Home Again, Home Again, Jiggety Jig

I've been home a week now and thought by now memories of the bike tour would be fading somewhat into the past and the day to day responsibilities would take over my thoughts. It is not to be. I am able and happy to be fulfilling my roles as a mother, wife, and dog trainer again, but I find myself doing most things with pleasant Sea to Sea memories "swimming" in the forefront - it's funny how we forget so soon any unpleasant memories, though I could count these on 1 hand. I am also surprised by my new-found interest in my computer as it seems the life-line to any information regarding those who shared this experience. I check my e-mail multiple times a day and am even happy to open all those "brooks saddles" responses even though I know they will only say, "I did, ...(name)". It's great when someone actually gives us an update on how things are going; I can now match most names with a face and even personal experience(s). Can't even imagine trying to readjust after 9 weeks of the tour.

I joked on the ride about not getting on my bike for at least a week after I got home, and that is exactly what happened. Even though I did have some "biking withdrawal", I couldn't fit a ride in until today (Sunday) what with my 2 year old, older kids starting school, and tropical storm Hannah hitting the East Coast. It felt great to get pedaling again. After changing my tire (yes, I too succumbed to the bad road conditions last Saturday with thankfully, a slow leak) and cleaning/lubing my chain yesterday, my bike granted me a smooth 30 mile ride in hilly New Jersey. I decided to celebrate by climbing up skyline drive (about as steep as road to High Point, but only 1 1/2 miles long - not surprisingly, they close this road in bad winter weather) - I had taken that route 2 other times in training. I was hoping to fly up that hill at breakneck speed to prove I hadn't lost the strength I gained on the tour, but I had to settle for 6mph, at bit faster than in training.

I found myself smiling and greeting other bicyclists on my route, something I got used to doing as I passed or was passed by many other sea to sea riders. I think I took some of these serious Jersey riders by surprise - Sandy and I had noticed the "serious" ones while training that keep their head down or gaze to the front with no intention of acknowledging your feeble biking attempts on the other side of the rode - their jersey, shorts, gloves, helmets, and even their bikes usually match=) Strange to be biking alone again - I had to stop my hand from pointing out road hazards and signaling a stop. All in all, it was great to be riding again!

I'm posting more pictures for the fun of it - hope you enjoy!

Tom's mom seems to always take pictures of me at family gatherings with my mouth full, so I thought I'd keep up the tradition. See, I really did eat thousands of calories each day. In fact, all the wonderful food is one of those "pleasant memories" I wrote about above=)













Mike is demonstrating a bicycling technique called "crashing at the end of the day."

















To go along with my embarrassing picture theme, I thought I would show you what Sandy's hair looks like "undone". Now you know why we tolerated her daily blow drying ritual - just kidding, Sandy.













Someone thought it was a good joke to insert an extra 1 in front of the 12% grade sign (112% would leave you upside down), a sign that warned us of the very steep grade to come down the Niagara escarpment. This incredible decline was no joke though and I definitely felt like my bike was fighting an impossibility as I climbed back up just to prove that I could.


















This is Gayle, a rider Sandy and I thought was quite a fun "character" just reading her blog before the tour even began. Our hypothesis about her was proved during our 2 week ride. As you can see just from her bike basket and handle bar tassels, Gayle rides to her own pedal-stroke and provided smiles and a great attitude to accompany the rest of us. I even pet one of her pet ferrets who came for a visit in Ontario.













Our Bridgeway church family rocks as they greet me and Sandy and the rest of the riders with cookies, watermelon, signs and smiles. The kids (Faith, Aidan, Grace, Natalie, and Caleb) showed true enthusiasm for each bicycler who was coming down French Hill Rd. What a great encouragement for our last day.













Sandy and I hoist our bikes in the air to celebrate making it to the Atlantic Ocean - actually to the smelly, algae-laden water of the Hudson Harbor. The water was still a welcome sight and smell. Can you tell I am begging for this photo session to be done soon since I am lifting the "heavy bike".













I give much credit to my wonderful family who survived for 2 weeks without Mom with help from both Grandparents and Aunt Sherry (my twin -yes, there are 2 of us). I will never forget your encouragement and sacrifice that allowed me to say yes to this privilege to bring greater awareness and funds to the plight of those who have so little. I love you all!