DAY 52

ROUTE:Chelmsford,MA, to Portsmouth,NH	DISTANCE:53 miles	WINDS:Calm
WEATHER:Threatening, but mostly dry	TERRAIN:Fairly flat	CLIMBING:A little

Wow. 52 days, 3900 miles, 4 great ride leaders, 25 riders (plus a few others doing segments), dozens of flat tires, many thousands of calories consumed, 47 different hotels, countless gallons of Gatorade and water drunk, a half dozen "mishaps", millions of pedal revolutions, and 1 result....dipping our front wheels in the Atlantic Ocean. What an awesome feeling to reach the beach! We gathered at a local school and rode two by two behind a police escort to Wallis Sands State Beach where we were greeted by friends and family. Mine were waiting for me with signs and smiles, and of course I started crying as soon as I saw them! After 52 days away, it was wonderful to see them. As soon as I dipped my wheel, I was grabbed by Mason (with help from John Paquet and Joe!) and tossed into the Atlantic! It was COLD! Mason's folks had some champagne for us, and we finally left, reluctantly, for the hotel. A few folks decided to ride into Maine, but I decided to give the bike a break and let it ride on the roof rack of my car. :) It was happy! We had a fabulous dinner at Warren's Lostah...er, Lobster House....many thanks for Joyce, Dennis, Steven, and Joyce's family for helping put that together. None of us wanted the night to end...we all kinda like each other!...but it eventually had to....only after suggestions for reunions and keeping in touch. Mason kept the chicken...no telling where that critter might show up unexpectedly! Thanks to all of you who have enjoyed keeping up with our adventure this summer. It's been fun writing this "reality internet site"! If you know anyone interested in doing a ride like this, tell them about America By Bicycle (abbike.com) and give them my email address....I'd love to tell 'em all about it! Thanks again for checking in!

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