C2C Final Ride Alton Bay NH to Old Orchard Beach ME

Made it across North America by bicycle. 3913 miles. 54 days, spread over 6 years. What a ride!

An absolutely beautiful New England day. 55 degrees to start, 70 at the finish. Morning fog burned off by 9am.

I was feeling a bit emotional at today’s start in Alton Bay, New Hampshire. Thinking back on so many awesome rides across this wonderful country. Today would be the final ride of this astounding two-wheel adventure. Jax, my beautiful trail angel, by my side. Others alongside in spirit, including my dad.

Rolling hills, country roads, trees galore. Great to see so many other cyclists enjoying a gorgeous day for a ride. Soon, I would cross into Maine, the 12th and final state of the journey.

Most of my Maine riding was along the Eastern Trail, also known as U.S. Bicycle Route 1. A hand-picked collection of off-road trails and bicycle-friendly back roads. Absolutely wonderful. I’m not sure I could have a better finishing ride. 70 miles of constant smiles.

Mile 65, and I started to feel the ocean breeze. A few blocks from the ocean, I met up with my three sons, who all made the trip to Maine to watch their ‘pops’ complete this coast-to-coast adventure. They presented me with a custom C2C jersey (limited edition, #1 of 1!) to commemorate the occasion. And then, a front wheel dip into the Atlantic, and a hoist of the trusty carbon-fiber steed that got me here.

As a fun memento, I brought some sand all the way from the Oregon coast, and sprinkled some into the Atlantic. Then the boys helped me collect some Maine sand. The Oregon sand is much darker, probably more volcanic than the sandy Maine beach. A cool keepsake of the two coastal points of this adventure.

3913 total miles. EFI. That’s insider long distance cycling jargon for ‘Every F#*^&% Inch’. In this case, Every Fantastic Inch!

So, people ask, what’s next? I really don’t know. I’m guessing other adventures will beckon soon. For now, it’s celebration time. And a lobster feast.

Thanks to everyone who provided support, encouragement, and inspiration all along the way. I feel blessed and so incredibly fortunate to conquer such an awesome coast-to-coast adventure.