Tuesday, July 19, 2011

The end of the road!

We did it! We have completed our trek from Minnesota to Maine. We rode 1920 miles, with only one flat tire, and one set of disc brakes. Highlights were Niagra Falls, Brandon Gap in VT, Kancamangus Hwy in NH and riding with Jeff. We met so many nice people along the way and we had so many spontaneous stays. It is getting hotter, so we are glad to be done. We'll be staying with family in Maine for a week before we take the train from Boston home on July 26.
Thanks to all who helped us along the way. We are grateful for the meals, beds, conversation, and wishes for our safety.
We'll post pictures soon.
Love to all,
Doug and Therese

Saturday, July 16, 2011

Maine!

We are in Fryeburg Maine! We're headed straight to Dover-Foxcroft where Doug's family lives. Decided to skip the busy coast. Too much traffic and too narrow of roads. That means we have to "wing it" with the maps. No more Adventure Cycling maps. We think we have 3 more days!
Love to all,
Therese and Doug

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Cazenovia, NY

We are at Jeff and Sandy's home and taking our first rest day since the U.P. of Michigan tomorrow. Last year, we met Jeff and the other guys on our first night out and rode with him all the way to our home. We stayed at a Warm Showers place last night west of Syracuse. Jim and Joybelle and their two boys were great hosts. They own a quad bike and travelled from Anacortes to Havre, MT on it several years ago. They let us try their recumbant tandem. The night before that we stayed at Lock # 30 on the Erie Canal at a hiker/biker campsite after biking 89 miles on the Erie Canal.
We have about 10 more days to the end. We are holding up well as is the bike.
Best wishes to everyone!

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Last day in Michigan, Ontario tomorrow

We've travelled 950 some miles since we left home 15 days ago. We went off the Adventure Cycling Route to take hwy 23 South along the east coast of Mich bordering Lake Huron. We are glad we did that. It was beautiful route. We stayed in two nice State Parks along the shore. Last night we got to Mayville, it started to rain! We were tired and chilled; we went into the store and asked if there was anyplace to stay around town. People directed us 10 miles back, the way we came or 20 miles out of our way. On a bike that's a long way. One of the store workers, Hannah, felt sorry for us and came back and told us she had an empty apt. she could let us stay in. She took her lunch break to open it up for us. It was under renovation and kind of dirty, but it was warm and dry. Another trail angel!
We are headed for St. Claire or Marine City tonight. We will take the ferry across the St. Claire River into Ontario tomorrow morning. We can stay at Ken and Patty's tomorrow night...people Doug and the guys met last year on the ride.
We are feeling good, no bike problems, just cruising along!

Friday, June 24, 2011

Macinac Bridge today

We are at an internet cafe about 40 miles west of the bridge. This is the first chance I've had to write more than a title. We are doing well. We have had rain and headwinds everyday, but today the winds are at our back! Sunshine is predicted for tomorrow. We haven't seen the sun since MN. 11 days ago.
The people of the UP are incredibly friendly and nice to us. We stayed at a B&B in Foster City, and the owner offered to let us spend an extra night at no charge! A local guy there offered us his car if we wanted to go somewhere. Last night we stayed at a B&B in Blaney Park (that's a whole story in itself). The Owner let us take his car to drive 9 miles to a restaurant. $39 a night including breakfast and pie and ice cream the night before!
We should cross the bridge today...