Day 52, Manchester, NH to Portsmouth, NH
The last day of the Cross Country Challenge was much like the last day of the Tour de France--more fun and smiles than push and work. While the ride was 62miles and there were a few climbs in the first 20 miles, we all ambled along and exchanged our normal morning pleasantries as we approached the first rest stop at around 30 miles. The rest stop was near some historic buildings that included a structure with the sign "Tramp House" attached. Of course I took a picture with Tim "sneaking" into this house.
Since the "cinnamon roll" place was just 4 miles down the road in Exeter, NH, most of us did just a touch and go at the SAG stop and pedaled in search of baked delights. As we rolled into town, the nationally known preparatory Exeter Academy was on the left. While I can't recall any specific names, I know that many of the prominent leaders in our country's history have matriculated at this prestigious high school. We quickly found the bakery and enjoyed the best cinnamon roll I've had in years! We all enjoyed our treats in the chairs and umbrellas along the main street of quaint, charming Exeter. We camped here and enjoyed the cool crisp temps until it was time to depart for the town of Rye to meet our 11:30 am time on target.
The group rendezvoused at Rye Junior High School just as requested and the local sheriff pulled into the parking lot to provide an escort for the last 3 miles to the beach. We took plenty of photos and exchanged hugs and high fives before receiving our final instructions from Mike.
The only thing missing from the last miles to the beach was champaign from the chase vehicles! The local folks were out on the side walk waving to us, and the sunny conditions and flat road with the biggest tailwind we'd seen in days made it a splendid finish. We rolled into Wallis Sands Beach Park and dismounted for the walk to the beach.
The beach was covered with local beach goers and they seemed quite curious and friendly as we meandered past their towels, beach blankets, pale and shovels and bikinis. We literally strolled though their territory and they could not have been more kind, encouraging and hospitable. One by one we dipped our front wheels into the Atlantic just as we had dipped our rear wheels 52 days earlier in the Pacific. It may sound hokey, but it was genuinely thrilling and a moment I'll always remember.
We hugged one another, held our bikes over our heads and took photos in many different formations. Linda poured the water we'd carried from the Pacific into the Atlantic and completed this ceremonious mission. Alan Penman and I exchanged congratulations and I pulled out another flag I'd carried in Afghanistan and unfurled it for lots of pictures with our riders. After having seen this marvelous country one turn of the crank at a time, I felt a love and admiration as I held this flag that I'd not felt before.
I ended this great event with hugs and kisses from my lovely wife, Arlene, who provided unbelievable support and encouragement from my first discussions of this challenge to mission completion. It was a wonderful time to celebrate the finish of a lifetime adventure.
Slowly but surely, we all departed the beach. Some rode in vehicles to the hotel to ship their bikes home while about 10 of us rode the six miles to Maine to visit our 14th state. Bob, David, Tim and I found our way to Kittery, Maine in about 30 minutes while our other buddies took the "long way home" and used a little more time. After this "touch and go" in Maine, I pedaled to the hotel in Portsmouth, readied my bike for shipment back home via UPS, and had a last milk shake with Tim Trelfa and Arlene.
Later in the evening, about 20 of us went to Warren's in Kittery, Maine to enjoy a fabulous meal of fresh lobster and other seafood. Bill made the reservations and we had a great room that overlooked the water and was cooled by a modest sea breeze. There was true joy and admiration in the air as we laughed and chowed down together one last time. Near the end of the evening, David's wife Jan, arrived after having flown from the UK throughout the day.
And to top things off, Bill presented Larry and me with a coin that commemorated his police organizations 150th anniversary back in England. This presentation on behalf of Bill and Alan was an act of gratitude for the US Air Force Academy gifts that Larry and I have these two gentlemen. Friendships are priceless.
Well friends, it's over. I hope you enjoyed the ride as much as I did. I had more fun than I could ever have imagined, and yes, I would absolutely do it again. Steve Pulley, this blog was your great idea and I thank you for this smart suggestion and your tremendous surprise visit in Springfield. And Bill Bergen, the "Butt Buttr" was the best retirement gift you could have ever given me! I loved the physical challenges, cherished the friendships, and thanked my God every day for the blessings. In the days ahead, I expect to follow the words many of you have heard me say before--"The older I get the more I remember details of things that never happened."
Stay healthy and give me a holler when you have a moment. Most Sincerely, Steve King
Since the "cinnamon roll" place was just 4 miles down the road in Exeter, NH, most of us did just a touch and go at the SAG stop and pedaled in search of baked delights. As we rolled into town, the nationally known preparatory Exeter Academy was on the left. While I can't recall any specific names, I know that many of the prominent leaders in our country's history have matriculated at this prestigious high school. We quickly found the bakery and enjoyed the best cinnamon roll I've had in years! We all enjoyed our treats in the chairs and umbrellas along the main street of quaint, charming Exeter. We camped here and enjoyed the cool crisp temps until it was time to depart for the town of Rye to meet our 11:30 am time on target.
The group rendezvoused at Rye Junior High School just as requested and the local sheriff pulled into the parking lot to provide an escort for the last 3 miles to the beach. We took plenty of photos and exchanged hugs and high fives before receiving our final instructions from Mike.
The only thing missing from the last miles to the beach was champaign from the chase vehicles! The local folks were out on the side walk waving to us, and the sunny conditions and flat road with the biggest tailwind we'd seen in days made it a splendid finish. We rolled into Wallis Sands Beach Park and dismounted for the walk to the beach.
The beach was covered with local beach goers and they seemed quite curious and friendly as we meandered past their towels, beach blankets, pale and shovels and bikinis. We literally strolled though their territory and they could not have been more kind, encouraging and hospitable. One by one we dipped our front wheels into the Atlantic just as we had dipped our rear wheels 52 days earlier in the Pacific. It may sound hokey, but it was genuinely thrilling and a moment I'll always remember.
We hugged one another, held our bikes over our heads and took photos in many different formations. Linda poured the water we'd carried from the Pacific into the Atlantic and completed this ceremonious mission. Alan Penman and I exchanged congratulations and I pulled out another flag I'd carried in Afghanistan and unfurled it for lots of pictures with our riders. After having seen this marvelous country one turn of the crank at a time, I felt a love and admiration as I held this flag that I'd not felt before.
I ended this great event with hugs and kisses from my lovely wife, Arlene, who provided unbelievable support and encouragement from my first discussions of this challenge to mission completion. It was a wonderful time to celebrate the finish of a lifetime adventure.
Slowly but surely, we all departed the beach. Some rode in vehicles to the hotel to ship their bikes home while about 10 of us rode the six miles to Maine to visit our 14th state. Bob, David, Tim and I found our way to Kittery, Maine in about 30 minutes while our other buddies took the "long way home" and used a little more time. After this "touch and go" in Maine, I pedaled to the hotel in Portsmouth, readied my bike for shipment back home via UPS, and had a last milk shake with Tim Trelfa and Arlene.
Later in the evening, about 20 of us went to Warren's in Kittery, Maine to enjoy a fabulous meal of fresh lobster and other seafood. Bill made the reservations and we had a great room that overlooked the water and was cooled by a modest sea breeze. There was true joy and admiration in the air as we laughed and chowed down together one last time. Near the end of the evening, David's wife Jan, arrived after having flown from the UK throughout the day.
And to top things off, Bill presented Larry and me with a coin that commemorated his police organizations 150th anniversary back in England. This presentation on behalf of Bill and Alan was an act of gratitude for the US Air Force Academy gifts that Larry and I have these two gentlemen. Friendships are priceless.
Well friends, it's over. I hope you enjoyed the ride as much as I did. I had more fun than I could ever have imagined, and yes, I would absolutely do it again. Steve Pulley, this blog was your great idea and I thank you for this smart suggestion and your tremendous surprise visit in Springfield. And Bill Bergen, the "Butt Buttr" was the best retirement gift you could have ever given me! I loved the physical challenges, cherished the friendships, and thanked my God every day for the blessings. In the days ahead, I expect to follow the words many of you have heard me say before--"The older I get the more I remember details of things that never happened."
Stay healthy and give me a holler when you have a moment. Most Sincerely, Steve King
posted by Steve King at 6:51 AM
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