Good to be home – till the next time!

Post script: British airways malfunction at Heathrow meant a delay in getting home eventually by train with no luggage. Even this experience after a “red eye ” flight cannot take away the elation of completing 3450 miles in 33 days across the continent of America. What a wonderful country and what great friendships I have made – I’m a very lucky chap. 

Post ride thoughts

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Thank you to AbB for putting together a fabulous experience for us. The support staff of Mike, Karen, Judy and Pam who I have known for 3 years now really make the trips so enjoyable and we couldn’t conceive of this venture without them. Their experience, unselfishness, thoughtfulness,cheerfulness and professionalism knows no bounds. AbB are very fortunate to have such individuals on staff – please look after them. To not have to ride today was strange after 33 days, but I now sit here knowing how much I miss my family and friends and especially Jen – I love you all and thank you for your support throughout. The bike is packed, cab booked, airline seat checked, I just have thoughts also for the sadness around Manchester at the moment as I make my way back to the Northwest – this poem link sent to me by Jen, has such a powerful sentiment I cannot otherwise reflect.

Amsterdam to Keene 127 

Penultimate day- 7590′ climbing. The later part of the route was familiar to me from 2014 across America North tour and fellow riders will recognise some of the photos. Hogback mountain, Vermont country deli where we had ice cream in Brattleboro. Weather was kind. Scott had his birthday today so we had a cake and meal together. “Dutch” (Bolivian) David (complicated I know!) in Amsterdam (secondary)!! 2 new states today passed from New York through Vermont to New Hampshire. 0600 ride start tomorrow so we can all rendezvous by 1500 and wheel dip before back to hotel to pack for home before celebratory dinner- it has gone in a flash!

Batavia to LIVERPOOL 120.  https://www.relive.cc/view/g11802002837

Overcast start but day got better. Lovely run into Liverpool beside Onondaga lake. Not one of the “finger lakes” but the whole area seems water logged with Lake Ontario to the North and the Niagara Falls close by – David from Bolivia who lived in Holland met his uncle and cousins last night and made the trip to the falls – fab – the family drove 12hrs round trip from Maryland – that’s blood thicker than water for you! 

Rode with Andrew(3flats before lunch!) J my roomie. He’s planning to spend this year with his medico girl friend in Brisbane Australia, then charity work in East Africa before resuming accountancy career in U.K. – but before that the couple are off directly to Banff for hols! Chatted most of the day and rode moderately – I’ve decided that when any big dogs fancy a slower pace they hook up with Daz for the day – ideal from my point of view. I’m going to ride with the crew tomorrow Pam & Judy. Rode by lake Seneca and Geneva looked like a nice spot. Stopped off for a hot dog at Heid’s on the way in. Three days left🤠😁👍🚴 what will I do next week? 😳 Erie Canal is amazing waterway linking Great Lakes to Atlantic.