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.