Day 52 - FINISH LINE!!!: Manchester, NH to Portsmouth, NH

THIS IS IT FOLKS! WE CROSS THE FINISH LINE TODAY.














Day 52: 23 July 2007

Manchester, NH (210 ft) to Portsmouth, NH (Sea Level!).
54 Miles.

Blog Address:
http://bikeboyglovach.blogspot.com

Videos on the WWW
http://public.box.net//greg98266
New Videos:

Day’s Theme:
From sea to shining sea!

Weather/Terrain:
A perfect day on all accounts – beautiful weather, finishing the ride, and being greeted by family and friends.
To top it off, there was harpoon IPA everywhere!!

How I’m/we’re feeling:
Thrilled – we are all thrilled!!

I am blessed – I thank God for many blessings, especially family and friends who encourage and support me always, a healthy body to do this ride, a country where we are allowed to enjoy it like this, and the good fortune in life to be able to afford and do this.

Notable Events:

All of us seeing the ocean for the first time in 52 days, and moments later, the wonderful family and friends that were there to great us.

Rider Profile: Greg Glovach, 44, from Waltham, MA.



Born and raised in Providence, RI, I now live in Waltham, MA – near Boston. I am a “temporarily” retired information services professional.
I started to seriously think about riding cross-country in 2001 when I did RAGBRAI with my cousins Frank & Guy from PA. Living in NH at the time, every time I went for a ride, I would ride off the road into this Gilmanton, NH school and ride my bike across this painted map of the United States in the school parking lot. I would slowly ride across it on my bicycle, and think “I will do this someday….”. Today was that day!!
My hobbies include bicycling, running, golfing, hiking, snowmobiling, and playing cards. I am an avid National Geographic reader, and in my dreams I work for NG and go global to write about and photograph the world!
From a “travel/vacation” perspective there are two things I have always wanted to do – ride my bicycle across America (complete), and go to Antarctica (stay tuned……).
I say:
“Life is not a race – it’s a ride. Go long”

Pictures:
What’s Happening:



Leaving Manchester, we travelled along nice country roads, and towards the seashore terrain.






Today I rode with Rocket and Erin Go Bike – as you can see, the America By Bicycle Shirt was the shirt of choice today!

I rode and hung out quite a bit with these two – they have become good friends and helped make my trip as enjoyable as it was.

Yes, for whatever reason, probably Strange brew in Manchester last night, we are all tilted left and 13 degrees around parallel.






Our group was a great group, and Robert and I enjoyed our time together.

Many friendships will survive this trip.

I will have to go to France and see how good his golf game is sometime soon………..






We gathered at Rye School for our procession to the beach.






Herb, Robert, Cliff, and Arlene led our procession to the beach.

Arlene, forever prepared, double checked the directions before she followed the police escort – just in case the police officer, yes the police officer from the town we were in, led us the wrong way!






We could smell it first, but this was our first glimpse of the Atlantic Ocean!!






We proceeded as a group up Route 1A, and to the beach.






We did it!!

We dipped our wheels, and looked pretty for a few more photographs.






This is my “little” cousin Justin.

He and my cousin Donald made the trip up to see me.

Notice his shirt? That is a picture of me (probably in my early 20s) and him as a little kid – 3+ feet ago…………






My family was there to great me – Lori, Lana, and Dad (Pete). That was awesome.

I also was greeted by my girlfriend Joan, and friends Lisa, Donna, Juliet, Barry, Mike, Paula, and the Kingman (Jesse).

I have been blessed with a great family and great friends! It is good to be home! J



Closing Note:






















There were many signs and messages that crossed our path as we crossed America, and this last one was there for us as we left from our dinner at the Portsmouth Brewing Company.

I am Bike Boy Glovach, and for now, “I’m Out!”

But, hopefully, in the words of another good friend T4 – “I’ll Be Back!”…………….

Day 51: Brattleboro, VT to Manchester, NH

COUNTDOWN TO THE FINISH LINE IN PORTSMOUTH, NH - JULY 24, 2007!!!














Day 51: 23 July 2007

Brattleboro, VT (226 ft) to Manchester, NH (210 ft).
86 Miles.

Blog Address:
http://bikeboyglovach.blogspot.com

Videos on the WWW
http://public.box.net//greg98266
New Videos:

Day’s Theme:
It’s not over, until you dip that wheel!

Weather/Terrain:
Perhaps the worst weather of the trip in some regards – cold (60s), wet, and a head wind! The NH roads were also rough, and quite narrow in spots. Although we started and finished at 200 feet above sea level, today was the second most feet of climbing we did on this whole tour – 6100 feet!

How I’m/we’re feeling:
Very well – I am ready to finish this thing off and celebrate! All other riders are feeling the same – there is no stopping us now. Remember that McFadden & Whitehead song from your disco days??

Notable Events:
The presentation of the CCC Map to “T4” Brian – the strongest man (or machine) on the trip – both physically and spiritually!

Rider Profile: Arlene Vester, 67, from Chatom, AL.


I know you have all already seen pictures of her and she is your favorite as she is mine, but this woman continues to impress and motivate us every day! Arlene was born in Ipswich, MA, and now lives in Chatom, AL. She has 4 children, 7 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren! A retired bank worker, Arlene has thought about and trained for this ride for a bit of time (since 1975!!), and when she tells you how she needed to carry all the water she needed due to the remote area of AL where she lived, you understand why she is so strong. But when she talks to you and you realize what a kind, unselfish, and good-hearted person she is, you realize why she is everyone’s favorite. She can ride!!
Arlene’s other hobbies include flowers, reading, swimming, and ball room dancing. She taught T4 quite a few steps which I am sure he permanently stored to non-volatile memory. Arlene and T4 had a great time together on this trip!! J
Arlene says:
“If you have any dreams in life, so after them.”
Listen to her my friends……….

Pictures:
What’s Happening:



Before we were even awake, we were in NH!

The Rocket, “California Dude” Mike, T4, and I crossed the line together, and continued on to….






Keene, NH, then up some nice climbs like Sullivan Street here.

This picture doesn’t show it well, but that is a long and steep uphill….






The climbing continued today, but, as I mentioned yesterday, climbing always brings good things.

Like Cold Spring Pond.

A beautiful mountain lake.

Nice that!






And, if you keep climbing, you eventually get to the top.

At the top of Pitchers Mountain, NH said “I am as beautiful as all those other states!”

A tough claim to argue!!






It rained pretty steadily, so, SAG II was in a barn which simply thrilled “Erin Go Bike”.

At this point she is simply laughing at this whole Cross Country Challenge – she is ready for the world!!






But to keep her in check, we had our final “test” of the trip – Joe English Road.

All riders got up it one way or another.






Near the top of it was this old house from 1756.






After I arrived from the cold, rainy conditions, I was greeted with warm smiles form the friends from the Granite Group – Joe and Josee.






We had our “Awards Ceremony” tonight. All riders received an award of some sort.

Brian, “T4”, was presented with the our official “Tracking Map” that was on display daily for us to see. Brain deserved it as he truly represented what this ride was about – meeting people, and seeing America. He rode with everyone in the group, the fastest and the slowest, and savored his entire trip. He took the time to talk with everyone, and beat The Rocket in the morning when he didn’t get out of bed.

He’s good him!! :)






One journey today ended in Brattleboro, VT – nice place that.

Closing Note:



You have seen some pictures of them already, and I didn’t profile them, but our America by Bicycle Staff certainly deserves my/our gratitude. Christine, Michelle, Gerard, Andy, and Tom (not here as he covered the first half before Christine arrived) served us all very well – both tactically, and personally. They encouraged us, supported the folks who rode fast as well as those who were out later than they should have been, and most importantly, encouraged all of us.

These are skilled, nice people who made the difference for all of us.

I know I speak for all riders when I simply say “Thank you very much”.

Day 50: Troy, NY to Battleboro, VT

COUNTDOWN TO THE FINISH LINE IN PORTSMOUTH, NH - JULY 24, 2007!!!














Day 50: 22 July 2007

Troy, NY (370 ft) to Brattleboro, VT (226 ft).
77 Miles.

Blog Address:
http://bikeboyglovach.blogspot.com

Videos on the WWW
http://public.box.net//greg98266
New Videos:

Day’s Theme:

Weather/Terrain:
Today’s weather was cool to start, but quite perfect all day really. It warmed up to about 80 with sunny skies, low humidity, and a slight head wind which made for a great riding day! We were on quiet and busy roads today – mostly route 9 across Vermont.

How I’m/we’re feeling:
I am doing very well, and today was a good day for all riders. There are only 2 days left – we are all excited, and trying to keep our wheels rolling…….

Notable Events:
Vermont towns – we passed through Bennington, Wilmington, and Brattleboro today – all three of these towns were charming and you didn’t really want to leave any of them!


Rider Profile: Brian Butler, 40, from Manchester, England.



Brian was born in Dublin, Ireland, and now lives in Manchester, England with his wife Debbie. “T4”, as we call him, is a terrific guy and very fun to be with. He is a driver for the local government in Manchester.
Brian and Debbie have just finished building a home just south of Valencia, Spain, and will likely move there within a couple years.
Brian is quite an accomplished and active rower. He hopes to complete a 2 person Trans-Atlantic row soon – an 8 week journey with just two guys and supplies! This is one reason he is T4.
Brian says:
“The greater the risk, the better the reward.”

Pictures:
What’s Happening:



Leaving Troy, we climbed immediately and were on some nice country roads.






At SAG I, Herb convinced Bobby to let him wear the magic coat. Arlene was surprised so wanted a picture on someone besides Bobby in the magic coat.
Herb proceeded to torture Bobby by jumping on his bike and riding away – he came back.









At 28 miles, we crossed into Vermont.
Only one more state after Vermont on our Cross Country Challenge!











At mile 34 along route 9, I stopped to take pictures of a stream and the road ahead.
This is what I see for hours each day behind those handlebars!
On the handlebars you will notice a route sheet, a cycle computer, and for today, my old buddy Serpie. Serpie has been a few places with me over the years, and I know he likes high country so I brought him out for Vermont.
He is squirmy though – that is why I must bungy him,,,,,,,,,,,











At mile 51, I rode past this lake.
Can you see the birds in the grass?









So, last night after the t-shirt swap, Robert wanted to swap jerseys with me – we traded my yellow cycling jersey (sorry Loridemus) for a La Baule! I wore that puppy to breakfast and let me tell you it was the talk of the day.
La Baule s the area in France where Bobby is from – “the most beautiful beach in Europe” he says!!
Viva La France!






One reward for getting your sorry ass to the top of a hill is that you get to see the beauty from there – these are the Green Mountains of Vermont.
I like those me.









Yes, I m fascinated with cemeteries – this one was along route 9 in Marlboro, VT.









From here, I also snapped a shot of Christine moving along……….






One journey today ended in Brattleboro, VT – nice place that.


Closing Note:
Many of you have already written to me that you are sad my journey is ending as you have enjoyed my journals. This has been a great experience, especially with the exceptional staff and good people assembled. Tomorrow night is our closing ceremonies, so, I may not write you until Wednesday.

Day 49: Little Falls, NY to Troy, NY

COUNTDOWN TO THE FINISH LINE IN PORTSMOUTH, NH - JULY 24, 2007!!!


















Day 49: 21 July 2007

Little Falls, NY (370 ft) to Troy, NY (370 ft).
83 Miles.

Blog Address:
http://bikeboyglovach.blogspot.com

Videos on the WWW
http://public.box.net//greg98266
New Videos:

Day’s Theme:
Mountain views, mountains ahead….

Weather/Terrain:
Today’s weather was cool to start, but quite perfect all day really. It warmed up to the mid 70s and sunny skies, low humidity, and a slight tail wind made for a great riding day! We were on quiet scenic roads, as well as a bike path for a significant part of the day.

How I’m/we’re feeling:
I am feeling spectacular, and my (remaining) CCC Riders are largely all feeling well also. At this point, many are concerned about “shit happening” the last couple days – and it does happen…..,.
One of the riders that joined us in Erie, a 70 year old gentlemen, fell today and banged his knee up pretty good – not sure but I think his tour is over also!

Notable Events:
Our day started out with me having a hotel flat (when you wake up and you have a flat before you even ride)! As Rocket, Jeff, Tim and I waited for Gerard to fix me up, we discussed our trip with a woman named Kristen. Rocket asked her if she ever did any bike touring – she replied “Yes, from Alaska to Argentina unassisted”. Impressive.


Rider Profile: Philippe Zivan Sussholz, 48, from Netanya, Isreal.



Philippe was born in Belgium, and now lives in Netanya, Israel, with his wife Ronit. They have three children and 5 grandchildren!
Philippe is a business owner, but personally is retired. He speaks 5 languages (Hebrew, English, French, Dutch, and German), and has travelled a bit to South America and Africa, and often to Europe, Asia, and the US.
He loves to learn, and is currently studying mathematics at Tel Aviv University.
His hobbies include running, chess, and traveling.

Philippe says:
“The real challenge is to be a good person.”

Pictures:
What’s Happening:



Today’s roads were quiet, and quickly we passed the historical site of Fort Klock, which is a restored English Fort from 1750.






The road passed through more hilly terrain than we have seen in days maybe weeks, and also through little towns like Fonda, NY.
These towns all have big brick buildings with nice store fronts.






We travelled largely on Route 5 today – nice scenery, beautiful weather, and little traffic.
Wonderbar.






Route 5 passed by this house built in 1749 – the home of Sir William Johnson.







We travelled along the Mohawk River quite a bit today, and by more locks of the Erie Canal.
This picture shows you the elevation difference between the two waterways.





Bike Boy posed for a picture at Lock 8 along the bike path.
Right after Tim took this picture, he was not even on his pedals and we heard the “hisssssssssssss” – a flat tire without even moving. The Glover brothers are gifted in this way………….






The bike path was lovely, with frequent views of the river, some marshes, and the communities we passed through.






There were GE buildings all around this area.






This river, the Mohawk or some tributary of it, had significant plant growth in some areas.






We arrived in Troy finishing our day.


Closing Note:
Tonight we had the t-shirt swap, and the one I brought was the first to be taken twice (at which point it was secured to that person). It was my 2006 Granite State Wheelmen Century Ride Shirt – very popular………