  Nice and quiet.  No casinos or boat ride. 
Enjoy the day
Sam

Day 41 London to Brantford, Ontario

Today started out slow, with headwinds and rainy, finished with sunshine.  We had overcast skies and drizzle as we loaded luggage onto the truck and left the hotel.  It never rained, just high humidity and damp to make things uncomfortable.  5 mi into the ride we shed our raincoats and just road.  Very generic farm country along the route.  We could have been nearly anywhere except for the Canadian flags.  Flat country and lots of corn.  We saw a few tobacco fields and several ginseng fields.  Not much else.  Yes, it is getting very old looking at green crops. 
We had a guest rider, her name is Louise.  She was riding from London to Cambridge, about 85 miles.  Louise and her husband drove from Cambridge to London and he was going to a radio controlled boat meet and she was riding her bike back home.  We rode together nearly all day. 

Diane and Louise

Today was pretty much just grind it out and get done.  Tomorrow Sunday, we cross back into the US at Niagara Falls.  The crossing is at the end of the day so it will be individual riders checking in at US customs and immigration.
Monday is a rest day,  Finally.  Tues starts the home stretch of 7 days 546 miles.
I am ready for a rest day
Sam

Day 40 Port Huron, MI to London Ontario

Today started EARLY.  We were up at 4:30, breakfast at 5:15, load luggage at 5:50 then line up and start riding by 6:30.  All to meet our time slot for crossing the Blue Water bridge into Canada.  the bridge is normally 3 lanes of traffic.  They closed 2 lanes for us and the third was closed for repairs.  A big concern was the road surface.  Some were expecting the bridge to be see through metal grate.  Fortunately it was a regular black surface.  Panoramic views from the top of the bridge were spectacular.  In our America by Bike Jerseys, even "London Dave" wore his jersey, it was a unique experience riding as a group.  Canadian Immigration/ Customs went very smoothly.  A month ago the list of all riders was sent into Canadian authorities so all we had to do was show our passport and they matched names on their preapproved list.  No photo stops were allowed while we were on the bridge.

Lining up to start the ride to the bridge into Canada

Entering Ontario Canada

The rest of the day's ride went pretty well we had an early start and the rain held off.  Jeff Lazer, one of the ABB staff recommended the Country Market for lunch.  Fresh kaiser rolls, wide selection of meats and cheese for sandwiches, plus ice cream for desert.  Had to pass on the ice cream.  Still 25 mi to go and didn't want too full a stomach. 

Scenery today was just like Michigan, corn fields, windmills, peas and more corn fields.  The condition of the fields varies quite a bit.  Some have obviously been hit by the drought and others are quite green and healthy looking.
We get to sleep late Sat.  All the way until 6:45.  Sat is a short day of 66 miles and not a lot of climbing. 
Back in the US on Sun
Sam

Day 39 Birch Run to Port Huron, MI

Our day almost ended before it began.  We awoke to thunder and lightning.  We can ride in rain, but, not lightning.  It was just like at the airport, ride is delayed 1 hr.  Ride will be delayed an additional half hour.  You can load luggage on the truck but not leave.  We finally left at 9:15, 2:15 late.  We were safe and dry with a GREAT Tailwind.  86 mi in under 6 hrs total time including sag and rest stops.  Made up for the delay.

Rolling fast, approx 20 mph



Max and Laurel passed and were passed

Our average for the day was 16.5mph.   Max and Laurel kept pace with us and were passed and passed us in turn depending on who stopped for water or food.  Great rest stop at a small park with an artesian well.  great tasting cold water.
We rode into Port Huron along the lake and saw some really nice large homes.  Similar to the homes along Milwaukee's lake shore.
Wake up is at 4:40 AM.  We get an early start so we can ride across the bridge to Canada in the morning.  There is no sidewalk and bicycles are not normally permitted on the bridge.  We have special permission to ride with an escort as they hold traffic.  Complicating things even more than normal is one lane is down for maintenance.  It will be VERY interesting if the bridge deck is a metal grid and you can see through it.  Some of the riders are afraid of heights.  Saw the bridge tonight and it is over a mile long and WAY above the water.  Stay tuned for more details from the bridge, customs and immigration Friday.  Yes, I have my passport and all should go smoothly.
Drive carefully
Sam

Mount Pleasant to Birch Run MI, July 25, Wed

We got to sleep late (sort of) 6:00 AM!  Today was suppose to be a recovery day, but, the wind didn't cooperate.  The wind whipped across the wide open farm fields of lower Michigan.  Really it wasn't to bad, the temperature was nice, the sun shined, and it was REALLY flat.  625 ft of climbing in 74 miles.  Literally the flattest day of the ride.
The town of Alma is quite picturesque.  Wide green lawns and a clean small town downtown.  Alma is home to Alma College.  A well respected small liberal arts school.

Jeff, Janel, Joel, Crist in downtown Alma

The Across America North Ride has been going on for over ten years and each year the riders had stopped to visit Sandra Reeves and her husband.  Sandra's husband has passed away, but, she keeps up the tradition of welcoming riders into her yard and home.  The picture below is of riders with one of the many tractors the Reeves family has collected over the years.  The tractor originally had steel wheels.

Rich, Sam, Janel, Diane, Lynne, Joel, Crist and Randy in front of one of the Reeves' tractors

Most of the tractors John Deere, Allis Chalmers etc are in the barns behind the trees.  More than 50 tractors in the collection.

Most of the day was riding in a pace line through the MI farmland.

Crist leading Janel, Lynne and Diane into the wind across MI farmland

We cross into Canada early Friday Morning for a short trip across southern Ontario.  London and Brantford Ontario then Niagara Falls. 
See you soon
Sam

Monday July 23 "rest day" Manitowoc to Ludington

and Tues July 24, Ludington to Mount Pleasant 113 mi

Monday July 23 was supposed to be a rest day, short ride to the SS Badger car ferry, leisurely ride across Lake Michigan quick dinner and early to bed.  We left the hotel at 10:00 AM and arrived at the hotel at 9:00 PM. 

Manitowoc Crane Co.

Arrival in MI.  Note the long shadows as sun sets

Happy Endings Ice Cream

 

The ride to the car ferry dock started very nice.  Warm sunny day, rode past Manitowoc Crane, downtown Manitowoc and all was good.  Loading onto the carferry is when it went down hill.  They loaded 2 flatbed trucks with the columns for a windmill base onto the ferry.  Delayed the start of the trip 1 hr.  Unloading delayed everyone another half hour.  We lost an hour to time zone change.  So instead of getting to the hotel at 7:30 with bed by 9:00 we got to the hotel at 9:00 with bed at 10:30. 
Up at 5:00 for a 113 mi ride.  lots of groaning as alarms went off.  2 miles into the ride all was forgotten as we rode down some really nice rural Midwestern roads.  Green pine trees, well kept farms, plenty of sunshine and rolling hills all brought smiles.

It was a very uneventful day = GREAT.  We rode past small lakes just like in northern Wisconsin.  Lunch was at Subway in the town of Big Rapids MI.  Last stop during the ride was at "Happy Endings Ice Cream"  They opened up 45 minutes early just for us.  1 scoop Mint chip and 1 scoop Cherry Chocolate.
Downtown Mount Pleasant really is a pleasant place to visit, not at the end of 113 mi., but, another time.  NO MORE days over 100 miles.  Longest day left is 94 mi and it is the only remaining day over 90 miles.

I now have tan lines in a whole list of places I never did before, Ankle tan lines from socks, thigh tan lines from shorts, wrist tan lines from gloves, tan line from watch, tan lines on my thumbs and index fingers, tan lines on my neck and forehead.  FORTUNATELY no red sunburn thanks to Evonne Winston's and  Mary's constant preaching for a month before I left.  At least 3 layers of sunscreen every day and sleeves have worked very good.
Tomorrow, Wed is a short day only 74 miles

Drive safe and watch for riders on the road.
Sam

Sunday July 22
Short day "only" 58 miles Fond du lac to Manitowoc
Started out on the shores of Lake Winnebago and then rolled through Wisconsin country side.

Lake Winnebago light house

Today was hot and sunny.  Rolling hills were fun to ride and lots of green growing plants.
I really appreciate all the support everyone has given me.  Couldn't do this trip without it.  Unfortunately the trip does take a huge physical toll each day.  I I really looked forward to seeing people in Manitowoc, but, there just isn't enough time and energy.  I am sure you understand and I look forward to seeing everyone after the trip
Thanks for your support
Sam

July 20 Friday Lacrosse to WI Dells

July 21 Day 34 ,of 50 WI dells to Fonddu Lac

it is great to be riding in WIsconsin, where we have real trees and greenery.  The other riders on the trip have been skeptical that Wisconsin would be as nice as advertised.  They are now converts to Wisconsin riding.  Custard has also gained a bunch of new followers.  Culvers custard in particular.  Remember we are on a 4,000 - 5,000 calorie a day diet and you can only eat so much fruit and healthy stuff.

One of the highlights of Friday was the Sparta Elroy trail and it's tunnels.  few people had ridden it before so it was quite novel. 


This is the doors at the end of tunnel 3.  We rode through the tunnels in reverse order 3, 2, 1

The tunnels have a new floor in some areas wnere the tracks were removed.  Walls are the original "cave" walls as were dug by hand in 1870s  Tunnel 3 is the longest of the 3.  none of the tunnels should be ridden.  They all have water leaking from the roof and sides from springs in the hills.  Both sides of the path through the tunnel have ditches to channel the water.

Riders with lights coming through the tunnel

Basic Tunnel info from 1873

Evening in Wisconsin Dells was family Mary and Louie, my sisters Ginger and Peggy with their husbands Glen and Mark.  Friends Miles, Jeanette and Jerry Jessup, Curt and Chris Hancock were all their for dinner.  Jerry and Jeanette surprised me along the road.  Didn't know they were coming and they found the group I was riding with.  Great surprise!!!

July 21 Day WI dells to Fond du Lac

Curt Hancock joined the ride for a day as a warm up for his bike trip to Jackson WY next week.

One of the highlights of the day was stopping for brats.  Most of the riders had never had a brat and really liked them.  Ollie, from Germany liked the brat, didn't like the sauerkraut.  I liked the brats, but, the buns were plain old hot dog buns.  Should have been rolls.

Mascoutin trail.  Runs along the highway into Fond du lac.  Really nice to get off the highway for a while

Alive and well on my bike in Wisconsin Dells

see you later
sam

Thursday July 19 Rochester MN to Lacrosse, WI

Today was a scenic and eventful day.  We started out in nice cool fog.  Even running into construction on the route was taken in stride.  We walked / road for about a half mile.  One guy who hates riding on sand and gravel turned around and rode back to the detour then rode the whole detour rather than walk a little

Getting around road construction equipment

Fog was the scenery this morning, nice cool fog, lasted until about 10:00. 
We have a new favorite sign "Truck on a cheese wedge"
Obviously it mean road goes steeply down hill, trucks use caution.

Favorite sign = downhill ahead

Where except Minnesota would you find a park named Bucksnort?  Very nice park on a trout stream.  Yes, we saw the trout.
The Root River Recreation Trail is a 40+ miles bike path through Southeast MN.  Great riding along the river.  Very scenic and GREEN.  We still can't get enough of greenery after all the time in Wyoming and South Dakota.

Lynne and Sam Entering Wisconsin

Highlights of today included the "Welcome to Wisconsin sign and then crossing the Mississippi River. 
Low lights of the day included an unfortunate accident.  Ray Black from London England was taking photos while riding and crashed his bike.  Broke bones in his upper arm near the shoulder.  He is taking a plane to Boston and then London in the morning.
Best highlight of the day was a surprise visit from my sisters Betsy and Ginger.  We had a nice visit over dinner before they headed back to Janesville WI.  Thanks for coming to see me.  Especially since they drove all the way and we only had a few hours.
It's great to be back in WI even if only for a few days.
Sam

Tuesday July 17 Worthington MN to Mankato MN

and Wed July 18  Mankato to Rochester MN

Tuesday Worthington to Mankato

Tuesday was a fun ride.  We rode to ride.  108 miles.  15.3 mph.  Total elapsed time 7.5 hrs.   This is a great time for our group.  Compared to riding Oregon it is fantastic.  We have all improved in speed and stamina. The temperature was down a little, humidity was down and the TREES provided shade on the road.  Not a lot of shade, but, way more than the last 2 weeks.  We only stopped 4 times.  3 regular sag stops and 1 water stop.  Lunch was at yet another Subway shop.  Great system they have going.  I don't know how many Subways we have eaten in (way too many) but they are quick, clean, tasty and nutritious.  There wasn't much to take pictures of.  You've all seen corn fields.  Most of them in MN seem to be doing pretty good despite the drought.  Only saw 1 field in serious trouble from lack of rain.  Janel is our "farm girl" in the group.  Her family has a farm in Ohio and they have raised turkeys and various crops.

Wed July 18, Mankato to Rochester MN

Ever jump out of bed and feel like running up a really big hill just because it's there?  I didn't think so, I haven't either.  Unfortunately our route went up a very steep hill 2 blocks from the start.  The picture shows just the beginning of the hill.

Bigger than it looks

Nearly everyone made it up the hill, even the guys riding recumbent bikes.  The hill is actually a bit over 250 ft or the height of a 25 story bldg.  and a whole lot steeper than the picture looks.  My heart rate at the top of the hill was as high as when we climbed the Teton Mntns.  and only 15 min after we all ate big breakfasts.  On the way out of town we rode/walked  through a road construction site.  If nearly everyone gets off and walks you know it can't be good to ride.  Much of the construction was plain old mud.  How it got wet and muddy I have no idea.  Then it was more corn fields.  There were trees to shade the road now and then and we all appreciated them.
One of my personal goals was back to back days of riding +100 miles.  Haven't done this in 40 years.  basically since college.  We were all a little tired today and the humidity was rotten, we rode anyway.  Speed was a little slower than yesterday.  A few people "sagged" (rode the SAG vehicle) in to the hotel.  Nobody in the group I usually ride with.  We have ridden 2,300 miles through all kinds of weather, why would we change now?

Progress map updated each night

We have a map posted on the notice board each day that shows how far we've come and where we are going.  The line that shows how far we've come finally covers a good distance.  2,300 miles or almost 2/3 of the total.
The route for tomorrow is expected to be fun and scenic.  Jim, the mechanic says it is his favorite day.  That means hills.  Jim thinks riding flat land is boring.  We go through Lanesboro MN and part of the Root River recreation trail in MN.  The day ends with a steep descent into Lacrosse WI.
Ride safe
Sam