ocean park, maine

Our directions for the final day of pedaling.

When I wrote these directions this morning, I did not know they would take us down the exact street to the beach at Ocean Park, Maine that we pedaled in 2009. There was a big difference however. In 2009, when we arrived at this same beach and this same place there were only four people on the beach, a family of four. And one of the four took our picture doing the traditional tire dip in the Atlantic. Today, the beach was very crowded. We took our bikes to the ocean's edge, met Michelle, and she graciously took our pictures. She even took one for herself as she heard our story, and said, "I can't wait to tell my husband what he missed." Michelle, thank you for your interest in our ride, your kindness, and your very encouraging attitude. 

The ride today was on very smooth shoulders along Maine routes 202 and 111. When you ride a bike on highway, smooth and wide shoulders make a huge difference. And we were blessed most of the day. I don't think we took very many pictures because of being so close to the finish. I guess we were like horses going to the barn. Good ride.

My Bible verses for this journey has been 1 Corinthians 10:31 and Colossians 3:17: 

"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God."  (1 Corinthians 10:31)

"And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." (Colossians 3:17) 

To come clean with you, I'm not really sure how to bring glory to God pedaling my bicycle. I do hope that, maybe, I've shared a little bit about Jesus in my blog and shared a little bit of his character with the people I've met. I've decided that the best way for me to end my blog about my cross-country journey would be to share my spiritual journey. It's been nothing short of incredible.

Growing up in Shrewsbury, Pennsylvania, a town of about 850 when I was a kid, was a journey in itself. I loved, and still, love that town. I walked to Shrewsbury Elementary School and rode the school bus to Susquehannock High School in nearby Glen Rock. As a kid, I knew there was a God. When you grow up in a farming area of the country, you just know all this stuff didn't just happen. Fields of corn and wheat, calves being born, chicks and ducks hatching? It doesn't take much to know that there is a Creator. These things just don't happen accidentally. My problem with God was I was afraid of him. Mom taught my brothers and me the bedtime prayer most kids then knew by memory:

"Now I lay me down to sleep. I pray the Lord my soul to keep. If I should . . . "  You know what word goes there, don't you? "If I should die before I wake. I pray the Lord my soul to take." That scared me so badly that I would try to stay awake all night, hopefully so I could keep from dying in my sleep.

A friend of mine who lived nearby in Shrewsbury, Marvin Hendrix, invited me to go to church with him on weekday night. I think it was a Thursday. I went because Marvin was my friend. At his church, a pastor had come to preach for a week. I didn't know who it was. Still don't. But I do remember that, as he preached, I thought my heart was going to explode. He gave an invitation and I thought I was going to die. After the invitation, Marvin said to me, "Barry, I never thought to ask you but are you a Christian?" I didn't even know what a Christian was. I just knew that some people in Shrewsbury went to church and some didn't. I was one of the ones who didn't. To me, church was kind of boring, except on Christmas and Easter when free candy and an orange were given to the kids. Back to Marvin's question, I knew I wasn't. After talking with Marvin's dad and the visiting preacher, I prayed and trusted Jesus as my Savior and Lord. I know something was different when I went home, went to bed, and as a teenage still prayed, "Now I lay me down to sleep . . ." I went right to sleep.

My journey as a new Christian was uneventful. Before, I didn't know what a Christian was. Now I didn't know what a Christian should do. I didn't know I should be reading my Bible, praying, attending a church where I could fellowship with other believers and could be taught how to grow in my faith. I didn't know anything!

While I was in the Air Force and stationed at Lowry Air Force Base in Denver, Colorado, an airman who was part of the Navigators, a ministry focused on guys and gals in the military, stopped by my room in the dorm. He asked me about my faith and I told him how I came to faith in Jesus as a high school student. He told me that in order to grow in my faith I needed to be connected to a local church where I could grow and serve. I tried the base chapel but that really didn't work and I didn't connect.

Stationed at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Fairborn, Ohio, a captain invited me to his church and I went, immediately connected, was welcomed into the church family, started to get instruction from a pastor who preached God's Word, and began serving others in a Sunday School class of third graders. I also finally realized that I needed to follow Jesus in Believer's Baptism, which I did. Things started happening spiritually. I even met and married the Queen (Margaret) while I was there. Sarah and Carey, our daughters, came into the world at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Hospital. Two more incredible blessings.

We moved to Cincinnati, Ohio so I could attend the University of Cincinnati. We started attending a nearby church in Fairfield and there, I felt like the Lord wanted me to serve as a pastor to the middle school and high school students there. That's what I did. I'm retired now but I still serve in my church in Georgia, Prince Avenue Baptist Church, where I now hang out with and minister to college students. (Really, I just harass them and they minister to me.) That's about it for the very short version of my spiritual journey to this point.

At our church we sing a song with these words, "All my life You have been faithful. All my life You have been so, so good. With every breath that I am able, I will sing of the goodness of God."

From the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic, I have been overwhelmed with the goodness of God. He's blessed me with his creation. He's blessed me with health and strength. He's placed people along my journey who were kind, caring, fun, and friendly. And he placed the people at just the right time every time. He's blessed me with a fifty-eight day revival, hanging out with me as I've pedaled. And, did I mention encouragement? I've received notes, cards, texts, phone calls, and face-to-face encouragement from everywhere! I've even been blessed by my pastor and church as I've watched and listened to the online service from my church. I'm constantly reminded that I miss two things from home: my family and my church. I'm super excited about finding my spot at church and hearing live music and preaching. 

The finish, today, was incredible. Tomorrow morning, I'll wake up, get up, and I won't pedal. This journey is over but I'll have memories for the rest of my life. I'm loving America more. I'm loving God's creation more. I'm loving people more. I'm loving God more. I'm ready for a new beginning, now. I'll love it as well. I've got some things in my mind and on my list. I'll see what happens.

All my life He has been faithful . . .

rochester, new hampshire

Grand old flag and a grand old New Hampshire barn.

 Day 57, next to the last day! 41.64 miles from Boscawen, New Hampshire to Rochester, New Hampshire. We are right across the border. On the other side . . . Maine. And a few miles more . . . the Atlantic Ocean! Are we ready? I feel kind of like it's Christmas Eve. Not too sure I'll be able to sleep tonight because of tomorrow. (Just kidding about that!) After today, I could sleep on a pile of bricks! The description for today's ride looks something like this: Hill. Hill. Hill. Hill. Hill, and Hill. Seems like most of the hills were uphill too. STRAVA says we climbed 2,281 feet on our journey to the sea! I believe it.

Margaret took a picture of Smokey and said, "Fire danger low except for the flames coming from their bikes as they race to the coast!!!" Tomorrow, we'll cross over into Maine and pedal about thirty-nine miles and finish this ride. I'm not sure about the flames but we will probably be moving a little faster than we have been.

This evening we drove tomorrow's route in our Explorer just to check things out. It is relatively flat with maybe two or three hills. We'll get over them and finally get to check out the Atlantic! I don't have a bucket list, but if I did, I would get a big red marker and do a huge checkmark beside this journey. Then I'd find an ice cream shop and buy a huge banana split with the works: a scoop of chocolate, a scoop of strawberry, a scoop of vanilla, one banana, strawberries, pineapple, chocolate syrup, whipped cream, chopped peanuts, and a cherry on the top. I've been thinking about that the whole trip. That's bucket list stuff right there! I'm doin' it! I'll take a picture for the grand finale blog.

I just read the last three encouragement notes I received from so many of you. I've been able to read two or three each day. I usually would read them the night before and then again in the morning. It worked out just right. I also received text messages and Facebook notes galore. I am blessed and grateful for the notes and also the many prayers that came with them.

"Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing." (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

You did that! Thank you.

tilton, new hampshire

My special tag I received from the Gendron family in Rochester, Vermont.

Two days to go! After 80.83 miles today we arrived in Boscawen, New Hampshire. Tomorrow, we plan to pedal 44 miles to Rochester, New Hampshire. Thursday we pedal 39 miles to the Atlantic Ocean!

Out of the Green Mountains of Vermont and into the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Nothing like back to back challenges in adjoining states. Thankfully, both states are very narrow where we cross. Both are very beautiful as well. 

This morning I told Phil if we did 50 miles, that would be super! If we did 60 miles, that would be incredible. If we did 70 miles, that would be impossible! Well, somehow we ended up with 80.83 miles. I'm not sure what to say about that except I am a happy rider. Those are 80 miles we don't have to do again! Sounds good to me.

As we pedaled today, we passed close to the birthplace of Joseph Smith, the founder of the Mormon Church. It's kind of spooky as was the Hill Cumorah near Palmyra, New York, where Joseph Smith said he found a set of golden plates which he translated into English and published as the Book of Mormon. As I looked at the plaque, all I could think of was Ephesians 6:10-13, 

 "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand." 

A few more miles down the road, we stopped for a break at Potter Place where I saw another plaque that was quite interesting. Richard Potter sounds like he too, was quite an interesting fellow. He was a magician, ventriloquist, hypnotist, showman, and master of the Black Arts. I'm not sure what a master of the Black Arts is, or was, but it sounds like something from Harry Potter. Maybe the two were related. I've read the books and watched the movies but I've not seen any Richard. Oh well, I would have liked to see his mansion in town. 

Wikipedia has this to say about Richard Potter: In 1814 Potter purchased about 175 acres in the village of Andover, New Hampshire. He built a large house on his estate. Known for his showmanship in all aspects of life, the estate included two life size wooden carvings of human figures on pillars. To this day, this area of New Hampshire is called "Potter Place" for Richard.

We ate supper, after arriving in Tilton, at the Tilt'n Diner. It must be the place to eat in Tilton. It was packed and people were waiting. The food was good and we will go to bed with our bellies full. And . . . that's where I'm headed.

44 miles tomorrow. 39 Thursday! I'm ready.

Put on the whole armor. 

3,467.5/83

white river junction, vermont

Barns and Old Glory. What a great combination! Welcome to Vermont.

 We pedaled 46.72 miles today and we climbed 3,470 feet in those beautiful but tough Green Mountains of the Green Mountain State of Vermont. We thought we were going to have rain but, much to our surprise, no rain gear was necessary. Yippee!

On the way up Brandon Gap, 2,170 feet, I spotted a hitchhiker on my flashing tail light. It only stayed with me for a minute or two, just long enough for me to get a few snapshots. I have no idea what kind of butterfly it is but it sure was showing off.

We met two families today who made our day extremely special. As I pedaled down Vermont 73, I was not sure I was on the right road. I saw a farm-looking building that specialized in maple syrup, candies, etc. so I stopped to ask if I was, indeed, on 73. There was nobody in the shop but I saw a similar sign across the road. I also saw chickens in the front yard. (That's always a good sign.) I pedaled down the driveway and was met by a young mom who let me know that I was on the right road and headed in the right direction. She even told me while looking at my map, "Don't go that way. It takes you over the mountain and it's not made for bikes." Good advice and we did not have to go that way anyway. I think

her name was Charissa but I'm not sure. Soon, I met her mom, Joyce, and the three of us started talking about the bike journey across America. Questions about where we started, where we plan to finish, where were the hardest mountains to pedal, and how long has the trip been. After I mentioned the license plates we've found, I was soon given a Vermont Centennial license plate that came from the barn across the road. Before Phil and I left, we exchanged pictures and had our water bottles refilled with water and ice. What a treat! Then Charissa's dad said, "Don't leave too quickly." He went back across the road to the Maple Syrup Shop and came back with maple candies for our whole crew. Another treat! I told Joyce I would send her a picture of us when we dip our front tires into the foaming water of the Atlantic, Lord willing, Thursday. (That's three days away!) Thanks Ray, Joyce, and Charissa, for making our day so special. Charissa, if your name is not Charissa, I will correct this as soon as I know for sure. Thank you.

At suppertime, we met another special family at Trail Break Tacos in White River Junction. These folks we already knew: Mitch and Sara Kimbrell and their crew, Georgia, Bethany, and John Mitchell. Mitch and Sara are close friends from our home church in Bogart, Georgia. Mitch is the pastor of Christ Memorial Church in Williston, Vermont. We had a great time of catching up on things here in Vermont and at home in Georgia. The food was great but the fellowship (that's a church word for hanging out) was far better. What a great day of pedaling and hanging out. Thank you, Mitch and Sara, for driving all the way to White River Junction, to hang out with us. We were blessed.

Back to the bike journey . . . After we arrived in Bethel, Vermont, we loaded the bikes and headed to our homes for the evening. Tomorrow we will go back to Bethel and resume our ride into New Hampshire. 109 miles later, we will pedal into Maine and then to the ocean.

For two special families that made our day,  "Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God." (Philippians 1:3)

3,386.67/167

I guess this is Harley art. Don't know for sure but I think it's really neat. I wondered if, possibly, the motor could have been stolen but if it had a motor I doubt it would be secured to a huge rock in the middle of a huge field. Just a thought. I like it!

ticonderoga, new york

Lonergan's Antiques & Militaria, Ticonderoga, New York

Sarah, Barry, and Geneva headed home this morning. They will stay in Virginia tonight and be home tomorrow. For their final ride with us, they pedaled eighty miles on the Erie Canalway Trail yesterday. Sure am glad they came and rode with us for the week.

We did not ride today but we are in Ticonderoga, New York. We are four miles from Vermont but will have to pedal twenty-four miles to get across Lake Champlain. The ferry is not operating because it is without a captain at this time, so . . . Monday morning we will pedal south to go around the lake and head east. I'm not complaining since we are now approximately 235 miles away from the ocean.

In Ticonderoga, Margaret and I went looking for a New York license plate. They seem to be hard to find but I found out why. When a car is sold here in New York, the seller has to return the license plate to the state. I understand there may be a fine for doing otherwise. At a local antique shop I was told of a man who would most-likely have bunches of license plates. We departed the antique shop to check things out at Lonergan's Red Barn Antiques, An Adirondack Destination For Over 60 Years.

I met the owner, Craig Lonergan, in a red barn with aisles that were single-lane and, in some places, wide enough for anyone who would turn sideways and take a deep breath. When I asked Craig about license plates and told him what we were doing, we went to another cluttered space and he started digging through a small pile of New York license plates, found one, and handed it to me with a smile. When I asked him how much it was, he smiled and said, "For any man doing what you're doing, it's free." Thanks, Craig. A.K.A. Santa. (Craig also has been Santa in Ticonderoga for years.)

We met Phil and Gale at Burleigh's Luncheonette, a setback to my high school years, and ate an early supper. The food was super, the signs were great, and the service was fun. One of the signs stated, "This is not Burger King. You take it our way or you don't get it at all." (Boy, that's a fun reminder of the sign we always displayed in the dining halls at our church camps.)

Margaret and I came back to the Circle Court Motel and worked on the reorganization of our belongings and how they were packed in our Explorer. I think we've got more stuff than we started with, especially license plates. We now have twenty-four. My Wisconsin license plate is very beat up but unless I find another it will be displayed on my garage wall with dignity and pride. 

This was a great day off. 

The joy of the Lord is my strength.

Any Takers? I can pick it up and bring it home with us.

These things are amazing! You put them into the door knob, turn, and the door opens. You can even carry them next to your phone and they still work! Incredible! Fun!

troy, new york

Smooth water in the Erie Canal near Little Falls, New York this morning.

 Day 54. 80.9 miles from Little Falls, New York to Cohoe, New York. This is our last day on the Erie Canalway Trail and the last day of pedaling eighty miles or more. After some recalculating and map checking, we've decided to go back to our original plan to ride to Old Orchard Beach instead of Rockport. Why? Rockport is approximately 300 miles and Old Orchard Beach is approximately 220 miles. Eighty miles is eighty miles! Why pedal it if we don't have to? It also looks like, on the map, Rockport has a little more traffic to deal with. Anyway . . . it looks like we'll head to Old Orchard Beach to dip our front tires. 

Tomorrow and Sunday, we don't pedal. We're taking two rest days before heading to Maine and the Atlantic Ocean. We haven't had a rest day since 26 June! That's twenty days! So we're taking two! We'll use that time to repack and reorganize everything for the trip home. We'll also look over and finalize our route and how many miles we'll pedal each day. We'll also plan lodging for the remaining nights on the road. (Well, Margaret will do that.) I'm sure we'll find a few other things to do as well. I'm looking forward to two days of laziness. I may even find the New York license plate I need to be caught up with the states I've been through. All I need after that is Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine!

This is what we look like after eighty miles of pedaling, some of which included unexpected climbs. So, you're asking, where is Phil? Well, Phil and Gale had to find a bike shop in Albany this afternoon. One of his bikes needed some repairs that only a Specialized dealer can do. He found such a bike shop, left his bike, and will pick it up tomorrow morning. That's why he's not in the photo with Sarah, Barry, and me at the end of today's ride. I didn't want you to think he fell into the Erie Canal somewhere and we left him floating downstream. He is alive and well and will be pedaling with me Monday morning after the rest days. By that time, we will be more than ready to see that beautiful Atlantic Ocean.

We've been blessed. I'm reminded of this special passage of Scripture from Numbers 6:24-26:

“The Lord bless you

    and keep you;

25 

the Lord make his face shine on you

    and be gracious to you;

26 

the Lord turn his face toward you

    and give you peace.”

Thank you for your prayers and encouragement. 

Not sure what to call this but it is interesting, fun, and could have been a challenging and exciting restoration project. Long live those little VW buses.

BTW Someone paid for our motel this evening. I don't know who that is but I am grateful and thank you very much. You are loved.

little falls, new york

Erie Canalway Trail near Little Falls, New York

 Day 53. We pedaled 65.14 miles from Canastota, New York to Little Falls, New York. Tomorrow, we head east toward Albany. It was another day on the Erie Canalway Trail and much like the other days on the trail. . . but without rain. 

We stopped at a pharmacy in Rome and stopped for lunch in the SnackWagon in Utica. The breaks are much needed and much appreciated as well. It's fun to sit around with everyone and go over the ride, what we've seen, and where we're going to meet next. Sometimes our breaks take longer than others and, from time to time, we have included a nap in something air-conditioned and with soft seats. Our lunches have ranged from turkey and PB&J sandwiches in the SnackWagon to Arby's, McDonald's, and we did find one Chick-fil-A in Grand Forks, North Dakota. I don't think we've lost any weight, that's for sure. I've heard that a bird can eat up to eight times its weight in food every day. Think about that next time you tell someone, "You eat like a bird." Well, we've been eating like birds.

We are now at 3,259.05 miles pedaled with approximately 455 to go. Yep, WE ARE UNDER 500 and headed east! As we get closer to the Atlantic, the excitement rises and so does the anticipation of feeling the Atlantic Ocean tickle our bare feet.

Tomorrow, Lord willing, we finish our miles on the Erie Canalway Trail. Saturday is a rest day and Sunday . . . on to the Adventure Cycling route to Maine! We will pedal out of Ticonderoga, New York in the morning and head to our finish at Rockport, Maine. I think we have about five or six more days of pedaling to go. We also have a little climbing to do in the mountains as well but at least they are not like the Rockies and the Cascades. We should, by this time, be in a little bit better shape than when we were out in the Northwest seven weeks ago. It's been a long ride.

It's been a great ride but that doesn't mean it's been an easy ride. Mountains, of course require a bit of extra energy. The wind can be unmerciful in your face and an eagle at your back as it pushes you through the countryside at twenty-four miles an hour. Rain! Yep, we've had it in all shapes, sizes, and from all directions. We've had snow, sleet, and fog. We've only been chased by three dogs the whole trip and they were all at the same house out west. Then there's always cars and trucks and I will say, we've been passed by mostly very kind and careful drivers. (Truck drivers are the best drivers out there when it came down to respect for those of us pedaling on two wheels.) Cities gave us some mazes to pedal but, once again, even on the busiest streets of the few cities we've navigated, drivers were kind, courteous, and careful. All of that sounds a bit like life in general to me. There will always be mountains, winds, storms, mazes, and even dogs. The great thing for us is that we've got the way to navigate successfully through life. We've got a roadmap in the pages of the Bible and a Father who cares where we're traveling and what we're traveling through. So when the going gets tough and you want to throw in the towel and quit, go to the Map and the Maker of the Map and keep on keeping on. It will be worth the trip when you get to the finish. Proverbs 3:5-6 says it something like this:

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not to your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.

If you don't know where you're going, any road will get your there. Follow the Way.

3,259.05/approximately 455

Yep, UNDER 500!