BAR HARBOR to BELFAST, MAINE
DAY’S TOTAL: 75.5 miles (and it was hilly!) at 14.7 mph.
5 hrs, 8 min, 9 sec actual riding time; approximately 8 hours on the road
We all got up early this morning (4 am) for our Sunrise Start. Atop Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the Atlantic Coast (1500+ feet) and the first place sunlight touches American soil, we all watched the sunrise and posed for pictures. Then, after very quick and harried last minute adjustments to our bikes, it was down the mountain for an exciting 5 miles! Maximum speed at descent was 34.2 mph – we were moving!
We continued on our way for 75 more miles, with several stops today due to a variety of reasons, two of which included 10 riders getting used to each other (remember, we’re from all over the United States, and haven’t ridden with each other until today!) and FLAT TIRES! The current count so far is 3 – unfortunately all were on one tire on one bike! (Not mine this day thank goodness.)
We have a great group of people here – support crew and riders – everyone already seems like family. It’s all-for-one and one-for-all and it was fantastic how everyone helped and encouraged everyone else today.
We arrived in Belfast, ME today for a local blood drive. We were escorted into town by the motorcyclist club – kind of neat! The blood drive went well, and we were privileged to speak to some of the donors today.
Finally today, I want to say a special thanks to Citrus County resident Avis Craig for all her help with my fundraising efforts and for being at the start of the ride in Maine, as well as the great t-shirt and cap she gave me the morning of the first ride. I’m wearing the hat here. It’s hard to see, but it is decorated with a City of Inverness pin and writing done by an exchange student staying with Avis. Most prominently it says, “Key West or Bust.” It’s been a big hit at all the blood drives so far! Again, thanks a million for everything Avis!