Saturday, July 18th, Chez Gearman
Hiya gang,
Day seven had it’s usual mixture of emotions- The happiness of accomplishing such a feat, and the sorrow that it’s over… The promise of sleeping in your own bed (And sleeping IN), and the knowledge that your new found family members won’t be there to ride with you tomorrow.
The days ride was great, an included the down-hill roller-coaster through the State Park (I think it’s in Townsend) just before Rest Stop 1. The night before, and that morning, I made the same offer I always do- “If I get behind you in that stretch of road, the road is yours- I won’t pass you, you own the lane”. It’s just too nice a stretch of 30-35MPH downhill with sweeping left and rights to stay on the shoulder…
In usual fashion, I bailed out at about mile 25 so I could get on the highway and get far enough ahead of the pack to get the finish line set up. As more and more riders finish, we start unloading the rest stop and sweep vehicles, and loading their supplies into the gear truck for the ride back to Manchester.
Most years, people reach the finish line, grab their luggage, shower, then head on their way- This year was a little different in that respect. Many people hung around, talking with the family and friends of other riders as they awaited their successful finish, talking to each other, and catching up with veteran riders that decided to stop by and say hello.
A great week, a great ride, and a great time with great friends, both old and new.
I can’t wait till next year…
More to come as I think of it,
Gearman
Join us
Steve, as usual, you are not only the Gear Man, you are DA MAN!
Thanks to you and Todd for making this blog happen. It was a terrific addition to the tour experience.
Like you, I can’t wait until next year and I’m ready to start working on getting more butts on the bikes.
Last but not least I want to thank my family for making it possible for me to ride and to FINALLY get a new bike. You were all right. It was long overdue and boy did I enjoy riding my new trusty steed.
Until next year, or until I see you on the road may your roads be dry, your climbs short and your downhills long.
Tim
Tim,
As usual, you’re too kind.
We all have jobs to do to make the NEC a success… Mine is simply more visible to others than that of those “Behind the scenes” like yourself.
I couldn’t do what I do if you didn’t do what you do.
I tip my hat to you.
Steve
BTW,
The new bike rides SCHWEET, doesn’t it? Doesn’t it? DOESN’T IT?
You can tell us, we already know it rides better than a steel Schwinn…
Thanks everyone it was a GREAT week looking forward to next year.
What is wrong with a steel schwinn?