Bar Harbor to Key West Wrap up!

Today, I was able to sleep in! I didn't get up until after 8:00AM! I went down to breakfast at 9:00AM or so. It was included with our hotel. It was maybe one of the best breakfasts on the trip. Bob and I rode our bikes to the Pack & Ship to ship the bikes home. Bob wanted to keep the bikes until the afternoon and then ship them but I have pedaled enough on this trip. We took a cab back to the hotel and met Dean. We walked down to old town Key West and had a nice lunch on the waterfront. Dean then left to go back to his hotel to pick up his rental car and head home. I went shopping to find some clothes to wear home. Bob and I met at 5:00PM for a drink and then dinner.We ate at the hotel and it was one our better meals. We had a drink to cap off our day and then retired for the evening. The ride is done and it is now time to go back to the real world. In my case it is back to leaf raking and fall clothing. I don't know how I can adjust to long pants again. I have only worn shorts for the past two months!!

To wrap up this blog, I have to acknowledge a few things. When I first started to think about this trip, I thought I would like doing the entire trip solo. I said that if people wanted to come along, that would be great but if they didn't, I would be fine. I was wrong.

I did the first week by myself from Bar Harbor to Poughkeepsie New York. It was fun, and I enjoyed myself but the trip really got great when folks joined up with me.

Meiri McClelland joined me in Pougheepsie and rode to Richmond VA. She was great! She likes to stop and do things. We both enjoy a stop at Starbucks when we can find one. Meiri doesn't quit, she will ride no matter what the condition are and will not complain. She is a biker!!

John Boyle rode with me and Meiri from Easton PA to Peach Bottom PA. John also allowed us to stay at his house in Reading for a day so we could visit with Carole Smith. John is a dedicated biker. He also never quits and will ride not matter what. He is also the kind of guy who will do anything for you.

Rick Boyle, John's brother, rode with us from Reading PA to Peach Bottom Pa. Rick is a great g.uy and fun to ride with.

Jack Thomas hosted us in Peach Bottom. We enjoyed our little stay in Deliverance country!!

Dave Moore rode with Meiri and me from Peach Bottom PA to Alexandria VA. Dave is a very strong rider and has a great memory. He rode this route before with America by Bicycle and was able to lead us through the Rock Creek park bicycle path. We probably would have been hopelessly lost without his insight.

Bob Lang rode with me from Richmond Va to Key West. Bob is a fantastic rider. He is 75 years old and I have a hard time keeping up with him. He kept me on track for the second half of the trip. Bob was kind enough to bring me coffee in the morning!

Margaret Boyle was a tremendous hostess in Reading and also sagged my trailer and gear from Easton Pa to Peach Bottom PA. I really enjoyed not having to pull my trailer for two days.

Carol Moore also sagged my trailer and gear from Owings Mill to Alexandria VA again giving me a day without having to drag my trailer. That was an especially long day so I really appreciated it.

Amy Lang hosted us for two days in Richmond and I really appreciated the gluten free meals she prepared for me.

Dean Fesette joined us in Boynton Beach. He is another great cyclist and a great guy to be with. I enjoyed his companionship and I feel like I have known him forever. He and Raye hosted us for a night and it again was special.

I know that I would have completed the trip if I had to do it by myself but I also know that all of these people made the ride special and I am glad they all became involved.

I Want to thank my wife Phyllis who has supported me in this endevor. Without her support, I would not have been able to leave for 6 weeks riding around the countryside while she sat at home. I know it is hard to pick up the slack while I am pursuing a hobby!

I also want to acknowledge the readers of this blog. Knowing that you folks are reading and enjoying it gave me the desire to maintain it and to not skip any days. Once in a while, I would be tired but knowing you all were expecting an update kept me going. I know that I will enjoy re-reading this blog in the future and I will partially owe the fact that it exists to you guys who were reading and encouraging me. Thanks to everyone who has been involved in one way or another.

Norbert Leo Fey