Hiya sports fans!

Talk about crushing it.  Two mountain ranges,  three river valleys, 5,300′ of climbing, approximately 3,000 calories burned, and: One. Hundred. And. Four miles. Monsters. Absolute monsters. 

For those who don’t ride, let me explain further- Any ride over 100 miles in a single day is called a “Century “. Many people ride their entire life without doing one… many of our riders completed more miles or more climbing than they have ever ridden before- and for many, both in the same day. 

All are safely in, just sitting down to dinner as I take a moment alone to update you, dear reader. Today marks “Hump-Day” for us. Over half the miles done, we’ve gone as far North as we will, and now it’s time to aim back towards home. Tomorrow, we head South, and it’s also our shortest day at only 65 miles- we refer to it as a “Recovery Day”. “I really shouldn’t ride today, since my foot fell off on Monday, but it’s ONLY 65 miles.”  Gluttons. 

Ok. Now I need to go eat something. 

Keep the wind at your back and the downhills in front of you 

GearMan 

Good Evening Sports fans! Glad to have you with us!
Well, it’s 10:30, I’ve just had one of the best showers in years, even though it took me most of it to figure out how to use all the different functions… These damned kids with their damned fancy showers, with the multiple damned heads and not enough knobs to work them all… Driving around in their cars with the loud exhaust, Listening to their damned Boom-Boom music, and getting all up on my lawn… Trampling it…  KILLING IT! You’re KILLING MY GRASS!

Erm, sorry, sidetracked…

What a beautiful day! Sunny, warm, low 80’s, beautiful scenery, a beautiful route, great people, great attitudes, big smiles… We started out on the eastern edge of one state, and rode to almost the center of another- Granted, we’re not talking Texas, but we’re not talking Lil’ Rhody either. There were stops for extended lunches in several areas by our riders, as it’s their vacation, and while their dinners and breakfasts are included, they’re free to get lunch wherever they’d like. Everyone finished strong, and there was a lot of relaxing going on before dinner.
During the meal, and associated announcements the rain came- what a great time for it. It rained throughout dinner, and for a few hours after… So no raffle tonight, we’ll do one tomorrow. I joined some riders in the bar (All the years we’ve been coming here, and I’ve never been inside for a drink) and had a beer as I waited for the rain to ebb a bit. I got the truck locked up without drowning, so it worked out well.
Tomorrow morning, we cross NH and into VT, to the State Capitol of Montpelier. We’ll pass the highest peak east of the Mississippi, several historic sites, beautiful mountains, rolling farmlands, and winding rivers… A day full of picture-postcard memories. We’ll finish at the Capitol Plaza Hotel- the hotel used by VT State Senators when they are in session… Nice digs.

OK, once again, I’m too tired to type more.
Check back soon.

Keep the wind at your back and the downhills in front of you
GearMan

*Editors note, this morning, I was corrected (Rightly so) by one of the  members of Team Cheetah that Mt Washington is the highest peak in the Northeast- the highest east of the Mississippi is in fact, Mt Mitchell in NC.

Don’t post while sleeping… Just sayin’.

… And I followed the paint.
And that has made all the difference

(With apologies to Robert Frost.)

Keep the wind at your back and the downhills in front of you
GearMan

Good afternoon cycling friends!

No matter what part of the United States you live in, the Atlantic Ocean is about as far East as you can get- well, at least without a Passport and a longing for Poutine. So, It’s either equip their bikes with pontoons, or hang a left and head back to NH. 

80% of the riders have finished todays ride, some are in the pool, others are in the hot tub, some are getting a massae, and still others are lounging on the grass, enjoying a cold beverage in the shade. 

More later, check back!

Keep the wind at your back and the downhills in front of you

GearMan 

Howdy, Hey, Hi, Howaya?

Man, I’m wiped. The craziest day of my week is over.  It was such a beautiful day, that it might seem odd to hear someone describe it as crazy, much less the craziest if the week… 

Everyone is in safely, two day riders have had their bikes carried off by our sponsor UPS, as they boarded luxury motor coaches for the ride back to out starting line at Parker Chomerics in Woburn. 

As of this writing, many have already completed their journey home and are safely back with the loved ones who lent them to us for a couple of days. If they’re not already back, they will be soon. Thank you for sharing them with us. 

The Seven Day crowd relaxed for a bit after the buses left, then headed in for some much needed rest. 

My eyes are crossing as I write this, so time for sleep. Until tomorrow. 

Keep the wind at your back and the downhills in front of you 

GearMan 

Buenos Nachos, sports fans!

Well, it took a while of looking and chasing, but the guy who decided to make today a 95 mile day has found his way here- smiling the whole way to the finish line. All riders are in, most are mid-stream in the replacement of the thousands of calories burned on today’s adventure- and believe it or not, I have a moment alone. Shortly after dinner, we’ll gather to have a raffle, some live music, some games and fun… who knows. 

Just know that everyone is in and safe, and the fun hasn’t stopped. More later. 

Keep the wind at your back and the downhills in front of you 

GearMan

Good morning!

IT’S TIME!!!

Bring a light suitcase and get your butt to the starting line. 

Keep the wind at your back and the downhills in front of you 

GearMan

Good evening everyone!
It’s around that time, time to get some shut-eye before tomorrow morning’s start. Many have arrived, others are still in transit from what I hear was an absolutely atrocious day to be driving anywhere along the Eastern Seaboard. We had a nice group of 20 join us at On the Border, and had the chance to make some new friends before tomorrow, when we get to… Make some new friends!
In less than nine hours, we, your volunteer staff, will take up our positions so that when you take to the starting line- everything will be ready for you as you take part in this unique Tour de Cure event, and embark on the adventure of a lifetime.
Two, or Seven days.
Three, or Four states.
One Hundred and Fifty, or Five Hundred and Fifty miles.
You’ll be amazed at how fast it goes by, and sad that it has to end- but it never really does… New accomplishments, personal records, new friends, and memories that will bring a smile to your face for years to come.
It’s what happens.
And it’s happening soon.

Drive safe.

Keep the wind at your back, and the downhills in front of you,
GearMan

Relax. 

I know you’re excited, anxious, pumped, and maybe even a little bit nervous… I’ve been there, I know. 

Take a deep breath. Pack your cycling gear. Pack some shorts and flip flops. Leave the parka at home. Maybe bring a long sleeved shirt in case it’s cool at night. Grab some sunblock and bug spray. Toss them in your bag.  Oh, and don’t forget your toiletries. 

Relax. You’re on vacation. We’ve got this. Forgot something? Let us know- we’ll get it for you. 

Just ride. Be free. Enjoy. Let us do the rest. That’s what we’re here for. 

See ya soon. 

Keep the wind at your back and the downhills in front of you-

GearMan

Download ’em, share ’em,  wallpaper the baby’s room with them, whatever you’d like!

https://ridewithgps.com/events/28929-nec-2017-routes

Keep the wind at your back and the downhills in front of you 

GearMan