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Portland to Lincolnville

29/7/2013

17 Comments

 

The last ride was anything but easy. I got up early and was still on quite a high from completing coast to coast the previous day. I was looking forward to the last leg and felt confident despite it being quite a long day.

I left at 7am and all was good until about the 25 mile point. From here the rain started and things got quite miserable. For long sections I was riding highway 1. The options for heading north are quite limited because of the peninsulas. Despite it being Sunday, traffic was heavy. Combined with the rain, the noise and spray made it far from enjoyable.

I stopped at a roadside lobster shack to try the local speciality. In pouring rain I sat under a small umbrella to eat it while some other customers sat and ate theirs in their big, warm, dry car. I must have looked a state. As they were leaving I watched them take a picture aimed in my direction. I don't think there was anything else of interest around. It must have been a crazy guy on a loaded bike, who looked like a drained rat, eating lobster in the pouring rain that they were capturing.

I didn't quite muster a smile ;)

I had ridden about 70 miles when my brother offered a lift and pointed out I had already ridden coast to coast.

With continuing rain and heavy traffic I said 'yes please, come get me' :)

On agreeing a meeting point the day almost immediately brightened up making me question my decision. It could have also been my morale lifting knowing that of nearly 4,000 miles I only had another 5 or 6 to pedal.

It was a good feeling. I had a moment with my bike, one last heartfelt conversation between the two of us. Then I slapped myself out of it.

The last few miles approaching the house were in deep woods and would have been difficult to navigate so a lift was a good idea.

100 metres from the house my brother kicked me out of the car and suggested I ride around the corner because the kids wanted to see me finish. When I came around the corner I was greeted by banners and balloons and cheering and decorations and big smiles all round. Oh, a nice cold beer too.

It was a really nice surprise and a perfect end to the trip. Thankyou for such an excellent welcome.

And thankyou to everyone for all messages and emails of encouragement Along the way.

Every single one was super appreciated   Especially in the first few weeks where there task was quite daunting and I seriously wondered if I had bitten off more than I could chew.

Total mileage : 3,935

I really should go for a 65 mike bike ride!

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17 Comments
Studydog
29/7/2013 02:59:13 am

A terrific achievement and evidently a terrific welcome. Well done all. See you on Saturday

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Maryann
29/7/2013 04:28:05 am

That's AWESOME Ben!!! Congrats on completing your amazing journey :)

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Ben Bennett
30/7/2013 10:31:45 pm

Thanks Maryann.

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Frank
29/7/2013 04:03:20 pm

Very well done Ben. Thanks for supporting Parkinson's.
Take care.

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Ben Bennett
30/7/2013 10:31:27 pm

My Pleasure frank. Hope all is well with you

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Mum
29/7/2013 05:55:54 pm

Happy birthday Ben. So glad we had you 33 years ago today.

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Rob
29/7/2013 08:36:16 pm

Mate you really need to squeeze in a 65 mile trip.. I agree with you! :) x

Reply
Ben Bennett
30/7/2013 10:32:18 pm

Hmmm. Where has my. Motivation gone ? ;)

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Joel Draper
30/7/2013 01:59:37 am

Just read the last post, it's been great lunch time reading and a truly magnificent ride. I only just realised you did it all without clip in pedals as well.

Reply
Ben Bennett
30/7/2013 10:33:00 pm

Thanks a lot Joel. Really glad you liked it :)

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Andy
30/7/2013 04:21:21 pm

well done mate, inspiring! see you back in Bristol some time

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Ben Bennett
30/7/2013 10:33:44 pm

Cheers Andy, yup I'm sure I will catch you in Bristol at some point. Take care mate.

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susan and mike
31/7/2013 01:03:21 pm

Congratulations Ben! Just decided to check in now that July is over and lo and behold, you did it. Your Chicago family is justly proud of your accomplishment.
PS I'm going to emulate those New Hampshire mosquitos when working with particularly lazy clients. S

Reply
Ben Bennett
2/8/2013 08:24:00 am

Haha, keep biting at them Susan. They will be fit as fiddles in no time. :)

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Joe Gonzalez
1/8/2013 05:45:46 pm

Well done Ben. You look super fit now. (not in a gay way)

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Rob
1/8/2013 06:11:45 pm

You worry me Joe...

Reply
Ben Bennett
2/8/2013 08:22:50 am

Haha

Reply



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