Approaching the Finish Line

Hey all,

Wow! That's pretty much all Mom and I have been saying lately. We just can't believe that this trip is already coming to a close. It seems a bit surreal and we are both a bit sad to think of our trip ever being over.

Yesterday we made it to our home state of NH. We approached Lincoln on 112 from North Haverhill which was a new road to both of us. Our day was filled with steep ascents and we were pretty much drained when we reached the final descent into North Woodstock. Well, the 2 miles of 12% downhill made it all worth it. I hit 44 mph and was pretty much keeping up with the vehicle traffic. A teenage boy even filmed me out of the passenger side of his car while shouting that I was a bad ass. Thanks kid; I know. 

We ate dinner at the Woodstock Inn- the home of my favorite beer. It was a fantastic yet strange meal. We just couldn't get over being so close to home. We stayed the rainy night at my father's friend's place in Lincoln where we fell asleep right away, greatful for the comfortable beds and shelter.

Today we woke up bright and early to meet my dad for a quick hello. It wad great to see him after so long even if it was a short hi as he passed through on his way from Maine to NH for a 24 shift. Then we met even more familiar faces. Our friends Teese and Todd met us and Teese took my Mom's luggage to the top of the Kanc for her. Todd was kind enough to ride with and entertain us to the top of the pass where we met up with Teese. It was awesome to have some new company to take our minds off the climb and we are so thankful that they took the time to help us out. After we said goodbyes Mom and I made the descent into Conway and onward into Maine. We got caught in some very heavy rainfall but made it safe although drenched to Cornish where we are spending our last night luxuriously at an Inn due to thunderstorm warnings. Tomorrow believe it or not we are due to arrive at Cresent Beach mid afternoon. It will be quite a bittersweet moment.

Best,

Casey

 

Vermont

Hey all,

We are spending our second and final night in Vermont before we cross over to our home state of NH.

Yesterday we took the day "off." We rested and hung out with my Cousin Christina and her kids before leaving in the afternoon to bike the 20 miles to Middlebury. The ride was short but hilly. The views were gorgeous and the weather finally cooled down so we were happy despite the climbs. We reached Middlebury at a decent time and met up with my cousin Geoff's friend who graciously agreed to host us. We were able to enjoy a walk in historic Middlebury and grab a nice bite to eat before we slept in preparation for today.

Today we defeated Middlebury Gap. We were lucky enough to ride with Christina and her father in law. Even luckier (maybe), her husband, Peter, carried our panniers over the pass to Rochester where he retrieved his father and wife. We all ate lunch together before we said our goodbyes and Mom and I continued onward to South Royalton. Afterward, Mom and I couldn't stop talking about how great it was to have family join us on a leg of our journey, especially one that we had been facing with some apprehension. It made it so much easier and we are so thankful that they agreed to join us.

We are taking shorter days today and tomorrow because we realized that we were looking at Sunday as our grand finale day. My father has to work a 24 shift that day and would be unable to meet us and that simply would not do. Since we have plenty of time and are reluctant to see our trip come to an end we were more than happy to have an excuse to take our time. We are now most likely going to arrive on the more agreeable date of Monday. 

Well, although tomorrow is not going to be a particularly long day, it does have hills and we are going to get a good start on the day to avoid the heat. 

Best,

Casey

Family in Crown Point

Hey everyone,

We have arrived on Crown Point where we are staying with my cousin Christina and her children at her in law's camp. We have had a hot and humid go of it the last two days but it looks like it is going to break tomorrow. 

Two days ago we pushed hard to make it to Old Forge and the promise of a hotel. We encountered the first of the Adirondacks but were rewarded with some pretty sweet downhills. Although the day was tough, it was definitely worth it once we made it luxury of the motel. We met a large group of supported cyclists and took their recommendation for dinner. The restaurant was a fantastic Italian place where we stuffed ourselves with pasta, wine, and desserts. We felt pretty satisfied as we strolled back to the our air conditioned room. 

Yesterday we got a later start but still put in a slow 60 or so miles to Russell Lake State Park over some hot and hilly terrain. We were pleasantly surprised to find a beautiful campground with well spaced out sites right on the lake. It was a nice break from the crowded parks we have been staying at lately.

Today was another really hot day with plenty of elevation. We took our time with the mileage and drank lots of water. After we ducked into a restaurant to weather a thunderstorm we made it to Crown Point and family. It is truly amazing to see familiar faces and relax a little. Tommorrow we are going to spend the morning with family before pedaling the 20 or so miles to the base of Breadloaf Pass so we can be as close as possible to it on Thursday. Ok, I need to get off the phone and pay some attention to cousins once removed.

Best,

Casey

Through Ontario and in NY!

Hello all,

I am happy to write that we are now in NY! It is so hard to believe that we have about six hundred miles and about ten days left. 

Anyways, we had a blast in Ontario but were roaming so I couldn't post any updates. As we saw there were many campgrounds along Lake Erie, we decided to splurge for a cheap motel in Marine City before we crossed over. We had a delicious dinner right on the St. Claire River before heading to bed early.

We then woke up early and grabbed some coffee before taking the five minute ferry across the river to Ontario. We breezed through customs and spent the day pedaling toward Lake Erie. We ended up going 96 miles all the way to Port Stanley. We ended up camping with a fellow tourer who had also stayed at the same motel as us in Marine City. Funny enough, we are on the same mileage routine and including tonight have ended up at the same campground for four nights in a row! He is super nice and we are greatful for new company.

The next day we had a blast pedaling along Lake Erie and through all the little port towns. We also ate the offerings of numerous farm stands along the way. We were lucky enough to stay in a very quite campground under a gazebo within spitting   distance of Lake Erie.

Yesterday, we decided to get as close to the Canadian side of Niagria Falls so we could see them nice and early today. We were blessed with another beautiful day and the lake was beautiful! Overall, another great day.

Today we woke up early and made it the ten miles to Niagria Falls before all the busses arrived. We sat and head a coffee and took in the views. The morning was clear and we got an unobstructed view of the grand attraction. We then returned to the USA where we spent the day on a bike path along the aerie Canal. Although the gravel path made for slow going, the day remained beautiful and we really couldn't complain. We even got to see the locks in action at Lockport, so hey. 

Tonight we are camping right on the canal off the bike path with a bunch of other bikers. Although Mom and I are getting along great, we appreciate new people to talk with. It is especially fun to hear other cyclist's stories and experiences on the road.

Well, it's been a long day and I am ready to go to bed so I'll leave it at that. 

Best,

Casey

Getting Hilly Again

Hello there,

We are all settled in at the Selkirk Shore State Park where we are nestled right on the coast of Lake Ontario. Today was a long day of rolling steep hills which was a rude awakening after the flatness along the Erie Canal. We are in the second biggest fruit producing county in the country, however, so we are coming across many farm stands which keeps us happy. At one such stand we met a father/son team from Florida who are doing am Eastern section of the northern tier. It was great to talk to another parent/child duo and they even bought us some trail mix which was really sweet of them. Later today, we ventured a bit off route to have a picnic lunch at the Fair Haven Beach State park. It seemed like we were at the ocean, right down to the watchful seagulls who supervised our lunch.

Yesterday, met up with our friends the Hodges. They were on their way driving out west and were sweet enough to drive out of their way and say hi. It was very nice to see some familiar faces from home. Later, we encountered some afternoon drizzles and wore our raincoats for the first time in a while. Since the rain was picking up, we opted to stay with warm showers hosts Jim and Carol. Boy, did we make a good call. They were busy with am event at their marina, but still agreed to host us. We met them at said marina where we had dinner and met all their friends. Then they took us back to their beautiful old farmhouse, gave us some wine, and allowed us to do some desperately needed laundry. This morning they cooked us a delicious breakfast and sent us off showered and in clean close before they went to church. They had a busy weekend scheduled and we were very thankful and impressed that they took the time to take such great care of us. 

Well, that's about all the updates I have. It seems that we only have about five hundred or so miles left. We encountered the first Dunkin Donuts of the trip which is a sure sign of being on home turf. The going from here might be a bit slower than we have been accustomed to due to the Adirondack and White Mountains but we have made excellent time so far and have plenty of time before my classes start up.  

Best,

Casey

Hot Days in Michigan and Vest a Dog Meet-up

Hey all,

We have had a rather hot and humid last two days but have. It let that stop us from having a great time. Despite more breaks for water refills we have been able to cover a decent amount of ground and are either going to reach Ontario tomorrow night or the next morning.

Yesterday we got to travel on an awesome paved rail trail for a bit. It is so nice to see all these repurposed routes that get tons of use. I wish there was so a convenient and safe path in Worchester or in my dream world one that connected right to Grafton and the Tufts campus. While on the path we met a very nice group of women who all get together to bike and run. They were very outgoing and kind; they all offered us a bed in their houses later gave generous donations to our fundraiser. However, we had already arranged to stay at warm showers hosts Jen and Bills's house who had already picked up new chains for our bikes. Jen and Bill were so nice, they put on our chains for us and fed us dinner all before they had to leave for a cycling competition they were competing in today. They left us with their four adorable black labs and various other dogs that were boarding (Jen is a trainer) and Jen's very sweet mother.

Today we had a bit of a shorter day due to the humidity and a very special rendezvous. We met up with a contingent from Michigain's Vest a Dog chapter. Along with them were Officer Stacer and his canine Canjo who work for the Saginaw PD. We were so honored that they all took time out of their days to drive to some rural road on our route and greet us. They were also very generous with donations. We can't express our gratitude enough and how great it made us feel to get to meet some fellow Vest a Dog people. Many thanks! 

We later took some time to cool off and eat some cheese from the touristy yet fun Frankenmuth, home of the Frakenmuth Cheese Haus. We then decided to have a short day and only go about 25 miles further to the Otter River Campground which some cyclists coming the other direction had recommend. The campground is crowded but nice and has a great little beach on the lake which we used to cool off. Now we are resting up for what could be a long day tomorrow if we push to make it across the border. Once we are in Canada I might not be able to update depending on internet access since using cellular data out of country is undesirable. So don't fret- we will be fine I am sure and eating lots of crepes.

Best,

Casey

Michigan!

Hey all,

Today is our second night in. Michigan! We are finally back in Eastern time and can't believe how far we have journeyed. 

Yesterday we woke up early to make sure we had plenty of time to catch the ferry. As we were leaving Cliff Heights park, we startled a doe and her two tiny fawns- a perfect start to the day. We then had a really pretty ride in back roads through rolling farm land to Manitowac. We had plenty of time to get our bikes checked out at a shop and grab lunch before boarding the SS Badger. The ferry was actually set up with a "cruise" intention. Private rooms with beds were available for extra money but we were content to sprawl on the chaise lounge chairs on the ship deck. We also did not play bingo or watch the movie been shown on in the cinema room or pay to get our faces painted. Call us lame but dosing off while reading was good enough for us. We did enjoy some beer and popcorn though.

After the four hour ride and with the hour time shift it was 7:30 by the time we docked in Ludington, Michigan. We only had to go less than a mile, however, to warm showers hostess Claudia's house. She fed us a delicious dinner and directed us to the very popular (with a twenty minute line at 9 pm on a Thurs to prove it) House of Flavors ice cream shop for dessert. Today we got a late start due to still adjusting to the time change. It was hot and humid once we got out of the cool lake breeze. We took our time with the ride stopping for food often and at a library so I could do some financial aid stuff for school (boo)! We arrived in the small town of Le Roy about 6 miles from our campground tonight around dinner time. The town was having a little street carnival/fair/beauty pageant. We obviously had to check it out for a bit. Long story short we had a long day and didn't arrive to the Sunrise Lake state campground until a little later than normal. Still, we had plenty of daylight and are in no rush. Now we are tired and ready to sleep. Hopefully the dude across the campground will realize soon that not everyone at the campground is as into the classic hits he is blasting as he is and we can get some rest.

Best,

Casey

 

Last Night in Wisconsin

Hey everyone,

We are spending our last night in Wisconsin at the Cliff Heights State Park. The wind is keeping the bugs at bay for which we are very thankful as they have been bad. Tomorrow we will leave bright and early to get to Manitowac and the ferry that will take us across Lake Michigan. 

Two days ago we were in Northern Michagan where it looked at lot like Maine. There were lots of lakes and pine trees. Also there were some very paved nice bike paths that we were able to use. We ate lunch in the touristy yet cute Boulder Junction and then pedaled on to national forest campground in Hiles. The campground was nice but very buggy.

Yesterday we had quite the day. Due to limited camping opportunities, we opted to go for a century day with the promise of a luxurious Super 8. We even took a dirt/crushed stone tiny trail that was listed as a shortcut on our map. Perhaps of was a risky move, but it turned out to be fine- although a little slippery in places with our thin slick tires and loaded bikes. When we finally made it to the town on Shawana- 101 miles later- we were dead tired. We almost fell asleep in our margaritas at the Mexican place we ventured to for dinner.

Today we traveled through a landscape more inline with the mental image I had of Wisconsin before this trip. Lots of corn fields and LOTS of dairies. The smell of silage and cows permeates everything. Again, there are no campgrounds or even motels in these little towns. We had to venture 5 miles off route to this state campground and settle for being farther from Manitowac and the ferry than we had wanted. Oh well, the campground is beautiful and we will have no problem catching the ferry which leaves at two. We are excited to be back on eastern time and to arrive in our last new (as in never traveled to before) state. 

Best,

Casey

Hilly Days

Hello All,

We are splurging tonight on a motel in the cute little lake town of Mercer. The las few days have had their scattered showers but have been mostly beautiful although a little hot. We have been on lots of little back roads that wind their way around the region's numerous lakes. There have been a lot of little but steep hills. But every up comes with a down and the big turns make the downs especially fun.

Yesterday we spent the night in a small campground in Hayward where we met a nice couple who were generous enough to share some of their nicer than our ramen food. It hit the spot after a long hot day of riding. 

Today we had a shorter day to to limited places to stay in our target mileage. We ended up in the Mercer at about four thirty and took a much needed map before having a delicious dinner at the bar of a hopping restaurant. The bar tender, owner of the place, and fellow bar patrons where all very enthused by our trip. Meeting people and sharing storied is one of our favorite parts about this trip so we left the bar happy and full. Now we are back in our luxurious room which is completely devoid of mosquitoes and quieter than the packed for the holiday weekend campgrounds have been. We are going to take advantage of it and get a good night's rest.

Best,

Casey

Halfway There! And in Wisconsin!

Hello all,

Today we reached to important landmarks: we crossed into Wisconsin and we hit 2,200 miles on the odometer which is our approximate halfway point. Overall, we are very excited and feel     like we are kicking some serious butt. We were also pleased to reach the halfway point on the Fourth of all dates. We had been thinking it might be sometime around the date but were astounded when it actually worked out.

The last two days have been beautiful: sunny and warm but not too hot. Yesterday we had some difficulty finding camping so settled to huck it seven miles off route to Wild River state park. The park was beautiful and very remote, although crowded. We were also kept up by a cunning raccoon who managed to unravel our strapped and rolled shut pannier and unscrew and eat our jar of peanut butter!

Today we strayed a little off route so we didn't have to zig and zag since we had camped so far off route. Our detour took us to Taylor Falls and St. Criox Falls where we in investigated the "Glacial Potholes" at Interstate Park. As 

far as we could tell, these were very large very cool holes natural ancient holes in the rocks. After satisfying our curiosity, we climbed the grueling hill out of the St. Croix River Valley. We rejoined our mapped route after lunch. After a lot of rolling hills (and reaching 2,200) we made it to the RV park in Heugen. The park is packed and full of friendly rednecks who think we are crazy for riding our bikes so far. Maybe we are, but we are having a blast and wouldn't have it any other way!

Best,

Casey

Minnesota

Hey all,

We are now about half way through Minnesota! We have had some great days. Since we opted to take advantage of Minnesota's paved bike trail system for which we don't have the ACA maps, I have been busy planning travel and lodging these past couple of nights. Sorry, about the delay in entries, but I really was too tired to look at maps for an hour and then write. Anyways, the day after we stayed in Gackle, it was sunny and the winds were with us. We took advantage of the day and rode all 130 miles to Fargo. We stayed with lovely warm shower's hostess Ann and fellow cyclists Shawn and Tim. Ann offered us refreshments and made a delicious dinner and we shared tips and insight to the road ahead with Shawn and Tim. 

The next day we spent the morning in Fargo getting our bikes tuned up and replacing our tires (we decided we wanted to switch to narrower slicks instead of our wider knobbies. The historic district of Fargo has a lot of character and fun shops so we did some window shopping. Then we spent the afternoon biking. Since Fargo is right on the border, we quickly crossed into Minnesota (sorry we crossed where there was no welcome sign to pose with).  Despite some weather and strong cross winds, we traveled 60 miles to Pelican Rapids where we stayed with another warm showers hostess Gretchen and her three affectionate cats and lovable golden retriever. Pelican Rapids is an adorable town and although it was raining we enjoyed walking around the Main Street.

Yesterday it rained on and off all day. However, we made it onto the bike trail system and was refreshing to be off the roads. The trail was once a railway and thus parallels the county roads and on occasion the interstate. It maintains it's distance for the most part though and makes a very peaceful path through woods, fields, and the region's numerous lakes. 

We went around seventy miles and since camp grounds are spaced out and it was cold and rainy, we splurged on a super eight in Alexandria. Alexandria is home to Big Ole, the world's largest viking. Pelican Rapids was home to the world's largest penguin. It seem's Minnesota towns have a thing for having "world's largest" statues.

Today was finally beautiful, sunny and 85 with a gentle breeze. We were on the trails for most of the day and had a great lunch (consisting of breakfast food and pie) at Charlie's Diner in Freeport, MN. We saw a large group of cyclists who are riding in  the other direction setting up camp about 15 miles from our destination. They are riding for MS research are fully supported and are mostly around college age. It was nice for me to meet some tourers my own age as we have mostly been meeting retirees. Also, they gave us cookies. We are now back to traveling on roads and are camping in the backyard of a lady who welcomes cyclists. Tomorrow we are aiming to make it to a campground 92 miles or so from here since other than one 32 miles away it is our only lodging option. So, I better rest up because even though the weather looks good, it is going to be a long one tomorrow.

Best,

Casey