Last Training Ride

 

John B., John W., Judd and Steve somewhere in Albion, Maine

I should start by saying that dear friends will join me for the first week or so of the ride. John Benziger, a seasoned rider, rode from Madawaska to Kittery with me last year. He is a wealth of knowledge on bike touring, bike maintenance and, happens to have been the last State Pathologist for Maine. Judd Thompson and John Williams, dear friends who have remained close for over 50 years, are both accomplished in the ways of touring and adventure. Judd hiked the Appalachian Trail in his 60's and John W. has toured on a bike with his wife, Nancy, all over the world. All of these wonderful friends and companions will be with Allane and me as we begin this amazing adventure.

We have all been riding in preparation for the trip since snow left the roads in Maine. This has been a warmer spring so we've had more riding days than one could normally expect in this part of the country.  Each member of the group has been logging miles at every chance. Since we use the same riding app to log our rides and record our routes, we have been keeping an eye on each other throughout the season.

We agreed we should get in one long ride together before May 10th. So, on Thursday, May 6th we set out on a ride covering some of Central Maine. For those who know this area we started in South China, headed to Albion, Unity, Thorndyke, Freedom and returned. The weather held out - not too cold, not too windy - and we all sailed. It was bliss! We rode hard, stopped when we wanted, rested, ate, drank fluids, and got back on our bikes. 

After a bit over 60 miles we returned home. I think all of us felt invigorated by the ride. 

The gang after our ride...  a little less fresh and spry, but feeling good!



Comments

  1. Jeff FrankelMay 9, 2021 at 10:07 AM

    I'm rooting for you, Steve and Allane. What an adventure lies in store for you!

    ReplyDelete
  2. John OppermanMay 9, 2021 at 5:22 PM

    Fare well, bon voyage, and may the weather cooperate all the way across. And, may the wind be always at your back!

    ReplyDelete
  3. UnknownMay 10, 2021 at 6:49 PM

    ...not gonna let them stop the mid-life riders! Ride on Colonel and crew.

    ReplyDelete

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