The Trip Home, May 27 and 28 2011, Amesbury, MA to Essexville, MI

Hallelujah I have made it back to home sweet home!  Friday morning, in Amesbury, I was up at 5:30 a.m., just before the alarm was scheduled to go off.  The first thing I saw was the box I had packed my bike in and I thought, “Whoa baby, I get to go home!!”  I ate a leisurely breakfast at the motel with several members of our group.  We relived some of the events that we experienced, told a few lies and generally “yukked” it up.  At 7:00 a.m. we loaded our bags into a couple of vans and were transported to Logan airport in Boston.  Just prior to leaving I handed my bike off to the desk clerk to await pick up by Fed Ex.  The last I saw of it, it was sitting in the lobby.  I sure hope that I called Fed Ex! 

My flight did not leave until 1:30 p.m. so I had some time to kill.  Ran into Ohio Bob and he and I spent a few hours reliving our accomplishments.  He is the first guy I met in Costa Mesa and the last of the group that I spent any time with.  I found that interesting.  We had a good time.  Arrived in Atlanta with a ½ hour to spare.  When I boarded the plane it was very obvious that the air conditioning was not working.  The plane was hotter than blazes.  The captain and staff were apologizing profusely.  Shortly after takeoff the captain came on the speaker and asked if there was a physician on board.  A few minutes later he announced that they had a medical emergency and we were returning to Atlanta.  Oh joy!!  We returned safely and were met by an ambulance.  They removed one of the flight attendants who apparently had been overcome by the heat.  We then had to wait for a substitute attendant who received a standing ovation (from me) when she arrived.  Two hours after our scheduled departure we were back in the air and landed in Flint at 9:45 p.m. 

I was met at the gate by my welcoming entourage who were waving signs and banners.   It was really quite a sight and a big surprise.  Making up the group were:  Leisa, Mom, Joy Lee, Keri Crane (one of my favorite nieces), Mary Pearsall, Pam Snarey, Pat Beyer, Mary Morin, Dave Pruder and Rusty Wellman.  I was really quite touched and thankful that they came.  We talked for awhile; I told a few stories, answered questions about the gazelles and then hit the road.

I slept like a baby until 5:30 a.m. at which time I awoke confused, not quite knowing where I was.  I found that interesting as for the past 33 days I always knew where I was at and what the day had in store for me when I awoke.  When I rolled over and found Leisa Rose in bed next to me a calming peace came over me and I drifted back to sleep.  Ahhh, home sweet home.  A few hours later I was up and putting the espresso machine to work.  Gosh I like being home.  When I went outside to survey the yard I was very surprised to find that my wonderful life partner, Leisa, had taken care of everything.  The yard and gardens looked absolutely fabulous.  It was obvious that she had spent hours taking care of everything.  I was surprised, as she had told me that there was much to be done, because the weather had prevented her from doing much.  My first thought was, “Daryl was right, she is a saint!!”  My second thought was, “Dang she has done such a good job I think I will turn it all over to her and I will take up quilting.”

It is truly very nice to be home.  I was gone for too long, though I do not have any regrets.  As I sat around today drinking mass quantities of espressos I began the process of reflecting upon what I accomplished.  I am not too shy to say that what we accomplished and experienced was BIG and absolutely mind boggling.  I am thankful for having had the opportunity to do it.  Specifically I am thankful for having the good health, resources and time to do it.  I would be remiss in not making special note of the support and encouragement that Leisa Rose provided throughout this ordeal.  Without her backing I would have never even attempted it.  That Daryl is a smart guy, “She is a saint!”

For those of you, who have followed this blog and shared this adventure with me, thank you!  I hope that you have enjoyed it as much as I have enjoyed sharing it with you.  I have pursued a dream.  I hope that you will pursue yours.  Remember, “If not now, when??”

My Groupies waiting patiently for me to return.

Keri Crane, Joy Lee, Donna Crane, The Saint, Pammy Sue, Pat Beyer, Mary Morin, Mary "I broke my hand" Pearsall, Rusty Wellman, Dave Pruder

What the heck?

I am thinking, "How did Daryl know that she is a saint??"

Keri, Joy Lee, The Saint, Jay, Mom

Jay, Rusty and Dave

Jack had the choice of going to Cedar Pointe with his 8th grade class or meeting me in the airport.  He chose Cedar Pointe.  Imagine that!

Day 33, May 26, 2011, Keene, NH to Amesbury, MA

121 miles and 7100 feet of climbing.  We got ‘er done today and oh what a day it was!  The anticipation of completing this challenge was definitely evident at breakfast.  There was lots of chatter about getting it done, reminiscing about earlier days on the tour and the feeling of being on the verge of completing something big!!  The gazelles set a fast pace (do you think I was surprised??) and we all headed to our rendezvous point 4 miles from the beach.  I was doing fine until after lunch when I inadvertently “decided” to do some bonus miles.  By the time I got back on course I had added 8 miles and wasted a lot of time.  I was quite bummed about this as it would mean that everyone else would have to wait for me before proceeding.  I did my best to make up the lost time and probably rode harder than I had during the entire challenge.  When I finally arrived at the staging area the group gave me a standing ovation.  It probably helped that my back was still a mess, and I walked with a hunched over, lop sided gait.  I think even the most hardened gazelle felt some sympathy for me!  From there we proceeded to the beach under police escort.  At the beach we all dipped our front tires into the surf and had a ceremony that involved pouring a bottle of Pacific Ocean water into the Atlantic.  Afterward the police escorted us to the motel.  We celebrated by having a banquet at a local restaurant and then returned to the motel for a wrap up ceremony.  The staff awarded me their “Perseverance” award and in doing so noted that I spent more time on the bicycle than anyone else.  Apparently I even did it with a good attitude.  I was awarded a U.S. road map with our route highlighted.  It is the same map that they hung in the motel lobbies each evening.  All my fellow riders signed it.  I was quite touched.

It will take some time for me to realize and fully process what we have accomplished.  Right now I am drained, physically, emotionally and mentally.  It has been intense.  My odometer indicates that I covered 3,524 miles in 31 days of riding.  I have spent time with an incredible group of people from throughout the country, England, Norway and New Zealand.  I have worked harder than I ever thought possible.  All I can say now is, “Wow, I  did it!!”

Dipping the wheel in the Atlantic!

I can't believe I rode the  whole thang!!

Jay, Daryl, Minnesota Mark, U.K Steve

Day 32, May 25, 2011, Amsterdam, NY to Keene, NH

124 miles and 7100 feet of climbing.  The 2^nd to last day is done and it was a real challenge.  I was on the bike at 7:00 a.m. and did not get in until 6:00 p.m.  I spent a little over 10 hours on the bike.  Shortly after leaving my left lower back tightened up and I could not get it loosened up all day.  It made it difficult to get on/off the bike and walking was very painful.  It did not seriously impact my riding ability, just made it uncomfortable.  That problem was compounded when I had to take defensive measures to avoid an IDIOT in a car, ran into a curb and crashed.  Fortunately it only resulted in a little road rash on my knee and the bike was not hurt.  Right now I am feeling quite disabled.  Laying flat in bed helps and I am hopeful that when the alarm goes off I will spring out of bed to finish this challenge!

The climbing we did today was unlike any of the big climbs we did out West.  Out there the roads traversed back and forth up the side of the mountains and there were areas that were “relatively” flat.  Here they go up and over the mountains on winding roads with inclines in the 8 – 10 % range.  The big climb of the day went on for a good 10 miles to get us to the summit of Hog Back Mountain.  It was brutal.  After that there were several short but very steep climbs.  I think I would rather do the climbs out West than these.

We left NY and entered into Vermont and then New Hampshire.  The scenery was incredible.  We are in the Green Mountains in the north east portion of the Appalachians.  The area is lush green rolling hills.  At times it seemed as if it were saturated with fast moving, Whitewater Rivers and streams.  I concur with Russ, this is a very scenic area.  It will make the list for a return visit.

The only bad thing about today was the traffic, or I should say the rude, obnoxious New England drivers.  I have never encountered such aggressive, uncompromising and generally hell bent drivers.  One of our fellow riders, Manny (from Boston) has been trying to prepare us for this and today we were thoroughly introduced.  I do not know what was more tiring; all of the climbing we did or being constantly on guard to keep from being run over.

So, tomorrow is it, the end of this challenging adventure.  We plan to be in Amesbury by 2:00 p.m. where we will all rendezvous and regroup for the final ride to the beach.  When we get there we will dip out front wheels into the ocean and empty a bottle of Pacific Ocean water into the Atlantic.  We will then go to the motel, where we will prepare our bikes to be shipped home.  There is a banquet in the evening with a meal and a program.  On Friday we will be transported to the Boston airport.  It is so hard to believe it is coming to an end and that I have done this.

#12 of 14 States.

Pic from the summit of Hog Back Mountain.  The view was spectacular.

One more State to go.  Bring on Massachussetts!!!

Day 31, May 24, 2011, Liverpool, NY to Amsterdam, NY

118 miles and 1700 feet of climbing.  This may be redundant, but another day is done and it was a good one!  We traveled most of the day on Route 5E which paralleled the Mohawk River and Erie Canal.  We again passed through many small, historic towns and saw lots of old buildings and houses.  This part of NY is actually very beautiful.  After lunch we had a long 5 mile climb that culminated in an 8 mile descent that was fairly gradual with long swooping curves.  It was steep enough to easily keep a rate of 30 – 35 mph going without having to ride the brakes all of the time.  In the valley below was the Mohawk River and Erie Canal.  It was impressive!  The weather was very cooperative.  Winds of 10 mph were at our backs, it was in the upper 70’s, and slightly overcast.  The humidity was a bit of a challenge but at least it was not raining. 

At dinner tonight the conversation centered on our not believing the challenge is about to be over with.  There is a general sense that we really can’t believe we are this close to having done it.  Everybody is very tired but you no longer hear complaints about sore butts and other aches and “ouchies”.  It is interesting that in the last couple of days many of the gazelles have taken to riding by themselves (as opposed to in groups or pace lines).  They have been explaining that they find it to be a lot more relaxing and enjoyable.  I could have told them that weeks ago!  As a group, we are now a hardened bunch of road warriors who are beginning to savor the fact that we have accomplished something big!  The camaraderie within the group is really quite interesting and special.  Arriving in Amesbury will be bitter sweet.

Last night I reported about the mishap that one of our group had.  This morning we learned that it was discovered that he had a fractured vertebrae (C-5) and would not be returning to the ride.  That was not the news that we were all hoping for.  He expected to make a full recovery with no serious complication.  He was one of the most accomplished and experienced riders in the group, which reminded us that it could happen to any of us.  Needless to say there were a lot of “safety reminders” being offered up to one another all day.

Tomorrow we will leave NY behind and head to Keene, New Hampshire a trek of 123 mile and 7100 feet of climbing.  It has been a few days since we had to do any serious climbing.  The consensus seems to be that if we made it this far we can make it to the end, no matter how much climbing we have to do.

Pic looking back on long climb up from the Mohawk River Valley.  Spectacular scenery!!

Day 30, May 23, 2011, Batavia, NY to Liverpool, NY

121 miles and 3780 feet of climbing.  Day 30 is in the record book as we cruise on towards the Atlantic.  We followed Route 5/20 as we skirted the Finger Lake Region, Seneca Lake, segments of the Erie Canal and Syracuse.  It was a very picturesque ride with rolling hills and expansive vistas.  We cruised through numerous small towns that were founded in the late 1700’s/early 1800’s.  It was a very interesting area.  The Erie Canal is quite an intriguing engineering marvel.  I would like to come back here and learn more about it.  I talked to a guy who says that you can rent barges/house boats for extended trips.  I might have to put that on the list.  The weather was in the mid 70’s, clear skies and 15 – 20 mph out of the South.  The winds always seem to be a factor on this trip.  Though it was at our side it still takes its toll on you physically as you have to focus to keep from being blown into traffic.  Fortunately, most roads in NY have a good 8 foot paved shoulder.  I was on the bike at 7:00 a.m. and arrived in Liverpool at 3:30 p.m.  I tried to take it slow and easy as the next 3 days are going to be quite intense.  I am feeling healthy, but very tired.  The morning alarm clock is getting to be quite annoying. 

We had a near tragedy this a.m. when one of our riders was hit by a car.  A car entering the highway from the right did not see him as he was going by.  He was struck on the side, knocked off his bike, etc..  He was transported to the hospital and at our meeting tonight they reported that he had no serious injuries and plans to rejoin us tomorrow.  Of course that is contingent on his being able to find a new bike as his was  really busted up.  This was quite a sobering event for all of us.

The fund raising for Special Olympics, Region 9 has been going very well.  As of today we have raised $7789.  I  am quite confident that we will/can exceed $8500.  So if you know of someone who has not yet made a donation send this link to them:  http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/jaycrane/jay-cranes-fundraising 

Tomorrow we press on to Amersterdam, NY.  Only 3 days left!!

Here is a pic of the Erie Canal.

           

Day 29, May 22, 2011, Dunkirk, NY to Batavia, NY

84 miles and 800 feet of climbing.  Another day bites the dust.  Four more and we are done!  It was another good day out here on the roads crossing this incredible country.  Weather was overcast, 70 degrees, high humidity and an occasional very brief drizzle.  Roads were good, with little traffic.  After leaving the shores of Lake Erie, we skirted south of Buffalo and went through numerous small towns and farming operations.  I spent some time thinking about the contrasts I have witnessed between this part of the country and out west.  Here, water is abundant, ponds are everywhere, the rivers/cricks are flowing swiftly and it rains.  Out West it was parched.  Here everything is a lush green, spring flowers are blooming, the green houses/plant farms are doing a brisk business and people are out working in their yards and gardens.  Out West it is brown and dusty.  Here, people are everywhere.  Out West you can travels for hours and see little evidence of any human habitation.  It is a diverse country we live in!

At one point today I stopped alongside the road to take a break.  I was near and downwind from, a large cluster of Lilac bushes.  Boy did they smell good.  I sure hope my Lilacs are still in bloom when I get home.  Nothing means spring time more than the smell of Lilacs.  I am truly getting anxious to be home again.  I talked with Jack this morning on the phone.  I was telling him I could not wait to get home and that I was really missing him and Leisa.  I even stretched the truth a tad and told him that I was even missing our dog, Gage.  Without missing a beat Jack says, “Well he missed you at first but he got over that real quick.”  I can tell I have my work cut out for me as it appears as if Leisa is being a bad influence on that boy!

The highlight of my day was Espresso.  I have not had any of my favorite brew since I left home nearly 5 weeks ago.  I try to drink that swill they call coffee in the motels but it is all I can do to choke down half a cup.  As I was passing through a small town I noticed a coffee shop saying they specialized in “distinctive coffees.”  I brought my bike to a screeching halt, dismounted and headed in.  To the young lady behind the counter I said, “You can get me a quadruple espresso.”  She looked confused and I asked if there was a problem.  She said, “Well, I have never met anyone who wanted a quadruple espresso.”  I stuck out my hand and said, “Hello, I am Jay Clydesdale Crane.  I am pedaling my bike across this great country of ours to eliminate evil.  Now will you please get me my espresso?”  She saw the desperation in my eyes and quickly complied.  It was without a doubt one of the best cups of coffee I have ever had and I savored every sip.  I was so fired up when I got back on the bike, that within 2 miles I had a flat tire from pedaling too fast.

Tomorrow we press on to Liverpool, NY.  The excitement level of the entire group is beginning to increase as we approach the end of this ordeal.

Ahhhh....Life is Good.  Very, Very Good!!

Day 28, May 21, 2011, Warren, OH to Dunkirk, NY

139 miles and 2500 feet of climbing.  The cross country express keeps chugging along.  Today we left Ohio, spent some time in Pennsylvania and ended the day in New York.  It was our longest day of the trip and one of my more enjoyable days.  We got an early start out of Ohio at 7 a.m. and arrived in Dunkirk at 4:30 p.m.  I spent 8 ½ hours on the bike and averaged 16 mph.  It was a gorgeous day, in the low 70’s and dropped slightly to the upper 60’s as we approached Lake Erie.  The sun was shining and there was a slight tail wind.  Shortly after entering Pennsylvania we got on Rte 5/5A and rode along the shore of Lake Erie for a good 80 miles.  It was a gently rolling road with excellent shoulders and little traffic.  We had some nice views of the lake and took a ride through the town of Erie, PA.  The entire length of road was lined with vineyards that seemed to go on forever.  Someone said that most of the grapes we Concord and find their way into Welch’s grape juice and jelly.  I rode well.  Felt strong and relaxed and had a very good day.  The motel desk clerk had to ask me my name!!  Tomorrow we press on to Batavia, NY only 84 miles down the road.  Because it is a “short” day we are not leaving until 8:30 a.m., so we get to sleep in.  I relish that thought as I am very tired.

In the north east corner of Ohio there are many covered bridges.  This one was moved and is no long used.

This one is still being used.  I took a mile, down hill, side trip to see this bridge.

Pennsylvania.  Our 10th state.  Only 4 to go!

Vineyards literally lined both side of Rte 5/5A,

New York.  Three states left!