Posted on

Day 72: End of ride, front tire in the Atlantic Ocean in Fairfield, CT!

After a pretty average breakfast this morning I left for a short, final, cool, hilly, sketchy urban ride to Fairfield, CT. It was a beautiful morning- about 45 F, mostly sunny and a light headwind. How fitting, I thought, I  started with headwinds and finished with a headwind. The roads were typically hilly with mostly little or no shoulder- these are old roads and there just isn’t room for shoulders in most places. In addition to the narrow or nonexistent shoulders, the shoulders are littered with branches, acorns, hickory nuts and black walnuts- so I had to be very alert. Approaching Fairfield I rode along Long Island Sound and passed many beautiful estates. Then it was mainly riding through city streets to the beach where Janet and our Goddaughter Madison Hruschka were waiting for me. We took some photos, popped some champagne and turned around to go to the local bike shop to ship my bike back to Aransas Pass, TX. Today was only 24 miles which brings my final trip miles to 3,760. I had 58 riding days for an average of about 65 miles per day. I really appreciate my support team (Janet!) and all the kind wishes and support from the many people who followed my ride- it was about 1,900 people last time I looked! And to the many Warm Showers hosts that opened their homes for me- I am very, very grateful for the oppprtunity to have met them and so appreciative of their kindness and generosity. There were so many random acts of kindness that I can’t possibly remember and thank everyone. It was an exceptionally rewarding trip that completely exceeded my expectations. 

Pretty scenery and scary roads riding in Connecticut:


Riding along Long Island Sound:


A pretty “cottage” on Long Island Sound:

 

The end of the ride- starting with my rear tire in the Pacific Ocean and finishing with my front tire in the Atlantic Ocean:

Janet made sure I had a Northern Tier jersey and some champagne to celebrate the end of the ride!

24 thoughts on “Day 72: End of ride, front tire in the Atlantic Ocean in Fairfield, CT!”

      1. Dave, loved all you pics and it was great meeting, hosting you and following your blog. I especially love your last photo. Wow. You made it!!!! Stop in DL, MN anytime and see us. So happy you were safe. Always friends. Carole and Paul

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Thanks Carole & Paul, you were such lovely hosts, you were a highlight of my trip! I do hope to see you again sometime when I am traveling with my wife. Best regards, Dave

        Like

  2. Dave,
    Congratulations to you and your support team, Janet. I amazed by your physical endurance and impressed with Janet’s planning skills. I’ve really enjoyed following your journey. I’m kind of dissappointed its over. C’mon home to Texas. Great job to both of you.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  4. Dave, this 70 year old man is so very proud of you‼️😃‼️🍻I’m really looking forward to our next 3 or 4 day fishing trip because I know it will take at least that long to get started on all of your stories. I will warn you in advance that I will be selling tickets to the other guests, but I will split the revenue with you(70-30), don’t spend that whole 30% in one place. Come on home, Bubba🍷🍷🍷🍷😎

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  5. Congratulations Dave,
    Well done! And thanks for taking us along for the ride. It’s been enjoyable sitting in the back seat looking over your shoulder.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  6. Congratulations – amazing that it is over already! Such an amazing accomplishment – from both of you! Kudos to Janet for being so supportive of your dream! We will be in Boston on Wednesday; will be in touch so we can get together and hear all about it in person. Hugs to both of you.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  7. Wow!! Excellent!! Congratulations Dave!!!!! It is amazing to think about the places you have experienced and been a part of: Great Plains, mountain West, post-industrial Rust Belt, populated Northeast! Am wishing you a very enjoyable and calm cool- down period and return to Texas. If you will be coming through Pittsburgh, let us know. We have space!

    Thank you for sharing your experiences with us via blog and photos! Cheers!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  9. Hey brother! Sorry I was not there to greet you! Congrats on an epic accomplishment both physically and mentally! I love you and will see you soon in Texas!

    Marc

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  11. Mi Hermano De todo Corazon, what an accomplishment !! You da MAN:):). You and Janet were in my daily prayers for a safe and successful drive. Thank You God!! God Bless you, Janet and all your family always! Hope to see you soon.

    Love You Mi Hermano!!

    Pete

    Sent from my iPhone

    >

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

Leave a comment