Well, just when you think it doesn’t get any better than this, it does. Today is my birthday so I had hoped to just let this one slip by while I was on the ride and celebrate it when I meet Barb in Boston next week, but no such luck. In the morning prior to leaving Danny, Mary, and Steve all stopped by to wish me Happy Birthday. By the time I arrived at breakfast, other riders were also wishing me Happy Birthday. So our riding day began with the usual birthday aging jokes. I thought it only appropriate that my teammates pull me all day. Of course they said that would not be any different than any other day, and on it went.

We had a great day of riding. Tony joined us and was a delight to have along all day. He is an excellent rider and rides in a very safe manner. We rode along the Erie Canal today for many miles. There are a couple of pictures of a boat moving up the canal. We also rode through many quaint towns. The buildings in these towns were quite old. The east has been developed so much longer than the west. I enjoy looking at the older homes and stores in the small towns.

Team Stop A Lot rode faster than it has ever ridden to date. On Steve’s computer we averaged 18.9 for the 84 miles. I can’t believe how fast we are riding these days. We worry about ruining our image.

The weather held for us today. It was cloudy and overcast but did not rain on us. This is two days in a row we have lucked out.

Now when I arrived at the motel I was surprised by three or four large boxes and a number of letters waiting for me at the desk. I had expected a card from Barb but that was all. My mother and sister had sent me a giant chocolate chip cookie, (see the picture), Ben and Sarah had sent me my favorite raspberry flavored almonds, Kandi and Ryan had sent me gift certificates to Dairy Queen, Erika and Brandon and the grandkids sent me a wonderful CD with pictures of the grandkids and family activities that I had missed since I was gone. Barb had also sent me party favors for Team Stop A Lot which I am sure will show up in tomorrow’s photos. I have said this before; no one has lived that has been loved as much as I am.

There were two seatings for dinner; Mary, Steve and I went to the second seating and ate with our ride leaders, Barbara and Mike. We had a great time laughing and telling stories about our adventures. Just as I was about to push away from the table a big cake was delivered to our table with candles on it. Most of the other riders had come back for cake. Everyone sang and we all ate a delicious cake. I learned that Barb and Mary’s mother Jeanne had found a bakery in Syracuse and ordered this cake which Jeanne and Mary had picked up after our ride today. What a great surprise!

This was a most memorable way to spend my birthday. For the last 45 days Team Stop A Lot has been my family and we have lived in the wonderful community of the Across America North 2,003 Ride. If a guy has to be away from home, this is the place to be. I want to thank my family for loving me so much and always supporting me in my adventures. They keep asking me what will be next. I also want to thank all the riders on this ride who have made this a memory I will never forget.

Tomorrow I am off to Little Falls, NY. We are scheduled to ride 85 miles. Let’s pray for good weather and the strength for a good ride. Let’s also continue to pray for each rider’s safety. I’ll look for you out on the road. If I have my head down in a pace line be sure to give me a yell. I wouldn’t want to miss you.

Click here to see more pictures from today!