Rain Delay - Thursday 9/30

Miles: 0
Final Destination: Good Ol' Worton, MD
Tropical Depression Nicole kept me off the road today. 5+ inches of rain...wow! Thank God I was at Beryl's. I teased her today about chucking the bike trip and staying with her for the next several weeks because of the home and hospitality. Maybe not...
On the road again tomorrow morning headed into VA and state #9 (I'm going to run out of fingers for my pictures!)
Til Tomorrow...

Day 12 - Wednesday 9/29

Miles: 81.6
Final Destination: Worton, MD
I'm back after a 2-day pastor's conference in Lancaster, PA. Again, thanks to Scott Jenkins for shuttling me and for the great whirlwind tour of Philly (pictured)) and to Mac and Lisa Gordon (pictured) for hosting me in their wonderful home. It was GREAT to be with friends after many days of solitude.
The Conference was a good one. Met many new people and told the bike trip story about 100 times. Met with much the same reaction as most people..."they can't believe I'm doing this, the Why's, Is there a purpose?, etc. However, there was one woman who was an avid biker and wanted to join me! She thought it was a good idea for her and her husband in the furure...he didn't.
Took an Amish tour and went to a working farm, a couple of shops where they sold knick knacks and was shuttled around in a bus as a guide pointed out things and told of their lifestyle. So very interesting, could go on about it forever, but I won't. Sufficient to say that the 'simple' life is both intriguing and hard.
At one of the shops they were selling homemade soft pretzels. The man in front of me bought out all the ones hanging so they had to make fresh ones for the rest of us. OK, God will have these in heaven! Soft, slightly salty and drenched in homechurned butter. I almmost want to pedal back and get another one...almost.
Got on the road early. Lancaster was beautiful, rolling hills, farms one after the other (pictures). The only thing was the incessant smell of...manure. Hours and hours of it. I am told that you get used to it, but not in a day or two as I learned.
The hills of Lancaster gave way to flats of Maryland (By-the-way, I entered my 8th state, MD, right at "Blake" Street! (pictured)). I had lunch with a good friend that comes up to SWH in the summer (Bruce Marker, pictured). It was wonderful to sit and chat over a bowl 'carbs'!
Got back on the road and headed south on the Delmarva penisula. Went over a fairly scary bridge, but other than that it was corn and soy fields. Many historical sites as well; didn't know that this area was so historical.
Ended up at a great and longtime friend of the family's house, Beryl (pictured) a couple of hours earlier than expected. (because of the flats I'm sure!).
There is a Tropical depression making its way into the area tonight and tomorrow, so I might "hole up" tomorrow and make up some time the next day, we'll see. I don't relish the thought of biking in high wind and heavy rain.
Til tomorrow...
Pictured:
Bike "tied up" to an Amish horse and buggy post; also an Amish farmhouse with black laundry hanging on the line; "Ages-gone-by" an abandoned old rotting farmhouse on the Delmarva penisula.

Made the Newspaper!

Checkout the article in the Danbury News Times!

Day 11 - Sunday 9/26

Miles: 39.3
Final Destination: Downingtown, PA (Mac and Lisa Gordon's)
Goodbye Stockton Inn (pictured). What a wonderful provision, a really nice B&B. Stopped on my way out of town for a Blueberry muffin (nothing like Maine's blueberries and the Muffin Co. Ginny). Ate while riding down next to the river in the early morning, Nice. About an hour later crossed over the river and left my traveling companion for good...Thanks Del. River.
The town I road through on the other side had a working old steam engine (pictured) which I watched for a few minutes. Amazing piece of machinery, Finn.
I rode all morning and met a good friend Scott Jenkins for lunch just north of Philly. He comes up and spends 4-5 weeks in SW Harbor during the summers in a house just down the road from the church. We ate and then he took me on a whirlwind tour of Philly (pictured, William Penn on top of building spire) by car! (Much easier) He knew so much about the history of the city it was like a paid guided tour...thanks so much Scott!
We stopped along the way at a crocket club (pictured) fields and firlds of perfectly manicured grass (There's your goal Steve). They were holding the world championchips, the biggest gathering of crochet players in the world...151. Everyone was dressed in all-white, in fact I learned that wearing any color is very, very discouraged, almost illegal. It was such a gentile environment, another "age-gone-by" experience.
He then took me to his church, Bryn Mar Presbyterian (Pictured). It was truly awe-inspiring. Very cathedral-like, stone, stained glass, cavernous. Pictured is their pipe organ, an impressive one for sure. (How about starting a fund to buy ones of these Elaine?)
Scott offered to drive me out to Downingtown, PA to my final destination, and I took him up on it!
It was so great to see my old college friends Mac and Lisa (pictured). They are real wonderful people with a gift of hospitality. It was fun catching up on life and talking about the "good" old days in college. Thanks Gordon's for everything!
I'mm off to Lancaster, PA for a 2-day pastor's conference and a couple of days of much needed rest for my legs.
Till Wednesday...

Pictured (sideways...sorry):
Ages Gone By: old stone mill by creek. Once the center of town producing milled grain, now overgrown, brokendown, forgotten

Day 10 - Saturday 9/25

Miles: 69.2
Final Destination: Stockton, NJ
Today awoke to another beautiful day along the Delaware river. Was sorry breaking camp and leave (pictured). The morning was a slow downhill along the river (My constant companion) again. I crossed over into Pennsylvania, my 7th state (pictured)! But it was short lived as the map had me cross back over just down the road. I still am going to count it anyway! 7 down, 6 to go...
I notice yesterday that my rear wheel was wobbling, checked it out and it was not the same problem as before, but just must have hit a bump and tweeked it, so I stopped at another bike shop (Bike Funattic) in Phillipsburg. While he straightened it, I went to have some fried rice at a local chinese restuarant and make some calls to set up my campsite reservation. Found that they were all full! Stared to call the hotel/motel/B&B list and they were too. Come to find out that there was a convention of some sort in the area. That left me with no place to stay...not a good feeling on a bike. Finally 3/4 of the way through my large chicken fried rice I found the last room at the Stockton Inn (Praise God!)
Went back and picked up my bike and started talking to the owner. He had a friend who rode in the RAM (Race Across America), a bike race starting in CA and ending in MD. His friend only made it 2,100 of the race and quit because his body could not take anymore. What got me was that he quit 8 days after he started...that means that he did 2,100 miles in 8 days, you do the mind blowing math! OK, I can do my 70 today.
Meditated on Romans 2:1 today about being judgmental. whew!
When I got to the inn and was unpacking, a couple in their early 60's came over and ask where I was headed. When I said Florida they said to my surprise, "Us too!" They were biking down the same route I am. Ended up talking late into the night at the bar with them about touring, life, etc. Turns out that he got into touring in 2004 and he was doing the east coast to finish up his "perimeter." What that measn in bike lingo is that he has done the west coast, bothe the southern and northern teirs across America and he was completing the loop! And here I am 700+ miles into this trip thinking it is a big deal. As I always say, perspective is key. Thanks for the memories Bill and Cindy!
The Stockton Inn was fabulous, great little room with a soft bed and ESPN. I do miss my sportcenter
Til Tomorrow...
Pictured:
- Tree with Delaware river flood levels on different years. It was 40-50' above where the river is normally! 1956 was the record
- More Choo-choo's for Finnegan
- Church with riveted metal steeple. I guess they just got sick and tired of painting and took care of the problem once and for all
- New picture series I am calling "Ages Gone By..." Touring allows you to see some of the structures that have been left behind and forgotten. Time marches right past them and man forgets them
pictured are train tracks that are overgrown from disuse. So many tracks I have criss-crossed are like this...sad

Day 9 – Friday 9/24

Miles: 80.0
Final Destination: Westwood Forest Campground (Delaware Water Gap, NJ)
Last night was so warm that I slept on top of the sleeping bag! (We’re not in Maine anymore, Toto). Said Goodbye to Yogi Campground around 7:30am (pictured). I have found that getting on the road between 6:30 and 7:30am is best. That way I am not under any pressure come late in the day to get to the next camp. The worst is setting up camp in the dark!
The day started out threatening rain (picture of the Shawangunk Mountains in the mist) but got progressively nicer. Infact, it got up to 89 degree and sunny by 1pm! Morning was flat and rolling then up over the ‘Gunks. I entered my 6th state as well...New Jersy!(pictured) Once over, I was in the Delaware Water Gap next to the Delaware river...NICE! Who knew that Jersey was so beautiful. The road I was on was pretty desolate all day. No eateries, convenient stores or much of anything for that matter...just amazing nature.
I finally made it to my planned destition of Walpack Center campground around 4pm in plenty of time to get cleaned up, set up and relax. But when I got there I saw that it was a "converted" farm. It smelled like manure, was dirty and had no showers or bathrooms, just port-a-potties!....Yuck. I noticed that there was an “Under New Management” sign on the barn that was mildewed and half folded over hanging off. I quickly made the decision to push on to the next campground which was 20+ miles away so my easy 60 mile day turned into a tough 80 miler.
Turns out it was very much worth it! Beautiful state run-campground right next to the Delaware river (Pictured me at campsite) and I was placed right next to the nicest couple...Paul and Liz. They instantly came over after I was set up and saw that I was eating Ravioli out of a can and brought over 2 gourmet hotdogs with all the fixin’s. I ended up spending several hours with them at their campsite talking and getting to know each other well into the night. They are wonderful people, real salt of the earth types. It was hard prying myself away from them but I had to get some sleep. Thanks for the food and fellowship Paul and Liz!
Til Tomorrow...
Pictured: Bulldozer – Finnegan, there is a lot of digging and dumping along the road!

Day 8 - Thursday 9/23

Miles: 51.9
Final Destination: Shawangunk, NY
Well, here I sit at Yogi Bear Jellystone campground! Talk about kid friendly...they have everything. There are however, no kids or campers here tonight. Season is over and its just me and a couple of diehard retirees.
Today was an easy day after a much needed day of rest. Those hills of CT killed my legs. Not long, but steep!
Had a great time with my family and my sister Kathy threw a bash with friends and family at her house last night. Ate, talked, laughed. It was good to be there. (Thanks Kath!) My mother did my laundry (Thank you!) and had a soft bed to sleep in. I'll see them in Florida in a scant 32 days.
Beautiful bike day, mid-70's. Left Ct and entered my fifth state..NY (pictured)
Crossed the Hudson on a walking bridge that was beautiful (pictured). It was there that I met Mike Pitt (pictured). He too was biking from Maine to Florida. He started in Boothbay and was being followed by his wife and they were making a vacation of it; staying in B&B's and eating out every night. He had no gear on his bike, but still comiserated about the hills in CT (He had to walk up Deer Hill too!!) Hope to see him along the way again.
In Poughkeepsie I noticed that my rear whell was wiggling back and forth. Tried to tighten it but no luck. Called ahead to a bike shop in New Paltz, NY and they said 'come on in when you get here' I was worried that there was something major wrong so I took it easy. When I got there they took it right in and pulled the back wheel apeat. It turned out to be a loose part in the bearing area. Fixed it up and was as good as new and on my way. Thank you Mike and Al! (Pictured)
Til Tomorrow...

Day 7 - Tuesday 9/21

Miles: 84.5
Final Destination: Brookfield, CT
Two words once again...Hills and Headwinds
There were by far the steepest hills I have faces in my biking experience. Granby Hill, Deer Hill, Smith Hill and North Street and had double digit inclines. I was beaten by two of them (translation: gotoff and walked part of the way) The climb from Granby, CT to Norfolk, CT was grueling. It took all morning (6:30-noon).
I met some great people along the way. Istopped at what I thought was an eatery in Riverton, CT that turned out to be a business which makes home made italian food and freezes it for sale (Rose's Kitchen, Tag line: Italian Cuisine, Heat it up and eat it up"). What a great idea! Ines came out and greeted me from her kitchen with open arms. We talked and I told her what I was doing and when I came in to say my goobyes, she gave me a great big hug and them handed me 2 10 dollar bills and said, "Give this to your missionaries." I sure will Ines, God Bless you!
My stop in Norfolk, CT for a panini sandwich at a local store (pictured) mid afternoon turned out to be a wonderful experience learnig about the town. The locals told me that it was the 2nd richest town in America 150 years ago. Isn't that amazing, every town has their story. The architecture in that little town nestled in the Litchfield hills was amazing. Beautiful victorians and a huge playhouse. Other claims to fame include the highest evelation of any town in CT and the nickname the "Ice box" of CT as they are the coldest location in the state.
The afternoon was predominantly down hill, but as soon as I turned south on RT 7, instant headwind. There is almost nothing as discouraging on a bike as having to peddle downhill!
Well,made it to Brookfield and my parents house at 6:30 (12 hours on the bike) and a rest day on Wednesday. I'll be back on the blog on Thursday.
Til Then...
Pictured:
Bike break over the Housatonic..."A bridge too far"
Another NE church
A rest and powerbar stop at the Cornwall covered bridge (CT)
Sandwich shop in Norfolk, CT

Day 6 - Monday 9/21

Miles: 70.3
Total Miles: 413.6
Final Destination: Granby, CT
I have two words for today: hills and headwinds. The morning was brutal in the hills of CT. Ben (my brother in law) who got me into bike touring remembers well the hills of CT. We always say that the hills in CT are steeper than any in New England. (in CT they saw a hill and just went straight over it while other states took a winding approach)
Well, today it took its toll. I missed my daily goal by 10 miles because of them. I even had to walk up the last couple hundred yards of one in Union in NE CT (Ben, remember those!). I finally got into the farmland of CT in the PM. Nice flats and wouldn't you know I had a stiff headwind to deal with. Legs were jello by the time I got to Winsor.
I was taking a break today by the side of the road (pictured) and a Subaru pulled up and rolled down the window. We talked for a few minutes and he told me that he just got back from a 3 week rafting trip in the Grand Canyon. Then he left me with these words of 'wisdom': "To take an extended time off and not leave a trail of destruction is the true measure of a good life." Hmmmm. I can think of other measures for sure.
I mediated today on Acts 20:26. A surprising verse that challenges my perspective on sharing my faith in Christ.
Til Tomorrow...
PS I have been taking pictures of interesting church buildings along the way. Here's one (Pictured)
PSS Avonlea, thought you would like the picyre of the dogs in the car. They just sat there while the owners ate ice cream. The owners told us that they each have their own seat and they get very upset if someone else sits in their place!

Day 5 Sunday 9/19

Miles Today: 83.4
Total Miles: 275.5
2 states down...11 to go
Well, I am exausted! I had to push to Sutton Falls Campground because there was not another one around. I had to make a decision in Westborough, Mass whether to push on another 18 miles of hit a motel.The person behind the 'Honey Dew Donuts' counter helped me decide...push on McDuff.
My legs feel great after such a big day in the hills of NH and Mass. So does my backside. Carrieand I figured out the other night on the phone that over the last 18 motnths that I have been training for this ride I have logged over 4,000 miles on the bike, both on the road and downstairs in our basement on the trainer. So, I guess I should be feeling fine.
OK, Quote of the day...
I was a little lost at the beginning of the day and was at an intersection looking at a map when a woman pulled up next to me. I motioned to roll down the window and asked her if she knew where "New Road" was. She peered over her steering wheel and responded, "I think they just paved this one." At which time I thanked her and waved her on her way. (I eventually found my way, but added sonme miles, Ahhh!)
I find that a lot of my time in consumed with making sure I do not get lost. Especially in the northeast, you have to pay CLOSE attention to the adventure Cycling maps and to the road signs as well (I almost went down a wrong road because there was a tree branch covering the roadsign). There are so many turns you have to make on little side roads weaving through the hills of the NE. It is so easy to be in thought and cycle right by your turn. As Carrie will tell you, I get consumed a lot! On a bike, 3-4 miles down the wrong road is the better part of an hours getting back to square 1. I've decided to go on a thought diet until I get out of the NE.
I got in just before dark at Sutton Campground in Sutton, Mass. I threw up the tent quickly before it got dark, took a shower and tried to call home...no service!
The camp manager very nicely allowed me to use his phone to check in. (I'm safe honey)
Well,it's almost 9pm...getting tired
Til tomorrow
Oh BTW, a falling acorn hit me today while riding, they hurt!

Day 4 Saturday 9/18

Miles: 67.1
Total Miles: 258.9
Final Destination: Epping, NH (Pictured with friend Scott James)
Today was a beautiful day after a cccchilly night. My feet were freezing in the tent, woke up twice, had to just ignore it.
Got on the road @ 6:30 am because I wanted to meet my Friend Lou Brown (pictured getting some ice cream) in Portsmouth @ noon. Had a wonderful breakfast at the Maine Diner which was spotlighted on the Food Network's Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. Great food!
I rode most of the morning along the Maine coast at the waters edge (pictured). I had the warm sun on my body, the ocean breaze and I was listening to one of my favorite Jazz groups (Spiro Gyra) on the Ipod. Can't get much better...
Put my first of 13 states behind me today. Left Maine and crossed the Kittery Bridge (pictured). I'll have to do that 12 more times before I reach my destination, seems so far right now.
Rode the afternoon with friend Lou Brown. It was really nice having some companionship after a morning alone. I much prefer to ride with someone, the conversation makes the time go by and you really get to know the person. Lou's great. Talked about bikes, church, common friends, Bar Harbor, etc.
One of the great things about touring is you find some of the best out-of-the-way places. Today Lou and I discovered Harvey's Farm (Pictured red barn) in Epping, NH. Family owned farm that has the freshest soft ice cream. It literally comes right from the cow into the machines and comes out deliciously creamy. Had a cup of their cookies and cream (that comes out of the machine!). Mmmmmm
Staying at te James' tonight. Another warm soft bed, Ahhhh
Til Tomorrow...
PS. Red's Eats (pictured) is a famous lobster roll place in Wiscasset Maine. Adrian and I stood in line for 15 minutes then bailed and went next door and ate. The people we were standing behind didn't get their meal for another hour! Is anything worth that wait?

Day 3

Miles: 59.8
Total miles: 191.8
Final destination: West Kennebunk, ME
Today was the last day I biked with Adrian (sad!). It was so wonderful having such a good friend in the Lord with me for my first three days. A real gift. I will continue to look for houses with character and ride my "squeaky" bike for the rest of my trip. Thanks for the good times A. 
We awoke and had breakfast at the motel we stayed in. The owner came out and sat with us and as we chatted. Then I asked the simple question, "So, how did you get into the business." 35 minutes later we had discovered that he has been in the B & B business for 28 years because of a joke that went too far! Long story short, the town of Freeport told him he couldn't and he said "yes I can!" amazing what people will do for pride!
We ate at an interesting lunch spot in the little town of Standish. It was an old building converted into an eating establishment. Three stories with the first a restaurant, the second floor a pub with large screen TVs and a bar and the third floor was used for special events. The interesting thing was that the third floor room was designed as a dance floor when it was built and the whole floor is suspended on giant springs to help the stress on the building! I of course climbed up there and jumped up and down on it and sure enough it was true! I stood there and imagined all the people waltzing in the 19th century, doing the Lindy in the roaring 20's and girls in poodle skirts hopping there in the 50's. What a great history that room probably has. If the wall could only talk!
Speaking of the walls, they have preserved some pencil drawings on the original plaster of a now famous artist. Apparently just doodles, but from an important person. They have plexiglas over it and everything. What a great place to stumble over!!
No bike mishaps today. I think I have solved my fender issue of yesterday. 
Well, as i write I am at Happy Valley campground, tent set up, bike locked up and about to call it a night 9:30pm. 
Til tomorrow...

Day 2

Miles today: 68
Total miles: 131
Final destination: Freeport ME
First of all, thank you to Paul and Donna (Adrian's parents) for putting us up last night. Diner, a warm bed and breakfast was wonderful!
Today was fairly uneventful. It was a beautiful day to ride, bright sunshine mid-60's. Stopped for lunch in Wiscasset @ Red's. It is famous for their lobster role. We waited in line for 20 minutes and the line barely moved so we jumped ship and went across the street for a bowl of pasta (mmmmm, carbs!). Sorry to have missed it, but we watched our lace in line and it took over an hour for the line where we were to reach the window and be served! Thankful we bailed! Lobster rolls another time I guess.
Bike ran fine today. Had a slight mishap with the front fender, though. Bent it up pretty badly when my foot caught it at an intersection. Have to go back tonight and fix it.
Also had the best pizza I think I have ever had in my life for dinner. It was a tomato, sausage, bacon, garlic and feta pie here in Freeport. Amazing! (it also could be because I burned 6,000 calories today and was famished). Either way, I enjoyed it.
No picture today, not near a computer. Hope to upload a bunch tomorrow, have some great ones!
Tomorrow's destination...Kennebunk ME
Til tomorrow...

Day 1

Distance: 63 miles
Final Destination: Rockport, ME
It was terrible leaving my family this morning. Lump in throat and all we road away.
Day was pretty uneventful with the exception of Adrian losing a couple of bolts on his rear bike rack and breaking two spokes on his rear wheel (see picture, ugh!)
Beautiful day for biking (mid-60's) partly sunny.
Met two women on recumbent bikes who were just finishing up a trans-american 2.5 month bike trip. Made my 5-weeker seem more doable (Thanks for the encouragement Lord!)
Seems Adrian's family lives close to where we were going to camp, so...
A nice warm bed tonight!
Til tomorrow
Blake

T-Minus zero days and counting...

Some dear friends came over last night while we were out at dinner as a family and created this start line for me from my driveway. Wonderful people!
Today's destination is Camden, Maine. Just looked at the weather and cool in the name of the game with thunderstorms possible tomorrow night, Ahhh! What a way to start.