We started a little earlier today than we really needed to because the heat was not going to be an issue. But with the group waking up at 5 am for weeks, it is kind of hard to sleep in. Therefore, we started out at about 6:45 am and it was cool. It was about 55 degrees, so some people wore jackets; I opted to just wear arm sleeves. It paid off because soon enough, I gave those up. The first ten miles went by quickly as it was mostly downhill. My three friends and I took turns “pulling” for ten-mile stretches. Fred did the first ten and I did the next ten. If you look at the elevation map, it really didn’t look like many hills, however, even Linda commented “looks like you got the few hills Cathy.” There were more hills during the last ten miles when Janet did the lead.
During today’s ride we came upon a farm that had a llama near the front of the property. As we stopped to snap photos, the owner came out and talked to us about the history of his farm and this particular animal that is 15 years old. Her name is Ellie.
As we continued on the way, we had some Eastern Trail riding as well. The Eastern Trail is part of the East Coast Greenway, a route that travels from Maine in the north all the way to the tip of Florida in the south. Some of the trail was hard packed soil and a smooth ride, however some of it was crushed gravel and it made for a bumpier ride than expected. We cycled through the Scarborough Marsh before we were back on the road.
A short time later we were headed into Portland, over a bridge, with a pretty strong crosswind. The gusts were up to 20 mph and it felt like you were going to actually blow over. Luckily, it only felt that way and no one did.
We all met at a park, about three miles from our hotel destination, along the water for some group pictures. We had our last Dave’s Diner lunch. A few people headed home after lunch and their good-byes included some tears. The rest of the group gathered in the evening for one last meal of pizza and a champagne toast. A few stories were shared, more hugs, and bittersweet farewells.
Each day I became a little bit better in the hills, but in retrospect, and advice to myself, I would not join a tour after the rest of the group had already cycled two months and just do the last week of a multi-month tour. If I couldn’t do a whole 68-day ride, it would be much preferable to start with the group, and stop part way through. Although, when I mentioned that, I was asked “wouldn’t it be hard to stop?” I think it would. So there lies my dilemma. I also talked with a few in the group about sticking to one- or two-week rides in the future. I’m really not sure what future rides are in store for me, but one thing I am sure about, is that I ride for the friendship of the people I ride with. I do not do long rides just for the sake of riding. All that said, I am glad that I drove up to New York, I rode with great friends, and made great memories.
Stats from the day:
Start city: Sanford, ME
End city: Portland, ME
Miles: 40.8
Total miles to date: 388.5
Pedaling time: 3:28
Avg. speed: 11.8
Feet climbed: 1,017
Wind: start: SW 3 mph; end N 12 mph (gusts 20 mph)
Temperature extremes: 55 at ride start, 74 at ride finish
Along the Scarborough Marsh.
With my friend Janet at the start of the day.
Our “Florida” gang.
The image on sign that includes the mirror image of a tree is the designation for the East Coast Greenway.
Along part of today’s trail that was hard packed.
The farm where we saw the 15 year old llama, Ellie.
The entire group that included three of us that did not start in Seattle. Although, Maggie and Nate did do 35 days of cycling before joining the Northern Tour.
The group that cycled the complete Northern Tier from Seattle, WA to Portland, ME
Friends Nate & Maggie.
The ladies of the Northern Tier.
Tres, a rider in the group, gave the toast at the evening celebration.
Saco Post Office
