Week Two
During the ride, Marie will write a message recounting the highlights and progress of the day. Just e-mail Marie's husband Ron at ronnemec@hughes.net to request subscription.
- May 30 - Bar Harbor ME- Bucksport ME
- May 31 - Bucksport ME - Thomaston ME
- June 1 - Thomaston ME - Portland ME
- June 2 - Scarborough ME - Kittery ME
- June 3 - Kittery ME- Boston MA
- June 4 - Boston MA - Barrington RI
- June 5 - Barrington RI - New London CT
May 30 - Bar Harbor ME- Bucksport ME
The sun comes up early in Ellsworth ME. Woke up at 5:30 am and it had already been light for awhile.
Big day today, with the kick-off fundraising ride in Acadia National Park in Bar Harbor. A bit of history of-the Park.
Acadia was French before it was English and then American. The French Explorer Champlain named the island Mount Desert (pronounced dessert) in 1604. It figured in French, English, and Native American history. Farming and lumbering preceeded shipbuilding and fishing as major industries. In 1919, Pres. Woodrow Wilson signed legislation establishing Lafayette National Park, which name was changed to Acadia in 1929. 57 miles of carriage roads were financed by John D. Rockefeller Jr between 1915 and 1933, and gave 11,000 acres (1/3 of the park's area) to the US government. The views are spectacular, with the rock bound coast, coastal and offshore islands, as well as the native plant and animal life.
It is in this setting that our host Nancy organized a 19 mile loop ride. For a $35 donation, breakfast, a commemorative ride t-shirt, and lunch were included. There were about 25 riders, ranging in age from 3 1/2 yrs to folks in their 80's. At the pre-ride gathering there, Charlotte entertained the group with her song from the 1999 ride - "The BG song," about the 'Bicycling Grandmas." Strong riders completed the hilly course-in about an hour; it took me 2 1/2 hours. Looks like the event has raised about $1100, bringing our current total to $27,486. If you can help us to get closer to our goal of $40,000 you can go to our website - www.bikeforthecure.org and see how to donate.
Stopped for postcards, groceries, and a visit to a quilt shop called "Sewing by the Sea" on the way back from Acadia.
Nancy fixed a great meal of salmon, bison burger, lobster, sweet potato, and tossed green salad (plus moose tracks ice cream, rhubarb, and bite sized pecan pies and brownies. Yum!
With love from the road,
Marie (& Charlotte)
Top of Page
May 31 - Bucksport ME - Thomaston ME
Woke up early (before 5:00 am) and the sun was already up. This part of Maine is so far East that it could be in another time zone.
After breakfast, Jim & Nancy drove us to their "camp" on the shores of Green Lake. It is a smallish cabin/cottage nestled among hardwood trees; very homey, pine wood interiors, and decorated with many quilts They live there all summer. The camp is located about 1/3 mile from the main house..
Nancy left for a one mile Memorial Day weekend run as we were leaving to drive to Bucksport.
We followed US1 all day today. Charlotte rode first, starting after we crossed the stunning bridge over the Penobscot River. Passed lots of yard sale/flea markets. Left van at about 10 miles in what I thought was an obvious place, but it wasn't to Charlotte and she rode right past! Got a cell phone call from her, asking where the van was. She had to ride back 2 1/2 miles. I rode the next 10 mile segment. Rode across the Passagassaweag River.
Rendezvous for lunch at Lincolnville Beach. Charlotte could not find her cell phone. We spent about two hours driving slowly where she had ridden, but were unsuccessful. Stopped at the Maine Coast Welcome Center in Belfast. Very friendly staff; they bought a ride t-shirt and took a couple of photos which should be posted to our website (www.bikeforthecure.org) in a day or two.
I rode for 10 miles through Camden, and met up with Charlotte, who had already made it to Thomaston. Views of the ocean were like picture postcard, with sailboats, beaches, and docks. Very picturesque!
Tonight we are in the basement of the Thomaston Baptist Church. Had to wait to settle in until after the AA meeting.
Route miles - 51 (Charlotte-35, Marie-21)
Road change - 12 cents
With love from US1,
Marie (& Charlotte)
Top of Page
June 1 - Thomaston ME - Portland ME
A day full of surprises and blessings ...
I took the van in for an oil change while Charlotte started riding. Gave the manager a brochure to read. When the van was ready, he told me there would be no charge and also handed me a check for $50!
Despite the threat of rain, we continued to ride. Everything went well until Brunswick where Charlotte and I had a hard time connecting. She called me on someone's cell phone and I was able to find her. She wanted to ride despite advice not to. Almost immediately US1 turned into a controlled access, 2 lanes in each direction with center median - very unsafe for bicyclists. I parked the van on the shoulder, and awaited her arrival. Finally I spotted her, and motioned her over. Whew! Loaded her bike up, and got off US1 ASAP. The threatened rain came down torrentially; God provided perfect timing! Found an alternate route South, while the rain continued. Drove through Freeport, the home of LL Bean, and many big box retail outlets.
Stopped at the Maine Welcome Center. Stopped at WalMart where Charlotte bought a new TracFone, but the salesperson said she couldn't activate it.
On to Portland to find the Fairfield Inn by Marriott, where we have a comped room, arranged for by by Brett T., who frequents the www.hdlighthouse.org website.. Thanks, Brett! We drove around in frustration, despite having a map, and asking directions from different folks. Finally we arrived, checked in, and drove to the site of a welcoming event planned by Raima Fernauld from the Maine affiliate of HDSA. Friends and family gathered; highlight was having Raima's two sons (John and Chris) who are in their 30's and very stricken with HD present. Nice gathering.
Back to the Fairfield where we ate our dinner (which was actually our lunch that we didn't eat earlier. It took 1 1/2 hours at this closer WalMart but finally Charlotte has a new cell phone with the same phone number. Our sales associate Lisa was just outstanding!
Today's route would have been about 80 miles but because of the rain we were only able to ride 49 of those miles.
I'm tired and it's almost 11:00 pm.
With love from the road, with one more day in Maine,
Marie - 20 miles (& Charlotte - 29 miles
Top of Page
June 2 - Scarborough ME- Kittery ME
Our last full day in Maine, a state we have really enjoyed. Maine is the most eastern of the 50 states, and forests cover 97% of the state. It is also the largest state in New England.
After a nice complimentary breakfast (I had a 2 minute waffle, Charlotte had oatmeal and a pre-packaged omelet), we drove back to US1 and Charlotte (as usual) rode the first leg., I rode the second, etc. We passed signs for Kennebubkport, where Bush 41 had a home (not sure if he still has it or-not.)
Near Wells (1643) there was a crew filming an episode of "Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives" at the famous Maine Diner. Soon thereafter, I passed the world's largest lighthouse gift store.
We had decided to veer off US1 and take US1A along the coast, and see Nubble Lighthouse (used to be called Cape Neddick). Not sure when name changed. Fog caused very low visibility but still enjoyed seeing it. Ate our lunch on a flat topped boulder. Very pleasant. Started talking to a French Canadian couple from Quebec, Paul & Sylvie. Paul's bike had a flat rear tire, and he didn't have an inner tube to fix it. I volunteered to transport him and his bike back to the cottage in which they were staying in Ogunquit while Sylvie and Charlotte rode back to US1A or US1 (not sure). Paul made a donation to the ride as a token of appreciation. Those extra roof rack bike holders finally came in handy.
On the way back from dropping off Paul and his bike, I stopped at Knight's Quilt-Shop. They were having a 25% off anniversary sale. Bought some fabric for future projects.
Met up with Charlotte between York and Kittery (Maine's oldest city - 1647). I rode last leg into Kittery, outlet store haven. There are over 100 of them grouped in five different groupings. Just 2 more miles to Faith Baptist Church. Again, a church basement, very spacious and comfortable. Young Pastor Justin and wife Allison, expecting first-child in August. Washed a load of laundry in the parsonage. They had leftover chicken enchiladas from dinner, which they shared with us.
Last full day riding in Maine. Too bad; it's been wonderful, first time in Maine for me, 2nd time for Charlotte.
Route mileage - 52, Total 248.
Road change - 29 cents, total 49 cents
With love from Southern Maine,
Marie (and Charlotte)
Top of Page
June 3 - Kittery ME- Boston MA
Long and varied day. Got on the road from the church by 7:00 am but it took almost two hours to actually cross the bridge over the Piscataqua River. First attempt aborted due to unsafe for bicycling (controlled access). I scouted out a better alternative, and I was able to lead Charlotte out safely. We did have a slight delay' because the drawbridge lifts every 1/2 hour.
We finally got on Hwy 1A. At about 7 miles, I spotted a turtle trying to cross the road, so I stopped riding, picked it up, and took it across the street to safety. Really enjoyed riding on the New Hampshire Coast. Some rocky beaches, some sandy, and some harbors. The types of homes varied immensely, from million dollar estates to modulars. There are also a number of state parks along the coast as well.
The NH coastline is about 20 miles, and soon we crossed into Massachusetts (third state of the day). at Hampton. This region around Newbury was called Quascacunquwn back in 1635 when it was first inhabited by the Pilgrims. Newbury is the site of America's oldest fair (1818).
Had to quit riding in Rowland to make a scheduled lunch visit with Sue & Ed Gieras in Danvers. Ed comes from an HD family. Sue runs an in-home day care. She prepared a lovely lunch with shrimp sandwiches, a caesar salad with chunks of chicken, and a fresh fruit salad. Nice to meet this family.
Because of time commitments we drove into Boston, where we are staying in a comped room through Brett T's brother Seth. We are being pampered and feel like royalty.
A torrential rain storm blew through, but lightened by the time Trisha arrived.
Trisha Gaughan Hawksly met us for dinner at Teatro, an Italian restaurant around the corner from the hotel. Food was OK but noise level was terrible. Returned from dinner and spent a little time in the Club, an extra perk. Trisha has spoken at past HDSA conventions
Wish we had a day in Boston to sightsee and visit, but it's on to Rhode Island tomorrow. That will be the 42nd state in which I have ridden on Bike for the Cure rides.
With love from "Bahstan,"
Marie (& Charlotte)
Top of Page
June 4 - Boston MA - Barrington RI
Lovely breakfast presentation in "the Club" this morning. I especially enjoyed the fresh fruits, but passed on the smoked salmon', pickled onions and kapers. What a wonderful stay at the Ritz Carlson!
Got on the road about 8 a.m., with both of us in the van. it seemed wiser, but took awhile to finally get bicycling on the 1A highway in Walpole. Outside the towns, it is still very wooded. Charlotte started riding at 10:15 a.m. Pretty warm, with temperature in low 80's. I rode the second leg, passing through Plainville with signs reading "Thickly settled - 30 mph."
In Attleboro, Charlotte pulled up in the van just as I was finding a park in which to eat lunch. Our usual fare today, plus we split a bottle of Blueberry pop. (Thanks Nancy!) Charlotte rode from the park to just over the Rhode Island border. I rode the last leg from the border to Barrington. Stumbled upon an awesome bike path which paralled Hwy 103. Cool and tree lined, it reminded me of the KATY Trail across MO, but it was well paved.
Met up with our host tonight, Lynn Doyle from the Rhode Island affiliate of HDSA. I rode another 2 1/2 miles to Lynn's home, on Palisade St.
Had snacks. Lynn and her hasband Brad are putting on a Walk-a-thon tomorrow for HDSA. They drove down to the state park in Bristol to put up some signs for the walk. When they got back, we had a nice pasta and meatball dish. Lynn's older sister Lisa dropped in for dinner.
After dinner Lynn, her 8 year old-son Aiden. Lisa, Charlotte and I went to Providence in Lisa's 2009 Honda Accord. complete with a sunroof. Providence has a very cool downtown festivity called WaterFires http://www.waterfire.org/. Under the statue of Roger Williams, the founder of Rhode Island, there were 3 individuals (2 women and a gargoyle) posing as statues. Music was playing, food vendors had tents set up, lots of people of all ages milling around. Fires were lit in special baskets on pedastals in the man-made inlet/canal. People going up and down the water channel in gondolas and other boats. Quite unique!
Good day riding.
I rode 22.3 and Charlotte 18.5 miles.
We drove 27 miles getting out of Boston.
14 cents in road change.
Marie (& Charlotte)
Top of Page
June 5 - Barrington RI - New London CT
Early to rise, ready by 7:00 am for a rich and full day. We had planned to have Lynn's sister Lisa drive the van to Colt State Park so Charlotte and I could ride together on the East Bay Bike Path. But two rounds of-early morning thunderstorms altered that. We drove instead, passing an old Samsonite luggage factory.
Weather cleared up, and we got to the park about 9:00 a.m. where tents, food, and registration for the RI Team Hope walk-a-thon were being set up. Lovely setting on a bay. Met some folks in the HD community, sold 4 t-shirts, and enjoyed visiting. Lots of walk participants, with pledge sheets to turn in. Very impressed.
Becasue of time constraints. and our need to get "on the road.", we did not do the 3 Mile walk. Fond hugs for Lynn and Lisa, who both are at-risk.
Stopped in Bristol to find a post card map of Vermont. Back in 2002, the US Postal Service issued a sheet of stamps, one for each state. I was able to affix the RI stamp, which I had been saving all these years, and mail it home for my collection. Instead of a double yellow line in the middle of the main street, it was three stripes - red, white, and blue.
Drove quite a ways, over three bridges, the New Hope, the Pell and the Jamestown before getting to Rte 1A. First Charlotte rode, then me. Had a little trouble with routing along Rte 1, which was a divided highway for awhile. Ate lunch about 3 pm near Burlington State Park. Kept following Rte 1 into Connecticut. The name comes from the Native American word "Quinatucquet" meaning "beside the long tidal river."
Stopped to take a photo of the frist sign I'd seen pointing the way to New York. Rode through Mystic, a touristy seaside village, over an old bridge. Riding got pretty tough with many long uphills. We drove the last few miles to New London. The only way across the Thames River seemed to be on I-95 so we had to load up the bikes anyway.
New London is the home of the Coast Guard Academy. We stayed in the basement of a small Lutheran church, adequate for our needs, but a bit spartan.
Charlotte and I were both very tired after a long day. This riding is harder for us each year.
Miles ridden - Charlotte-23, Marie 21
With love from our last "New England State,"
Marie (& Charlotte)
Top of Page
