June 8, 2014

HAPPY 85th BIRTHDAY TO MY DAD JAY BASINGER

6/8/14 Rest day in Alamosa

After 2 long hard days of riding, we decided to take a rest day in Alamosa to give our bodies a chance to recover. Also, the forecast was for possible afternoon thunderstorms and strong winds. It turned out to be a wise decision. Mostly just spent the day reading, watching HGTV, talking with family, and planning for Monday's ride. At mid-afternoon, there was this unbelievable dirt storm that hovered over everything in a thick haze. You could not see beyond a few feet ahead of you. The mountains were totally hidden. Made me feel kinda weird, and LaDonna's sinuses seemed to take a hit.

The forecast for Monday is clear, cool and sunny. Perfect for the 60+ miles to La Veta and possibly Cuchara. My friend Pam and her family are in Cuchara and we hope to hook up with them either Monday or Tuesday.

Looks like part of the route will take us up 9000+ feet again, so we are preparing mentally for a climb. Just hope no strong winds. Wind has always been my biggest nemesis. Also praying for light traffic.

June 7, 2014

6/7/14 Salida to Alamosa - 80 miles

Left the motel at approximately 9:00 am and began the 10 mile climb to Poncha Pass, elevation 9012 ft. 

It took a good 2 hours to reach the top, where the view drastically changed to a vast vista of grasslands that ended at the base of the mountains. 

We coasted down for several miles before the road leveled out into a long straight stretch. For lunch, we stopped at a quaint little roadside cafe in Villa Grove and had some of the best sweet potato fries ever. They came out piping hot. 

As we prepared for the next stretch of ride, the clouds gathered ominously in the distance and I began fearing that we would get hit by the rain. On we plodded. At the 40 mile mark, we stopped at another little roadside cafe in Moffett, and I had a cup of coffee to give me a kick for the next stretch. By now it was 3:00 pm and I realized that, at best, we were looking at another 3 hours or so for the remaining 40 miles to Alamosa. Unfortunately, there were No options for stopping before Alamosa. Even more unfortunately, we began facing harsh cross winds that slowed our progress to 6-7 mph at best. It also took its toll physically as we were getting tired. What I have learned in these situations is to just keep pedaling and stop frequently. LaDonna, to her credit, kept steadily pedaling along and remained as upbeat as possible in the circumstance, though  know it had to be hard. She had walked uphill for several long stretches of the initial climb to Poncha Pass. 

One interesting sight in the distance to the east was the Great Sand Dunes National Park. Seemed a little strange to see those dunes at the base of the mountains. 

After what seemed forever, we finally reached Alamosa at approximately 7:00 pm, and checked into a really nice Comfort Inn. Ordered dinner in, took long hot showers, and settled in for (yeah!) an episode of "Property Brothers" before turning in. 

After two hard days of riding, and especially after the Salida - Alamosa adventure, we decided to  take a rest day on Sunday at the nice Comfort Inn. There is also a possible forecast of thunderstorms, so we won't have to worry about that. Monday's forecast is for clear weather. The next leg of the ride is over towards Cuchara or Walsenburg, depending on how things go.

June 6, 2014

6/6/14 Canon City to Salida - 58 miles

Got off to an early start in anticipation of a long ride to Salida and to hopefully avoid possible late afternoon thunderstorms. We had a fabulous stay at the Super 8 in Canon City, in large part to Julie, who cheerfully made us feel right at home and went out of her way to help with planning "rest day" activities and providing a place to store the bikes out of the room. The motel was in a terrific location, the rooms spacious and very clean. 

We swung by Raftmasters to again thank our guide Mark for the wonderful time we had rafting, and to take a few pictures. Both he and Julie had a way of making it seem that they were not working at a job, but doing what they enjoyed. Both had a talent for working with people. 

Our route for the day was Highway 50 (still part of the AC TRANSAMERICA route the first 20 miles ) which ran alongside the Arkansas River the entire way to Salida. The first 10 miles to Royal Gorge were a series of long, slow inclines. Not too steep, but enough to get you warmed up. At one point as I was chugging up an incline, a Raftmasters big orange school bus passed and I saw Mark stick out his head, yell and waive. He had a big smile on his face. 

At last we reached the turn off for Royal Gorge and the road flattened out, followed shortly by an exhilarating downhill coast with a gorgeous view of the valley and mountains stretched out before us. At the bottom of the hill, Hwy 50 begins its parallel course right alongside the Arkansas River. This continues all the way to Salida, and runs through gorges and stunning rock formations. The really good thing is that it is mostly flat or fairly flat with little in the way of climbs. Just easy going and with unbelievable scenery. This has to be one of the most scenic rides I have ever taken. The road was in good shape and for the most part had adequate shoulders. However, the one downside was the amount of traffic and trucks on the road. Fortunately, we had some stretches where there was little or no traffic, but overall there was more traffic than desired. 

The highlight of the day was when we reached a place called Five Points. Mark had pointed this out the day before when we were rafting as a spot where 5 gorges coincided. There are some very challenging rapids at this convergence, and a platform where folks on the shore can watch as rafters navigate through and witness "carnage," which occurs when a raft flips over spilling its occupants into the river. Of course, we had expertly rafted through the day before, but others had not been so lucky. At any rate, just after we had ridden past Five Points, I spied red rafts a ways up coming down the River. Since I had seen Mark in the bus and knew Raftmasters had red rafts, I felt there was a pretty good possibility that one of those might be Mark. so, LaDonna and I turned around and took up post at the platform. Sure enough, it was Mark and his crew. He spotted us and waived - hit the top of his helmet in the "OK" sign with a big grin and shout, and we hit the top of our bike helmets in reply. After his raft shot through the rapids, Mark waved goodbye and made the sign of a big heart with his arms, like many do with their hands. LaDonna said it was a kiss heart moment and it almost made her cry. We agreed that the timing of our arrival at that very spot at that very moment had to be a God thing. There was no way we could have planned it. Reminded me of of just happening to meet up with my friend Diane on a busy Burlington, VT street last fall during the Tour of the Leaves ride. 

We continued meandering along the Arkansas River, stopping for lunch along the way. Peanut butter sandwiches, chips, apples and fig newtons while we watched rafters float by. Delicious.

The weather was perfect. Blue skies and no rain in sight. Approximately 20 miles from Salida I spotted some rather ominous dark clouds forming, but luckily they were to the south and our route was taking a turn northward and away, so I felt we would likely skirt the storm. I was right - seemed another God thing because we had been warned all week of the rain coming. As we approached Salida, more snow-covered mountains appeared. We cruised into Salida at approximately 3:00 pm, having made good time, and found another wonderful Super 8. The owner cheerfully greeted us and upgraded us to a lovely room. They had laundry facilities, so we washed clothes and rested a bit before heading the 1 mile to town for dinner, following the Monarch Bike Trail. We had a fabulous dinner at an Italian restaurant called Ferraros that was recommended by the Super 8 owner. The lasagna was maybe the best I have ever had. LaDonna seemed mesmerized by her eggplant Parmesan. Food is a big deal when biking.

The town of Salida is quaint and filled with lots of beautiful parks. Large lush green grassy areas with huge trees. In one of the parks, there were a group of girls playing basketball - you rarely see girls on outdoor public courts. Made me happy.  The Main Street runs perpendicular to and runs into the River, along which is a lovely River walk with restaurants perched alongside. It was a beautiful evening and everyone moved at a leisurely pace obviously enjoying the moment. 

After dinner, we returned to the motel and to my delight I found that we could access HGTV. I happily watched an episode of "Love It or List It". Last year I discovered HGTV while on my ride and became hooked. However, I do not have cable at home in Austin, so it is a treat whenever I am somewhere that I get to watch "Love It or List It" or "The Property Brothers".

Tomorrow we head through Poncha Pass (elev. 9012 ft) in route towards Alamosa. Depending on how tough the pass is, we will see how far along we get. I think we are supposed to have good weather again.

 

June 5, 2014

6/5/14 Rest day in Canon City

Started "rest day" early, as we had to be at the pickup station at 8:00 am for the ride to the Royal Gorge Train depot. Along the way, our driver told us all about the wildlife we were about to see -  bighorn sheep, deer, bears, birds, etc. The suspension bridge at Royal Gorge is the highest in the world at 1053 feet above the Arkansas River. The train lady told us that the difference between a canyon and a gorge is that a canyon is wide and a gorge is deep. 

The train trip took approximately 2 hours round trip, running alongside the Arkansas River and under the Royal Gorge Bridge. The bridge itself and the park are currently closed due to a fire that occurred a year ago. We spent the entire time standing in the outside car admiring the stunning views. Due to the runoff from recent heavy snows, the Arkansas River is at the highest levels since 2011, and commercial rafting on that portion that runs under the bridge is prohibited for the time being. We chatted with a number of folks from various parts of the country, and took each others' pictures. It was a pleasant trip, and just long enough. However, the only wildlife sighting was a single mule deer and a few highflying birds. Disappointing to say the least.

We learned that Canyon City's main business is correctional institutions. They have 12 prisons, 10 of which are currently operating, and have housed many notorious past and current inmates. The UniBomber is a current resident, and former inmates include mafia figures and Timothy McVeigh. The first WTC bombers. Canyon City's other main business is tourism, and especially whitewater rafting. 

After lunch, we donned wet suits and were transported some 10 miles or so west for the whitewater rafting. As mentioned previously, we were not able to raft under the Royal Gorge Bridge; however, there was plenty of class III -IV rapids and whitewater running through gorges with stunning views. Highway 50 runs alongside, and I kept thinking what a fabulous ride it would be with that whitewater in view. The weather was perfect - bright blue skies and mid-80's. Our guide, Mark, did a superb job leading us through some very exhilarating passes and relaying all sorts of history, geologic info, and background. There were two other men in our raft that are chefs at a local restaurant, and we all coordinated really well in the raft. I have been on a few raft trips over the years, but have to say that this was probably the best overall experience. LaDonna looked like she was in Heaven.

On the way back to town, who did we pass going in the opposite direction but the now fully loaded cross-country biker on the Trek. I guess he got off to a late start on the next leg. 

After our busy day, we were starving - so what else is new? We returned to our favorite dinner spot because of the free pie that comes with the early dinner. I had the chicken stir fry with all sorts of veggies, capped off by the apple pie a la mode. Delicious. This place claims to have the best pie in the world, and while I won't go that far, it is above average. Then again, everything tastes better when you are biking and hungry. 

Canon City has been a blast, but time to move on. Looks like either Salida or Westcliffe. 

June 4, 2014

6/4/14 Colorado Springs to Canon City - 45 miles

Got off to a late start because I had an initial pretrial conference call in one of my cases. The lawyer on the other side was supposed to initiate the call with the Court, but forgot about the hearing altogether, so it took a while to get everything done. What I hated was that I could feel myself in "business" mode, and annoyed. However, it all worked out as it always does. And in the greater scheme of things, was it really all that big of a deal? At the end of the call, after the Court had hung up, the lawyer apologized again and thanked me for my professionalism. That made feel worse because I knew how childish I reacted internally to the inconvenience. One of the lessons from my bike riding trips is to better "go with the flow" and look at challenges as opportunities to be cheerful in the circumstance, rather than let them ruin my moment or day. This has often resulted in unsuspected joyful blessings.  I certainly don't do that perfectly, but I am aware. And that is the first step.

The same desk clerk was on duty when we checked out. He had barely looked at us or spoken when we checked in - a rather joyless, dour young man. Apparently, he wasn't much of a morning person either. I made the most of it by wishing him a good day, and said a little prayer of blessing for him. We skipped the equally depressing continental breakfast at the motel.

Breakfast was at Smiley's in downtown Colorado Springs and it was fabulous. Eggs, bacon, cheese grits and homemade bread with cheerful accommodating servers to boot. They graciously allowed us to fill our water bottles for the anticipated uphill climb out of Colorado Springs and cheerfully wished us a safe trip. We finally exited town with a stunning view of Pikes Peek around 10:30 am and headed south on scenic byway Hwy 115. Destination was Canon City, some 45-50 miles away.

Highway 115 was somewhat of a mixed bag. The good news was that it was quite scenic and there was a good shoulder. The bad news (especially for LaDonna) was that there were a series of gradual and fairly steep inclines for almost 15-20 miles, and the traffic was heavier than I would have preferred. Every once in a while we would get a nice downhill coast, but those were few and far between. Generally, I would climb to the top of the incline or hill and wait for LaDonna, who frequently got off the bike and pushed.  She would catch up with me at the top of the hill smiling and saying "it's all good! I am just loving this." 

One of the things I started occupying myself with was watching the playful prairie dogs. They chattered and frolicked from mound to mound. Very cute.

Finally, we reached Hwy 50 and stopped for a Subway Veggie Delite before tackling the final 10 miles to Canon City, where we had decided to take a rest day on Thursday to give the legs a rest. We found a terrific motel at a very reasonable rate (being a member of AARP has definite advantages), and before I knew it I had signed us up for a half day train ride to view the suspension bridge at Royal Gorge and half day whitewater rafting down the Arkansas River. So much for a rest day. The lady desk clerk was very friendly and made us feel special and at home. 

As we headed out to find dinner, we came across a biker chaining his bike outside a local Mexican restaurant. It was a Trek 520 touring bike like mine, and I knew immediately that he had to be on a cross-country ride. He had that look in his eye and the touring biker swagger. Plus, Hwy 50 is on the Adventure Cycling TRANSAMERICA route. I approached and he was indeed on a cross-country ride. He started 2 months ago on the east coast and said he had had fabulous tailwinds most of the way. As we parted, I realized I had chills just talking with him about his cross-country ride - he laughed when I told him. 

Dinner was especially good as it was Wednesday a/k/a free pie night. I had warmed cherry pie that was quite delicious.  

Lots to do on Thursday in addition to "rest day" activities. Need to clean the bikes and do some basic maintenance, look for laundry facilities and make a decision as to what direction to ride on Friday. There is also the forecast for possible weekend showers. I think I will procrastinate a little longer before figuring it all out.

June 2, 2014

6/2/14 - Aurora to Castle Rock - 27 miles

Started a 2-3 week bike ride within the state of Colorado today. This ride is quite different than my previous two rides (2012 cross-country and 2013 "Tour of the Leaves" from Minneapolis to Bar Harbor). Mostly because I had a hard time discerning a route. I chose Colorado for two reasons. First, I did not want to ride across the Southern Tier because of the summer heat and/or long flat stretches of limited scenery. Second, I had originally planned to ride through Colorado in 2012 as part of the cross-country ride, but altered that plan due to the wild fires as I approached from Wyoming, and because I met the guys from Arizona and started riding with them to South Dakota. So, I wanted to see the scenery from a biking perspective. I also have a number of friends who live in Colorado and thought it would be fun if the opportunity arose to see them during the ride. 

The selection of a route ultimately hinged on my riding companion for this trip. LaDonna is a friend from Georgia that I met almost 40 years ago at a basketball camp in South Carolina where I grew up. We were good friends our senior year in high school, then I left for Texas to play basketball for Jody Conradt. As life often happens, we eventually lost contact for over 35 years until I received an email during the 2012 cross-country ride via the Truth Be Told website from Ladonna. Apparently she had stumbled on my bike ride journal and was following along. Since that time, we have re-connected and she indicated that she would be interested in learning more about bike touring. So, I told her I would do a ride with her. This Colorado ride is the result. The choice of a route was difficult because, although LaDonna is in good general physical condition (she hiked the 500 mile El Camino Santiago across Spain last summer), she has never done much bike riding and certainly not in mountains. To make a long story short, my friend Dawne suggested we start from her home in Aurora near Denver and ride along the Front Range that parallels the mountains. That way, we could avoid some of the more steep mountain inclines and still enjoy the scenery. 

So, we started the ride on Monday from Aurora headed south towards Colorado Springs, then Pueblo. We have to play it somewhat by ear because the route is not great for biking and requires some flexibility on our part. Also, LaDonna is still getting used to the whole biking thing and how she adjusts will determine in some part where the route eventually takes us. 

We left Dawne's at approximately 11:30 am and started on a bike trail called the Cherry Creek Greenbelt Trail. This was a very poorly marked trail, but gave us a chance to get our biking legs under us and address the initial biking issues that always arise the first day or two as you are settling in. I especially wanted to start off the highway if possible to give LaDonna a chance to settle in on her bike. The weather was perfect - low 80's and clear blue skies with very little wind. The trail ran alongside grassy meadows, and occasionally alongside a stream where happy dogs frolicked with their owners. Snow-capped mountains framed the distant horizon.  The perfect way to start the ride. 

Although the Cherry Creek Trail supposedly runs all the way to Frankton - approximately 20 miles south - I was unable to locate any really good map information from the nearby bike shops and the people at the shops did not seem too familiar with the trail, and most had ridden on Highway 63. So, I decided to opt for Highway 63 after approximately  5 miles. The shoulder was fine for most of the ride, but the traffic was heavier than I would have preferred. Still, we biked along with little problem and only an occasional headwind or two for brief moments. At Frankton, we headed east the final 7 miles to Castle Rock, our destination for the night. This was a lovely ride through rolling hills and a couple of very challenging winding inclines. Perfect for preparing for the upcoming rides the next couple of days. We arrived in Castle Rock at around 4 pm. After a good dinner (completed by a free piece of apple pie a la mode) we called it an early night.

Tomorrow (Tuesday) we plan to ride approximately 48 miles to Colorado Springs. We think that we have identified a couple of off road bike trails to take most of the way. The obvious advantage if these work out is that it is off road. But these rails to trails are often flatter and less hilly. We will have to see. 

June 3, 2014

6/3/14 - Castle Rock to Colorado Springs - 48 miles

Another perfect day for riding. Clear blue skies with a forecast for the 80's. We started the ride on the Plum Creek Parkway trail for a few miles until we accessed the feeder road along I-25 for approximately 5 miles. At one point a train came up alongside and the conductor stuck out his head and waved at us with a big smile. The train continued along at a slow pace for several miles. 

We turned west on Tomahawk Road for another 4 miles of almost all incline. This was a fairly strenuous  climb, but we were rewarded with stunning views and a long exhilarating downhill coast of several miles that ended at Co Rd 105, which we road for a good 14 miles. This part of the ride had a lot of slow gradual inclines and occasional wind gusts. Traffic was far lighter than yesterday and the road was in good condition, but not much of a shoulder. We saw several road bikers out for their daily rides. At one point as I was waiting on the side if the road for LaDonna to catch up, I turned around to look for her and to my shock, delight and fear saw this huge black bear crossing the road approximately 50 yards behind me. He was gorgeous! A beautiful thick coat and confident attitude. My initial thought was to pull out my camera, quickly followed by the realization that I better plan my escape if he decided to turn in my direction and come my way. Before I could fully realize my fear, he pretty much ignored me and continued lumbering off the road and into the forest. It was a magnificent moment. I realized that just up ahead on the side of the road was a sign for Bear Trail Ranch. That made me laugh.

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At about the 24 mile mark, we came upon the New Santa Fe Regional Trail. This was a crushed gravel trail that ran for almost 20 miles until it intersects with the Pikes Peak Greenway Trail for the final 5-6 miles into Colorado Springs. It was nice to get off the roads, but we had to pay attention for places where there was a lot of loose gravel susceptible to slipping. Beautiful views of Pikes Peak in the distance. I found that I had to drink a lot of water, and it did get quite hot.  After a while, the constant vigilance to avoid loose gravel took its toll and I was feeling pretty tired. At one point, we stopped at a rest hut for a break. A man came up on his bike and told us he had ridden from west coast to Bar Harbor a number of years ago. I, of course, shared my most rides with him. 

The trail entered the Air Force Academy property, and the trail became increasingly more challenging as it went up and down several steep gravel hills. The scenery was varied and interesting when you could afford to look away from the trail long enough to see. We passed a man walking the trail that warned us he had seen two 40 pound bear cubs in a field just around the next bend, but no Mom. This must be bear theme day. 

By the time we reached Colorado Springs around 4 pm, I think we were both pretty exhausted. We stopped at a bike shop for maps, directions and motel recommendations. We headed for the recommended motel, located several blocks from downtown, and checked in. There were a number of, shall we say, interesting looking characters staying there, and I probably would not

have stayed there had I been on my own. However, because we were tired and I didn't feel like riding around to look for wi-fi to search out other accommodations we just checked in. After a great shower and feeling somewhat renewed, found a Wendy's nearby - love their apple pecan salads - and had an early dinner. Also learned some very useful information. Wendy's has a free smaller size Frosty for seniors.

Tomorrow we plan 35-50 miles along scenic byway 115 towards Florence and/or Canon City.  This hooks up with the Adventure Cycling TRANSAMERICA route at highway 50. Keeping in mind the forecast for rain this weekend.

Post Ride Update

October 12, 2013

Since returning to Austin, I have been busy visiting friends and catching up. It feels good to be home. It especially feels good to be re-united with Sassy, who again spent the summer being spoiled by her grandmother as she vacationed in Florida.

The "Tour of the Leaves" bicycle ride was conceived as a way to honor my former law partner, Del Grosenheider, and to support the Texas Chapter of the ALS Association. Del and I entered the "Tour of the Leaves" bicycle ride as a fundraising team competing in the annual Walk to Defeat ALS. As of today, we have raised over $8,000 in contributions to benefit the ALS Association. This includes contributions from some of the new friends I actually met during my bicycle ride. Thanks for your part in making this a successful endeavor. One lesson I learned from the bicycle ride is that just about everyone I met had had some experience with either a family member or friend diagnosed with ALS. It really struck a cord.

Please join me on Saturday, October 19, 2013, at 10:00 a.m. at Mueller Lake Park in Austin, Texas for the annual Walk to Defeat ALS, and to celebrate the successful conclusion of the "Tour of the Leaves" bicycle ride. Additional details are available at http:/web.alsa.org/AustinWalk, or may be accessed through the above "Click Here to Support the Cause" tab.

September 21, 2013 - Final Post

September 21, 2013 - Final Post

The Tour of the Leaves is officially over and I am heading home. I confess that we arrived in Bar Harbor a little early and missed the full color of the turning leaves yet to come. However, the ride was successful in so many ways, not the least of which was to the benefit of the ALS Association of Texas. Thanks for your help.

Thanks to my dear friend Del Grosenheider. Your courage and willingness to make a positive statement out of your circumstances is so inspiring to me and others. Your example makes me want to always strive to be the best I can be.

Thanks again to my riding companion, Randy Garmon, for your friendship and all the wonderful conversations. You will forever remain one of the most influential people on my life.

As for me, it is on to the next chapter in my life's journey and new adventures ....


Kim Basinger
Portland, ME
September 21, 2013

September 19, 2013 (2)

September 19, 2013 (2) Kennebunkport --> Portland, ME - 40 miles

I spent the last couple of days in Kennebunkport, ME. I had decided sometime during the middle of the bike ride that going to see Kennebunkport was a personal priority. Our next door neighbors in Easley, SC where I grew up were from Kennebunkport - Mary Jean and Carl Tarr. Mrs. Tarr, affectionately nicknamed "Scoop", always had the inside info on whatever was going on. We came to rely on Scoop to keep us informed. However, Scoop's best quality was her gift for story telling. She would entertain us for hours, and many of those stories involved Kennebunkport. Visiting Kennebunkport became a fixture on my sister's bucket list. So, when I realized I would be so close at the end of the Tour of the Leaves bike ride, I started finagling a way to get to Kennebunkport. 

As I mentioned previously, I stumbled upon The Franciscan Guest House when researching a place to stay. This is a non-profit hotel on the grounds of St. Anthony's Monastery in Kennebunk, just across the bridge and within walking distance from Kennebunkport. The grounds are spacious and beautiful, and many folks come for the retreat-like atmosphere it offers. Mass is conducted every morning in the monastery chapel. There are walking trails and various shrines and statues. One of the statues, designed and executed by Vytautas Kazimieras Jonynas, graced the facade of the Vatican Pavilion at the 1964-1965 World's Fair in New York City. It was transported to the Monastery grounds in 1967. I had a wonderful time just being quiet, exploring the area and pondering the past 7 weeks on the bike.




I had spoken with Mrs. Tarr and let her know I would be visiting her old "stomping grounds." She gave me 2 assignments: First, take a picture of the building where her father had his office. I was told to face the statue on Dock Square toward the bridge and the building (now a candy store) would be the last down the little street on the left hand side. Her directions were perfect and I found the building easily. I went inside and bought a bag of atomic fire balls in celebration. (I am eating one as I write this).
My second assignment was to find a clothing store called "Carla's". The owner, Carla Perkins, was named after her uncle, Carl Tarr. I easily found the store. Unfortunately, Carla was in New York and I was unable to meet her. I left one of my "business cards."
As I had been biking into town on Tuesday afternoon, an elderly lady on a bike approached and asked if I was lost. She was really cute, and was dressed and talked like a real New Englander. She recommended that while I was there I should ride my bike along the Ocean Ave loop. So, I did that on Wednesday morning. It was a beautiful, bright clear day and the ride was fabulous. I stopped a number of time to take pictures. Various shots of the shore and St. Anne's church. At one point I looked out ahead to a compound across a bay as I pedaled along, and realized that it looked familiar. Sure enough, former President Bush's summer home I had seen on television.



After the Ocean Ave loop, I proceeded back over the bridge to Kennebunk and rode up the shore along its beaches.

All in all, I rode about 10 miles on "rest day," and enjoyed every minute. Later in the afternoon, I walked back into town and perused the shops and took a few more pictures before grabbing something to eat. Then returned to the monastery in time for Wednesday evening mass. I am not Catholic, but enjoyed the ambience in the very contemporary chapel and just sitting in the presence of believers.
All in all, my stay in Kennebunk and Kennebunkport was a smashing success and the perfect way to wind up the bike trip. I left feeling happy, peaceful and ready for the next new chapter to come post bike ride.

The return ride to Portland seemed easier than the ride down to Kennebunkport. Once again, the weather was stunning, and I took my time to savor this last ride of the trip. I once again rode a 6 1/2 mile portion of the East Coast Greenway Trail. The trail is not paved, mostly packed dirt and gravel, but flat and offers some beautiful views. As I neared the end of the trail, I met Jim & Beth Calvert, a retired couple from Clearwater, Fl on the first day of their 7 week ride from Maine to Key West. I could just feel the joy, excitement and anticipation they felt about the start of their ride. I know and love that feeling. For one fleeting moment, I considered turning around and joining them. Although they have made several week long tours, this was to be their first really long distance ride. We chatted about bike touring in general, and especially about maps and "navigation" issues. I shared a little about my cross-country and current ride. We also shared info regarding the charities we are riding for and exchanged our business cards. For those interested, Jim & Beth's ride is called "Ride for Life," and their website is cyclecharity@yahoo.com. The theme of their ride is "Riding to Celebrate Life and Provide Resources for Women in Crisis." They asked if they could take my picture and I laughed - I am usually the one always asking folks I meet if I can take their picture for the blog. But these folks beat me to the punch! How perfect.



I reached Portland in the early afternoon and rode my bike to a local bike shop, where they packed my bike for the flight to Atlanta. I felt sad - the bike ride is really over. As I was waiting, a man riding a Trek 520 Touring Bike (same model as mine) rode up and asked if I knew the best way to get out of the city. Apparently, Randy and I are not the only ones who occasionally struggle with navigation issues. His bike was loaded to the gills with panniers, camping gear, etc. and I had to laugh inwardly. He told me that he had started in Los Angeles in May, was at the 7000 kilometer mark, and now headed for his end point in New York. Which, of course, made me think of Randy currently pedaling his way to Syracuse. 

I checked in to the motel near the airport where I will spend Friday resting and making final preparations for the flight home. Also preparing myself for re-emerging back into "normal" life, although my life has been anything but normal for 2 years now. I don't think most people really understand the adjustment after you come off this type of an adventure. It changes the way you think and see everything. In a good way. I have seen large parts of this country up close and with all senses engaged in a way that few people can relate to. I have had the opportunity to meet all sorts of interesting people with interesting stories along the way. Over and over again (with few exceptions), I have been touched by the essential kindness of people that makes me want to be kind. It makes me feel hopeful in a world where I admit I have occasionally felt like there was no hope.