Today three members of Team Stop A Lot were tired due to the preparations for the banquet last night. We ate and loaded our luggage once again and once again we were the last to leave the motel. We all have been a little quiet lately; notice I said a little quiet, because we are all with our own thoughts about the last 50 days. We are ready to return home to family and friends but we also are sad that this wonderful relationship that has developed among the four of us will likely come to an end in a day. It will never be the same again.

We pumped up our tires and slowly started to ride out from the motel. I was leading the group when my tube decided to let go of all its air pressure, psssssssssssssss. We all stopped and walked the bike back to the motel and proceeded to change my tube. It was leaking at the stem. This was the first flat I have had since I put these extremely heavy tires on my bike. At least if it was going to happen it happened in a place that was dry and one where a floor pump was available. It was drizzling and I had my windbreaker on and a shower cap over my helmet.

There was no question, when we departed the motel now we were dead last. We stopped right before we had gone a mile and took pictures as we entered New Hampshire. There are three steep climbs today, two of which are steeper than 10%. At mile 18 we hit the first steep climb. It consisted of three steep pitches and lasted about two miles. Right before I left on the ride I had put a new cluster on the rear of my bike that included a 27 tooth gear. I have never had to use it until now and I was so glad I had it. Not only was this climb steep, it was long enough to add the additional fatigue. It was extremely humid and all we could do was put our heads down and grind it out. Steve, Dan and I got into a bit of a competition going up this beast and at the last minute when they relaxed, thinking we were at the top; I shot ahead to the highest point and rode no hands with my arms up in a victory salute. (I just love to cause trouble!)

The day’s ride progressed and the next hill was long but not so steep and we cruised right over it. We stopped at a store in the small town of Antrim. We got sandwiches and Sobes, chips and Rice Krispy Treats. We were soaking wet from the drizzle and our own sweat. After lunch we started to ride without our windbreakers and the rain became more intense so we stopped and put them on. We continued on our way and in the next two miles the rain stopped and so did we to take our windbreakers off. It was that kind of day.

We attacked the last hill which was short and steep, called Joe English. By now this did not seem like much to us, but later other riders would mention this hill as the worst. We were about 8 miles out from our motel and Dan and I had pulled out in front of the others by about 100 yards. We were on a gentle downhill when I decided to just ride hard. I put my hands in the pro grip position, slid back on my seat to gain a lower profile, and just spinned my pedals. Dan followed in my draft. We were flying toward town at a very high speed. Dan yelled to me that I must have seen the barn. As I crested a rise and started to slow a bit he passed me on his aero bars, picked up the pace, and I followed in his draft for the next mile. Then we changed places again. The others were well out of sight by now and Dan and I were like little kids experiencing speed for the first time. I was in the zone. As I brought us into town, the next directions on our route sheet were on the other side. I saw a rider way ahead and told Dan I would continue to ride to that rider and assume they knew where they were going. You have to understand here that I am pedaling so hard that I cannot take my hands off the handle bars. Dan is in a better position to do so and did. He started to yell street names and left and right turns to me as we blasted into town. Two last quick turns and we arrived at the motel. Wow! Was that fun or what!! We “high-fived” as we arrived at the motel doors. I love riding like this once in a while.

A few minutes later Steve, Mary, and John arrived. The last hard day of the ride was completed and behind us. It was a happy and sad moment.

The banquet was at 6:30 PM and a number of riders had family attend. Dan’s parents joined our table with Steve, Mary and me, also Steve Worthy , his wife Roxanne, and their niece. There was a good meal and a cute presentation by some of the staff. The Stop A Lots presented Mike and Barbara their tee shirts. Barbara’s had a picture of her on the back that said, “The Real Boss”. Mike’s tee shirt had a picture of the four of us from the back, riding in a pace line, and the caption read, “Mike’s view of team Stop A Lot”. The presentation was priceless. We all have had so much fun!

Mike presented a number of staff awards to various riders. He also recognized each member of Team Stop A Lot and the collective contributions of the team that reflected the attitude of enjoying each day, making each day count, and having fun. (This is my interpretation of what was said.)

Each rider was given the opportunity to make comments about the ride. I always like this part of any activity because it provides me a glimpse of what had the greatest meaning for each rider. I will only share a couple of comments. As my friends will understand, I commented on the development of our riding community over the last 50 days and the great leadership of Mike and Barbara to develop and lead our community successfully. Mary commented on how thankful she was for Dan, Steve, and me among other comments. This had me choked up for a moment. The four of us have lived in a synergistic way the last 50 days and I hate to see it come to a close but we all know it must.

After the Banquet Steve, Mary and I went to Applebees for some dessert. Dan was with his parents and came over later. I don’t think any of us wanted the day to end because we knew we were that much closer to the finish line.

Tomorrow we have about 60 miles to the Atlantic Ocean. I’ll see you there for the wheel dipping celebrations. Thanks for riding with me for the last 49 days. After tomorrow we will all take a hard earned rest. I have loved having you all along. See you in the morning.

Click here to see more pictures from today!