Make Sure to Stay Hydrated Boys

It is Wednesday evening and my body is tired, but wanted to jot down a few notes from the past two days.

Tuesday June 1, 2021

We started the tour yesterday morning with a ceremonial dipping of the back tire into the Atlantic Ocean in Bar Harbor.

 

Lunch in Ellsworth.  While riding out Asher had the first flat.  This was not a surprise after Asher's mechanical issues on the Trail de Coeur d'Alene trip.   Asher handled it well and helped replace the tube.....but it flatted again.  We got it fixed

We rode just over 20 miles and camped out at Forest Ridge Campground near Ellsworth.  Not a great night sleep in the tent, but hopeful that after several days of riding sleep will come easier.

Wednesday June 2, 2021

Small breakfast at campsite and headed out at ~8am with the goal of stopping for second breakfast in Bucksport, ~18 miles.  We made sure the boys knew the importance of drinking lots and lots of water to stay hydrated throughout the day.  Koen, the overachiever in the hydration realm, finished his entire Camelbak within the first 30 minutes of riding.  Koen and I ride the only tandem bicycle in the group so he gets to share most of his thoughts with me as we pedal down the road.

This mornings thought.,..."Dad, I need to go to the bathroom." .........and repeat.  Multiple multiple pullovers.  However, when I needed him to kick in the power up a large hill, he dug in with no hesitation. He has been a champ.

  

With ~15 miles left in our ride my left shift/brake lever jammed.  I was only able to pedal in the higher gears, which is not sustainable when riding up hills.

Koen and I left the group to get to small a bike shop in Searsport, hoping for a replacement.  Doug Birgfeld of Birgfelds Bike welcomed us in and was able to find a suitable replacement from his vast inventory that he has been collected over the past 30 years.

He was great, and let me assist.  Doug kept us on the road.

 

Today's ride was ~40 miles and finished in Belfast at Alex Allmayer-Beck's home.  Alex is an avid cyclist who opens up his home to touring cyclist.  

We spent the evening getting to  know  Alex and eating Chile, prepared by Sandi, a friend of Laurie and I from college, who now lives in Maine.  Sandi met us at Alex's house, with a feast.

 

 

Mike




Comments

  1. Suzanne GrayJune 3, 2021 at 4:53 AM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Suzanne GrayJune 3, 2021 at 4:55 AM

    Way to make it happen. Good going!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Laura22June 3, 2021 at 7:02 AM

    Wow! I am amazed at the complications you guys have experienced thus far, but also amazed at God's provision and your connections to people along your journey. I love Alex's hospitality and that you could reconnect with Sandi, even getting a home cooked meal. Carry on! Can't wait to continue following your adventure.

    ReplyDelete
  4. sharonJune 3, 2021 at 2:05 PM

    Thanks so much for the post. We’ve thought of you all very often. So fun to meet fellow cyclists that open their homes to you. Making memories ❤️

    ReplyDelete
  5. JenGlenJune 4, 2021 at 8:43 AM

    #livingthedream : )

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. JenGlenJune 4, 2021 at 9:57 AM

      This is Jen & Glen, fyi.
      Following your adventures! : )

      Delete
  6. ElizabethJune 5, 2021 at 5:01 AM

    Just think how easy everything will seem by the time you get to the Erie Canal! Thanks for taking the time to post!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Bill WebbJune 5, 2021 at 8:46 AM

    I will be getting out the map and tracking your journey. Wishing you all an awesome experience! Thanks for the updates.

    ReplyDelete
  8. UnknownJune 5, 2021 at 12:10 PM

    This is great! I love to hear about your adventures and see what you are up to.

    ReplyDelete
  9. EdnaJune 5, 2021 at 1:23 PM

    Wow! So exciting!

    ReplyDelete
  10. UnknownJune 6, 2021 at 7:42 PM

    Great meeting you all in Bucksport! I had a great ride up the coast and definitely got a boost from running into your crew and hearing about the incredible journey that you're on. Looking forward to following along and sharing support. Best of luck and may the road bring you joy and excitement.

    Cheers, Jack

    ReplyDelete
  11. UnknownJune 8, 2021 at 5:31 PM

    Keep it up! Your adventure is really enhanced by the photos.

    ReplyDelete
  12. UnknownJune 13, 2021 at 1:14 PM

    Love reading about this adventure! Hope the Gilday’s are doing awesome!!!

    ReplyDelete

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