Distance: 62 miles
Climb: 2250’
Weather: Perfect for a ride to the beach! Low to mid 80’s and sunny.
Hooray! They made it! At about 12:15pm today our riders finished their coast to coast journey. It was a great day for the last leg of the tour. It was sunny but not too hot. We have been extremely lucky during the whole trip weatherwise. Just a couple days of rain and only a few really hot days. I’ll take it!
The first half of today’s ride was pretty hilly. The hills were short but with enough of a grade to let the riders know that this was not just a parade ride today. After 31 miles we had the last sag stop of the day where we were met by AbB alum Bill M. Nice seeing you Bill!
From there many of the riders visited St. Anthony’s bakery for a cup of coffee and pastries. Then it was on to Rye Junior High for one last group photograph and opportunities to say goodbye. The staff all joined the riders to Wallis Sands Beach escorted by two police cruisers. The ride was led by our very own Grinders!
We were greeted at the beach by friends, family and even an accordion player and a drummer! There were signs and loud cheers as we entered the parking lot. Riders headed down to the water to dip their wheels in the Atlantic signifying the completion of their coast to coast ride. Lots of pictures were taken and hugs given. Tears were shed (but I won’t say by who).
Once at the hotel the staff was busy unloading luggage for the final time, helping to pack bikes up for shipping, making sure people who wanted t-shirts got them and getting the vans ready for return to the AbB office. We watched as people left, half glad to be going home half reluctant to leave. But didn’t someone once say that all good things must come to an end? And so did the 2016 Cross Country Challenge, but not without everyone making new friends and memories that will last forever and carry them to their next adventure. Please let us know what that will be. Until then, be safe out there!