Bishop Bike Adventure Day 63 September 1, 2010

As our bike trip drew to a close today, it seemed appropriate that we were faced with weather in the 90‘s, unseasonably hot for Maine this time of year. We rode east across the Maine/New Hampshire border and diverted off the Adventure Cycling map to begin our bee-line to the ocean. We found ourselves on newly paved road for the first chunk of our day, a welcome sight for sore buns as the climbs of the past several days and many consecutive days of riding have taken their toll on our behinds.

We enjoyed a ride through forests interrupted by intermittent farmland and water. The views were lovely, albeit with the somewhat familiar look of home turf. Wild turkeys by the roadside scurried into the woods and fluttered to nearby branches as past them our gears clicked and wheels ticked. Some unexpectedly long hills helped transition us from the rural to the more suburban setting. With about 20 miles to go, the indexed shifting on Tim's bike lost its click. Despite a rear wheel out of true, the constant rubbing sound that seems to emanate from the crank, and brake pads pretty well toasted on both bikes, these bikes have worn well and will be up to their task of completing the journey today.

As the afternoon wore on toward rush hour and we approached the coastline, the traffic thickened on what we discovered to be shoulderless and somewhat beaten up roadways. We both felt that the heavy traffic on these narrow roads posed one of the more challenging sections in this respect on our whole trip, serving as one last reminder of how God has protected us all along our journey. We carefully worked our way through the congested areas onto the more aesthetic shoreline drive. A few miles later we arrived at our much anticipated destination, the Atlantic Ocean with well wishers Dick, Patti, Lauren, and Richard awaiting us. After pictures, warm conversation, and a satisfying meal, Richard transported us to Massachusetts. The adjacent photography helps capture the joy of the closing moments of our adventure. Special thanks to all of these individuals who are now uniquely sealed in the memory of our final day of an awesome experience.