Ride Conclusion -- New Hampshire to Maine

The final segment of the trip followed a rest day in Lincoln, New Hampshire on June 23, and concluded in Bar Harbor on June 26 somewhat unceremoniously in the Maine rain similar to the first days as we crossed Minnesota.
Bar Harbor, June 27
It is true that what you remember most are the difficult days.  That would include the 30 degree, rain soaked, headwind days of Minnesota.  The day the transmission went out in the tour van, then the day into Cascade that followed when riders were caught in a thunderstorm and all the bikes had to somehow be loaded into the replacement U Haul.  We'll remember the quirky accommodations, and those that were really special.  Most of all we'll remember the things that happened and the people that we have met -- the turtle whisperers in our group (3 reported snapping turtles saved from certain traffic deaths); each person that said "You came from where?"; the proprietors at SAG stop locations that were generous and caring; and getting the van and trailer stuck in the mud following a full day of hard rain.


We have seen and learned about parts of the country and Canada we might not have experienced otherwise.  We learned -- New York students' last week of school is this week (seems unfair); that road construction is its own season; that Maine is not known for having good roads (we would concur); and many facts about Niagara Falls and Route 66.
Loading the Uhaul in Cascade
Old Route 66, Odell, Illinois
We are grateful each person in our group completed the ride as they had intended.  And, we are most grateful for those at home that followed and supported this adventure along the way.

 Riders have scattered, some returning home and some extending their time in Bar Harbor.  For me, I'm back to Holland with the next trip planned for August when we will be biking across Idaho starting in Boise and concluding in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.  So, there won't be much down time.  See you again in about 6 weeks from the road.

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