We Have Descended on Portsmouth!

Today was, of course, a different routine, even though there was 60 miles to cover motel to motel. We needed, though, to be at the junior high school at a designated time for the procession to the beach.

We loaded early (5:45) then had breakfast at the motel. The route was 50 miles to the school. There were traffic rotaries to navigate, hills to climb and rain showers to avoid. We got up to dark clouds and the threat of rain by afternoon. It didn't look like a good beach day to me. Amazingly enough, the rain held off until we were packing bikes and going to the bike shop. The skies then opened up and poured!

Everyone arrived at the school as required, most riders having stopped at a bakery in Exeter (mile 40) for a sweet treat before the march to the beach.

The route was rolling hills again today, but without any of the significant climbs we've seen in the past two days. I have to admit I was hoping for a downhill ride, but there was still work to be done. As we neared the school, Mike had painted "Last hill" on the pavement. A half mile later (at the next hill) we saw "Oops, I was wrong." The staff works to keep us entertained.

The route took us through Mooresville, Fremont, Kingston, Exeter and Rye. Most were very busy, with heavy traffic; making it difficult or slow to navigate.

We arrived at the Wallis Sands State Beach under police escort, with sirens announcing our arrival. Even with the threatening weather, there were quite a few beach goers, all very curious as to what was going on. There were many riders' family members waiting for us to arrive. There was an announcement made by the beach staff, and the riders removed their shoes to march through the sand and carry their bikes to the water for the ceremonial wheel dipping in the Atlantic.

One of the riders, Janette, was designated to pour the Pacific water into the Atlantic to officially mark the end of the ride. It had been carried across the U.S.

Some riders shuttled directly from the beach to the bike shop to ship bikes, others rode from the beach to the motel. Those that rode were routed through downtown Portsmouth.

Portsmouth is a great community. Riders have felt very supported since arriving. All traffic stopped during the procession to the beach with drivers waving and honking support. Pedestrians stopped and cheered. Beach goers applauded. The hotel staff has been enthuisiastic. It's been an great end to a great ride.

Some folks have immediately left, while others will be staying over for a few days.

Tomorrow morning there is an option for those that need it, to shuttle to Logan airport. Luggage will be loaded, one last time, at 6:45 a.m. for the 7:00 shuttle to Boston. Everyone agrees, they are very tired and starting to feel (and enjoy) the let down.

So, what's next? I still have no idea. I'm glad to have taken on the challenge and completed it. It has been a great adventure, most times impossible to adequately describe the experiences, scenery or encounters.

Thank you for your support, your interest, your encouragement, your posts, your notes and your care packages. It's made a huge difference and carried me through the miles.

~ Lisa

P.S. In case you're curious, 3,600+ miles and one flat! Hooray!!