Cycle4CP

Day 41. The Grand Finale! Georgia/Florida line to Jacksonville, Florida

2010-09-05T21:03:00.015-04:00

After 41 days on the road, I finally concluded my 1,834 mile journey from Maine to Florida today, riding into Jacksonville, Florida from the Georgia/Florida line (54 miles), accompanied by Jen and my father-in-law (Bruce Bower). First and foremost, I want to acknowledge how fortunate I am and say how thankful I am to have been able to undertake and complete this adventure. Along today's ride I thought about the answers to several questions concerning this journey. What will I remember? Many, many things. Among them, I will remember, and be ever thankful for, the constant expressions of support and love from so many wonderful people along the way. I will also remember the quiet moments riding along country roads in beauty and solitude, breeze in the air, and suddenly feeling the overwhelming presence of my dad (who died of cancer earlier this year) traveling along and enjoying the ride with me. I love you dad. And I will remember the eager anticipation and joy of reuniting with Jen and Bower in Baltimore. What did I learn? Again, many things, but perhaps the most significant was something I noticed one day in the hills of the northeast. Loaded down with gear and not yet in shape, I remember the sinking feeling that overcame me when I looked up the road and saw the first really steep hill of the ride. I was already pretty beat up and tired, and I remember thinking: I just can't climb that hill - I may have to quit. But I just kept riding toward that hill, then up it, one pedal at a time, and then the most amazing thing happened - the hill began to flatten out. I'm not sure whether it was an optical illusion or what, but that hill, just like all of life's challenges, looked a hell of a lot steeper and more intimidating from far away than it did as I started to climb it. What did this ride accomplish? Of course it was an exciting adventure, but I think we also accomplished our goals of raising awareness and money to combat cerebral palsy, an affliction that affects a staggering 1 out of every 268 children born in America. And I hope that we also conveyed a message of hope and inspiration to other parents and families of children with special needs that they can still have big adventures and do big things and that their child can be a part of that. These are just some of the questions raised and answers found in this ride. If you want to know more, just send me an email. Finally, I want to thank everyone who supported and donated to this cause. In the "Our Story" section of this blog before I began this ride, I wrote: "If you have ever wondered whether the world is generally good, know that it is." Never have I felt that statement to be more true than I did during this ride.

P.S. Thanks Jen and Bower for letting my dream become a reality. I love you more than words can say.

Day 40. Rest Day - Jekyll Island, Georgia

2010-09-05T20:56:00.005-04:00

Spent a nice day at Jekyll Island, Georgia, touring the island and visiting with my old friend Vance Hughes, then on to the grandparents' house (Mamie and Popeasy!) to get ready for the final ride into Jacksonville.

Day 39. Savannah, GA to Georgia/Florida Line

2010-09-03T19:02:00.011-04:00

Fantastic ride today from Savannah, Georgia to the Georgia/Florida border - and my longest ride to date - 121 miles. I've finally made it from Maine to the Florida line - a total of 1,780 miles! The entire route today was bicycle friendly, which was quite a treat and a big contrast from many (way too many!) of my earlier rides. Portions of the route even had a designated bike lane, clearly marked by a cyclist wearing a flying saucer on his head. I rode by America's smallest chapel (for ye of little faith). And, of course, there was the usual collection of random road signs, presented herewith for your enjoyment as has become the custom on this blog. Tomorrow (Friday) is a rest day, followed by the final ride of the trip - a short (approximately 50 miles) ride from the Georgia/Florida line to Jacksonville, Florida where this grand adventure will conclude on Saturday, September 4, 2010.

Day 38. Beaufort, SC to Savannah, Georgia

2010-09-01T22:39:00.003-04:00

Crossed into Georgia today with a short highway ride from Beaufort, SC to the charming, beautiful, and historic City of Savannah, Georgia (40 miles). After being interviewed by a local reporter (for a tv spot that will hopefully run in New Orleans) we enjoyed a relaxing dinner along the river front. Weather is great. A very nice day.

Day 37. Charleston, SC to Beaufort, SC

2010-08-31T22:44:00.003-04:00

Neat ride today over the extremely cool Ravenel Bridge from Charleston, SC to Beaufort, SC (78 miles). My total mileage to date is 1,619 and I am on track to finish up the final approximately 200 miles and arrive in Jacksonville, Florida on Saturday, September 4, 2010.

Day 36. Pawley's Island, SC to Charleston, SC

2010-08-30T22:10:00.002-04:00

Fantastic ride today from Pawley's Island, SC to Charleston, SC (66 miles) with my good friends Dr. Ken Porter-Shirley and Dr. John Templeton, followed by a low-country seafood dinner on the marsh with our families. Great way to spend the day. Also got some press, thanks to my awesome and beautiful PR agent Heather Templeton-you rock!

Check out the article:
http://www.postandcourier.com/news/2010/aug/30/bicyclist-2100-mile-fund-raising-journey-passing-t/

Day 35. Rest Day

2010-08-30T22:06:00.002-04:00

Spent the day relaxing with our good friends Heather and Dr. John Templeton (Bower's pediatrician) who recently moved to Pawley's Island. Good friends, good times!

Day 34. North Myrtle Beach to Pawley's Island

2010-08-30T21:48:00.005-04:00

Rode into the heart of the low country today from North Myrtle Beach, SC to Pawley's Island, SC (50 miles). Beaches, sea grass, and live oaks dripping with moss - such a beautiful and amazing area of the country. Plus I saw a lot of huge wildlife along the way!

Day 33. Wilmington, NC to North Myrtle Beach, SC

2010-08-28T11:36:00.003-04:00

Rode into the State of South Carolina today from Wilmington, NC to North Myrtle Beach, SC (58 miles). Only two states left (SC and GA) before I conclude this ride into Jacksonville, Florida next Saturday, September 4. Saw some interesting characters along the roadside today (I wonder what "Monty the Monument Banker/Donkey" would think of these guys), and one random sign. I am also adding another business I saw yesterday to the list of businesses I will not be patronizing - Dr. Gray's Coastal Life clinic. I don't think it is advisable to use a clinic that has its own graveyard.

Day 32. Morehead City to Wilmington, North Carolina

2010-08-26T22:34:00.004-04:00

Another highway ride today from Morehead City to Wilmington, North Carolina (53 miles), the most "exciting" part of which was an unintentional diversion to I-40 followed by a lot of impromptu mountain biking. Folks, I am closing in on the end of this journey. Here is my itinerary for the rest of the trip:

Friday 8/27: Wilmington, NC to North Myrtle Beach, SC

Saturday 8/28: North Myrtle Beach, SC to Pawley's Island, SC

Sunday 8/29: Day Off

Monday 8/30: Pawley's Island, SC to Charleston, SC

Tuesday 8/31: Charleston, SC to Beaufort, SC

Wednesday 9/1: Beaufort, SC to Savannah, GA

Thursday 9/2: Savannah, GA to Brunswick, GA

Friday 9/3: Brunswick, GA to Kingsland, GA

Saturday 9/4: Kingsland, GA to Ponte Vedra Club (Jacksonville, FL) --End of Trip!

Day 31. Cedar Island, NC to Morehead City, NC

2010-08-26T21:58:00.004-04:00

Mostly a short urban highway ride today from Cedar Island to Morehead City, North Carolina (34 miles), although I did pass by some interesting businesses. I am pretty sure, however, that I am not going to get my hair done at the "Hair Marina", nor am I ever going to let "Alpha Omega Builders II, Inc." build me anything (whatever happened to Alpha Omega Builders I, Inc.?). On the other hand, if I am ever in need of planning my estate while washing my car, I have found just the place.

Day 30. Buxton, NC to Cedar Island, NC

2010-08-24T23:14:00.004-04:00

Today was one of the most interesting and picturesque days of the trip so far. I finished cycling across Cape Hatteras, then we took a ferry to Ocracoke Island, then I cycled across that island, then we took another ferry to Cedar Island, NC (47 miles not including the ferries). I'll let the photos speak for themselves.

Day 29. Kill Devil Hills to Buxton, NC

2010-08-23T20:52:00.003-04:00

Nice ride today along Cape Hatteras from Kill Devil Hills to Buxton, NC (62 miles) passing over a long bridge and through several neat little beach and fishing towns. Got a chance to visit with my sister-in-law (Brooke) and brother-in-law (Jim) and his family along the way. Also saw some enormous sand dunes!

Days 27 and 28 - Rest Days - Outer Banks, NC

2010-08-23T20:46:00.003-04:00

Enjoyed two nice rest days on the beaches of the Outer Banks of North Caroilina. Very cool place.

Day 26. Elizabeth City to Kill Devil Hills, Outer Banks, North Carolina

2010-08-21T12:07:00.003-04:00

Short ride today from Elizabeth City, NC to Kill Devil Hills on the Outer Banks of North Carolina (43 miles). Crossed the intracoastal waterway and headed out to the beach, passing by a monster truck shop along the way - a great day on the bike! I should have an itinerary up for the rest of the ride shortly. Come join the fun!

Day 25. Gloucester, VA to Elizabeth City, North Carolina

2010-08-21T11:34:00.004-04:00

Hello Tar Heels! This one was for you - I rode 100 miles (my first "Century") today with my cousin-in-law Larry Bury from Gloucester, VA to Elizabeth City, North Carolina in salute to my colleagues, partners and friends in the Tar Heel State! I have now logged 1,171 miles and I expect to arrive in Jacksonville, Florida within a couple of weeks. We are more than half way to our donation goal of $25,000 - less than $10,000 to go! Let's have some donation from the Tar Heel Nation! Here are some photos from today.

Day 24. Dahlgren, VA to Gloucester, VA

2010-08-18T21:45:00.003-04:00

Another highway ride today from Dahlgren to Gloucester, Virginia (90 miles). Not much to see but I am making good progress towards the outerbanks of North Carolina which should be a treat. Saw one random sign.

Day 23. Ellicott City, MD to Dahlgren, VA

2010-08-17T21:34:00.005-04:00

Said farewell to Maryland and hello to Virginia today, riding mainly along the highway from Ellicott City, MD to Dahlgren, Virginia (83 miles). Thanks again to Aunt Barb, Uncle Larry, Mams and the Evans family for the much appreciated hospitality. Also, a million thanks to Bower's best bud Tiffany for hanging with us, helping us out, allowing Jen to ride with me, and for all that you do - you're the best. Not much scenery on today's ride, but it is political season so today's random signs are of that ilk. Apparently Bobby Rucci's "Recipe for Leadership" is the same as his recipe for shrimp scampi. Also, Jen saw an awesome license plate: S8INTS44.

Day 22. Baltimore to Ellicott City, MD

2010-08-16T21:32:00.004-04:00

Another restful day with family today, making the very short ride from downtown Baltimore to Ellicott City (18 miles). Many thanks to Barb, Larry and Mams for a great stay! Now onward to Jacksonville!

Day 21. Baltimore

2010-08-16T21:09:00.012-04:00

Nice ride today with Jen, Dr. Alec Hoon and his wife Cindy in and through downtown Baltimore (26 miles) followed by a lovely dinner with Jen's aunt and uncle (Barb and Larry) and grandmother (Mams), and of course Bower and Tiff. Rained on us in the beginning so I loaned Jen my rain gear, leaving me to ride in my friend Hugh's "A -Team - Mr. T" loaner rain gear. I pity the fool who has to ride in that rain gear. I have now ridden 898 miles and we have reached the halfway point in our donations goal. Thanks folks!

Day 20. Rest Day

2010-08-14T22:42:00.005-04:00

Wonderfully relaxing rest day with the Evans family in Baltimore. Bower had a blast on the trampoline. Nothing better than family, good friends, and another viewing of Superbowl 44 to rejuvenate the mind, body and soul. Back on the road tomorrow to ride with Dr. Hoon (Bower's CP doctor at Kennedy Kreiger) and his family. Ready to Geaux!

Day 19. Columbia, PA to Baltimore, MD

2010-08-14T22:07:00.004-04:00

I made it to Baltimore today! I rode through the rain for most of the morning but finally the rain relented and I rode into Baltimore from Columbia, PA (53 miles). Total to date: 872 miles. Had a great reunion with Jen, Bower and Tiffany and headed to my friends' house (Hugh and Sarah Evans) for a long awaited rest day. Whew.

Day 18. St. Peters, PA to Columbia, PA

2010-08-12T21:43:00.004-04:00

Rode in the rain todaythrough Amish country from St. Peters, PA to Columbia, PA (49 miles), passing through beautiful farmland most of the way. Hoped to round out a nice albeitwet day on the bike by catching the Saints opening pre-season game versus the Patriots, but alas here I sit broken hearted watching the Panthers/Ravens getting started. Today's random signs were of the medical variety.

Day 17. Warrington, PA to St. Peters, PA

2010-08-12T21:05:00.004-04:00

I rode today from Warrington, PA to St. Peters PA (52 miles), touring Valley Forge along the way. It was very interesting and worth the side trip even though it was about a thousand degrees in there. I checked into The Inn at St. Peters, an excellent place to stay with an awesome restaurant and bar where manager Adam and bartender Liz took care of me. If you are ever in the area, go there. Best food and hospitality of the trip so far. St. Peters is a really neat old mining community with ice age boulder gardens and cool black granite quarries.

Day 16. Belvidere, NJ to Warrington, PA

2010-08-10T22:02:00.003-04:00

I enjoyed a short ride today from Belvidere, NJ to Warrington, PA (47 miles). Passed through an area where the deer apparently have a weight problem. Then ran into "Monty, the Monument Banker/Donkey." I thought about trying to introduce "Monty" to the cool Star Bangled Horse you may recall from an earlier post, but then decided that "Monty" was a little too nerdy, as unfortunately is the case with so many banker/donkeys. Bower apparently has a place here as well.

Day 15. Port Jervis, NY to Belvidere, NJ

2010-08-09T20:24:00.009-04:00

I was a bit hesitant riding into the State of New Jersey today from Port Jervis, NY to Belvidere, NJ (60 miles), especially given the first sign I saw as I crossed over the border, but my misgivings were not well founded. I rode most of the day through the beautiful Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. This was one of the most scenic rides yet. I had my now regular lunch (Cliff Shot Energy Gel Pack and water) at a campground. Left a lot of my legs on the road today with climbs totaling over 3,000 feet, but the sights were well worth it. Anyone wanting to enjoy some great road cycling should check this place out.

Day 14. New Paltz, NY to Port Jervis, NY

2010-08-08T21:20:00.006-04:00

Rode alongside the Shawangunk Mountains today from New Paltz, NY to Port Jervis, NY (51 miles). This area was the site of many battles between the early American settlers and the American Indians and there were many interesting historical markers along the way. And, as usual, there were the random road signs.

Day 13. Amenia NY to New Paltz, NY

2010-08-07T21:16:00.003-04:00

Had a semi-day off today riding from Amenia, NY to New Paltz, NY (46 miles). Crossing over the Hudson River on the pedestrian bridge was awesome. And Bower apparently has a place up here - who knew? Only about a week until I hook up with friends and family in Baltimore and I am very excited about that - see y'all soon!

Day 12. Granby, Conn. to Amenia, New York

2010-08-07T20:55:00.007-04:00

I rode into my fifth state today (Maine, NH, Mass, Conn., and NY) and passed the 500 mile mark (514 miles to date) riding out of the big hills into beautiful sprawling farm land from Granby, Conn. to Amenia, New York. I rode past several interesting signs today - a couple of which were inexplicable. Also passed by the Appalachian Trail and a beautiful reservoir. Again, however, the day ended with a motel room that was rather frightening, this one coming with its own cat. I would like to note that through all your generous donations we have raised over $5,000 for CP research thus far --Thank you all and please keep those donations coming!

Day 11. Westborough, Mass. to Granby, Connecticut

2010-08-07T20:30:00.003-04:00

Nice but tough ride today through the hills (again) from Westborough, Mass. to Grandby, Connecticut (56 miles). Had Lunch on the road at a table for one on the back of my bike. Saw a star bangled horse. And learned something new - that it was not the Civil War but "The War for the Preservation of the Union.". Unfortunately, the day ended at a motel with green shag carpeting which was more frightening than anything I have faced on the road.

Day 10. Westborough to Southbridge, Mass.

2010-08-04T21:17:00.003-04:00

Another short but difficult series of climbs through the hills today from Westborough to Southbridge, Mass. (41 miles). Hopefully I can shake these hills soon and add some distance. The photos today, all taken at about the same location, show the difference between my daily commute and those on Highway I-90.

Day 9. Nashua, NH to Westborough, Mass.

2010-08-03T22:03:00.004-04:00

Said "goodbye" to New Hampshire and "hello" to Massachusetts today with a relatively short but surprisingly tough ride through the twisting horse farm hills from Nashua, NH to Westborough, Mass. Only 43 miles but felt a lot longer and lots of navigation required. However, there was a nice bike trail in the middle which was fun to ride and of course the ubiquitous random road signs to keep me entertained - are there fast turtles?

Day 8. York Harbor, ME to Nashua, NH

2010-08-02T22:32:00.002-04:00

Said goodbye to Kim and the kids today. Thanks you guys so much for the support, I could not have done it without your help. Said "goodbye" to Maine today and "hello" to New Hampshire, riding from York Harbor to Nashua, NH (65 miles). Met some some nice bike tourists from France on the road. A day bike rider passed me on the road and gave me the thumbs up and told me to "keep on truckin" and that's what I intend to do. All and all, a good day on the bike.

Day 7. Sebago Lake to York Harbor, ME

2010-08-01T22:12:00.003-04:00

Very nice ride back to the Atlantic Coast from Lake Sebago to York Harbor (52 miles). Beautiful weather and beautiful sights along the coast. Rode through the town of Lyman, ME. Tomorrow, I head inland and say "goodbye" to the State of Maine and my sister and her kids. Thanks for everything, guys.

Day 6. Rest Day

2010-08-01T22:09:00.003-04:00

Today was my first rest day. I watched a replay of the New Orleans Saints Super Bowl win in the hotel with my sister Kim and her kids.

Day 5. Bath to Sebago Lake

2010-08-01T21:58:00.004-04:00

Good ride today through rolling hills from Bath, ME to Sebago, ME (58 miles). Stayed at the Sebago Lake Family campground. The owners were very, very nice and even made a donation to the cause.

Day 4. Camden to Bath

2010-07-29T21:05:00.004-04:00

Spent most of the day inland riding up and down some fairly tough hills from Camden to Bath (48 miles). Saw several other cycling tourists on their way to Bar Harbor. Checked into a hotel tonight which happened to have a pool and hot tub - splendid way to end the day.

Day 3. Bucksport to Camden

2010-07-28T20:06:00.005-04:00

Good ride today from Bucksport to Camden (38 miles) along the coast. Ran into another cross country cyclist on the road and we had a nice chat. The road narrowed to no shoulder and turned uphill and into the wind towards the end which proved to be a bit difficult. I had to call upon my granny (aka granny gear or the easiest chain linkage) a few times but all in all a good day with some nice coastal scenery. Tomorrow I head inland for a bit.

Day 2. Ellsworth to Bucksport

2010-07-27T21:59:00.004-04:00

Another short trip (25 miles) from Ellsworth to Bucksport today through a myriad of blueberry fields. Learned that lobster is very good for breakfast too. Spent the rest of the day working on gear, rearranging things, checking emails, etc. I am following some advice from a friend who told me that starting slow is the way to go. So far so good.

Day 1. Bar Harbor To Ellsworth. I'm on the road!

2010-07-27T20:54:00.008-04:00

Well folks, I finally hit the road late Monday afternoon, starting in Bar Harbor, Maine heading south to Jacksonville, Florida. And, first and foremost, I want to thank the many people who have helped me in this venture. That list includes, but is not limited to, the following: Jen, Bower and Tiffany (of course), Dr. Alec Hoon and Kennedy Kreiger, Dr. Jerry Petty, Brooke Ruggles, and the whole team at Carolina Neurosurgery and Spine in Charlotte, N.C., Kim Lyman and the kids, Andy at The Cycling Studio in Asheville, N.C., Frank at Hearns Cycling in Asheville, N.C., Casey Drayton, and all those who have already donated and those who are planning to donate. Day 1 was a short trip from Bar Harbor to Ellsworth (23 miles) but with the late start and some technical malfunctions (e.g. Why does my GPS show me riding my bike in the Atlantic Ocean?) it was an adventure. I had lobster at a roadside shack for dinner and plan on repeating that as many times as possible while here in Maine. Weather was delightful. I have included a few photos of Day 1 in this post.

P.S. A few people have asked what I am bringing with me on this trip. That list is included here: Electronics: I-Pad, I-Phone, I-Touch, Garmin GPS, and chargers

Batteries

Multitool

Bike tools

Spare Bike parts

Bike lock

Sunglasses

Water bottles (3)

Camelback hydration backpack

Tent

Sleeping bag

Sleeping pad

Camp pillow

Cooking pots

Mini-stove

Freeze dried meals (3)

Toothbrush, toothpaste, sunscreen, etc.

First aid kit

Maps

Cycle4cp hats (3)

Bike helmet

Bike gloves (2)

Bike shoes

Cycling jersey (5)

Rain gear

Bike shorts (2)

Bike socks (5)

Bandana

Sandals

Shorts

Shirts (2)

Bathing suit

Watch

Road I.D. Bracelet

First Post - Getting ready to leave!

2010-07-18T17:35:00.003-04:00

Hello All! Posted herewith are photos of me and Bower on the Blue Ridge Parkway taken near our home in Asheville, North Carolina yesterday. If all goes according to plan, I should be leaving Bar Harbor, Maine headed for Jacksonville, Florida (2,100 miles) in about a week. Most of my gear (maps, GPS, panniers, etc.) is in hand and the bike is getting dialed in. Training is going well with the exception of a very rude introduction to some pavement yesterday. I will post again later this week after I leave Asheville driving to Bar Harbor for the start of the ride. - Chris