20080722

DAY 52 of 54: JULY 22: MANCHESTER (NH) TO PORTSMOUTH (NH)

Time Zone : Eastern (GMT -5)
Todays Distance: 70 miles
Cycling time: 4 hrs 59 mins
Average Speed: 14.1 mph
Today’s cumulative ascent: 2649 ft
Average Heart rate: 100 bpm
Distance so far: 3,906 miles
Ascent so far: 125,713 feet.
Centuries so far: 13
Punctures so far: 11
Today’s Profile:
Today’s Route:

Dedication: Today I cycled for my own family at home in Tipperary and in California who have supported me all the way in matters dealing with Providence, Shillong and with this cycle. I know I can depend on them and fell so proud of them. I hope they feel the same way.

Providence [10]: Providence now is giving every support possible to its pupils when they leave and set up businesses or take on apprenticeships. Total support at first and decreasing as time passes to encourage independence.

For the general group this was their final day; incredible that the challenge was seen out to the bitter end. For me it was special as one of the group but my mission for providence continues for another two days.

Last night after uploading the post to the blog I went to admire my new wheel to be confronted with an absolute flat (#11). Before retiring it had to be replaced. This morning the side was bulging and the tyre was pinching the tube. Another period spent sorting that out before breakfast; it was a matter of technique. Won’t happen again.
Breakfast was a little subdued as each tried to deal with his own thoughts. For the final parade we were asked to wear the ABB shirts. To the beach it was just over 50 miles with no climbs as serious as yesterday.
Leaving the motel, most rode off in groups. Cameras were there to catch small clusters of cyclists. This was the last loading of the van and signing off of the list. In San Francisco this day seemed so very far away. Now it was real. I cycled with John, Amy, Rick and Jay to the SAG stop. A nice morning but no sunshine. It was hazy and we really wished that the rain would stay away.
Everything today was unique in that it would be the last one for the full group. This was a group of 40 individuals with nothing in common except the desire to ride across the USA. It was that common desire that bonded the group and made it so positive.
There was only one SAG today but all assembled at Rye High School at 11.30 for the final approach to the Atlantic. We all tried to sum up the experience and felt fortunate that no serious incidents had occurred. We had finally done it although even the strongest riders had doubts about their ability to carry it off at the start. Another group photo was arranged and will be treasured.
Two police cars arrived and took us on the 3 mile trip to Wallis Beach at a handy pace. After the rains of the last few days, it pleased that the sun shone for the ceremony. Friends of cyclists had assembled down there earlier on and the usual bathers were there. All heads strained to catch the first glimpse of the Atlantic but it was the ocean and seaweed smell that hit first.
Ted from Rhode Island was there as I knew he would from our conversations over the last few days. This was the first time we met. All contact before was through technology. We carried the bikes over the soft sand and then dipped the front wheel in the Atlantic brine. Mission accomplished for almost everybody.
Ted told me he had a friend come along. I turned and there was Michael Ryan. I almost dropped. It was so good to share that moment with him. These final moments of the adventure were emotionally charged and seeing Michael just added to it all. Between the jigs and the reels I got no photo on my own camera of my dipping in the ocean. I know Ted has some.
Officially the ABB trip finished here and especially those with family there began to scatter. I wanted to stay around for a while. It had taken so long to get here. Finally after I’d arranged to meet up with Michael and Ted later on, I headed off into Portsmouth and the motel. I took a detour out around Route 1B along the shore. No need to rush now. At the motel some cyclists were already busy boxing their machines for flying home in the morning

I set about finalising the route for tomorrow and have it ready for Ted and Michael when they called. I’m down to the last two days now. My mission will be accomplished when I arrive in Providence…another 130 miles or so. My evening is following the pattern of the last 52. I’m really looking forward to this new element of the challenge. And I have two good men in support doing SAG for me. they will arrive back in at the motel at 6.30 for the off.
Thank God for the health and thank God for the energy.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

An emotional blog read for me, I can only try to imagine what a rollercoaster day today was for you Dad. And amazing that Michael Ryan made the trip over to be there with you for the last couple of days.

Thank you Michael and Ted for being there for Dad, I know it means the world to him.

Thanks for the dedication Dad - yes, we are all so super proud of you. And so glad that you have enjoyed the cycle so much.

Thank God for the healthy and energetic Dad.

Love from the Pacific side,
Sinead, Barrie and Saoirse.
xxx

Anonymous said...

Well, Richard, you have done the first part of your journey. Well done! You are now entering unchartered territories for this CC rider, so no more comments from me as to what you will be facing.
I find it incredible that the weather on the last day to Portsmouth mirrored ours exactly. Cloudy and dull at the start but we almost seemed to be riding down a corridor of kind weather. Then, as we approached our destination, it was as though the heavens were smiling on us and acknowledging our achievement so that the weather was perfect on arrival at the beach.
Congratulations.
Hope the next two days go as well as the last 52.
Andrew.

Anonymous said...

Yes indeed we are extremely proud of you, we have been with you all the way. Tears in my eyes reading today's blog, love to have been there!

I will also say a big thank you to Michael and Ted for being there today and to each and everyone who tuned into the blog and took the time to sent comments, much appreciated by all the family.

Good luck for the next two days, you are in safe hands with Ted and Michael. I am sure they will match up to the back-up team you had on your trip around Ireland!!!

Safe cycling for the next two days. Love from all on the Atlantic side
Margaret

Anonymous said...

Hey Dad,
Wow what an adventure!! Has kept me thoroughly entertained. Have a great day tommorow on your final ride into providence. I am just getting ready to leave for Shanes wedding in Leixlip tommorow. I will miss your final days blog, but dont worry i will most definately be catching up on Friday or Saturday.

See you soon.
Richard.

Anonymous said...

Richard--

Congratulations on the cross-country journey!!! I understand from Sinead & Barrie that you have decided to cycle back to California? We look forward to seeing you here in a couple of weeks. ;-)

Great success (plus 2 more days of good riding)!
Bruce.