7/24 Day 52: Manchester NH to the Atlantic (Rye NH)
Tuesday, July 24th, 2007
We had a late load time; I loaded my stuff in Lynne’s car so I would not need to deal with it at the hotel. The route had us on back roads, while we wound our way to the finish. There was a different attitude on today’s ride. We needed to cover 50 miles in 5 hours. Most of the riders where in no rush and where wasting time on the way to the meeting point. The where plenty of stops in cafes, and people lingered at the one rest stop. 
I rode most of the way with Pete and Dr. Dave, but the groups of other riders seemed to be in bigger groups then normal and when we past or got passed be another group. There was a lot of talking. About 11:40 riders started to get to the school that we where regrouping at for the final drive to the beach. Every one was in by 12. We hung around and at took a final group photo.
We had a police escort for the 4 miles from the school to the beach. The older rider lead us behind the police car.
When we hit the parking lot was full a balloons and people waiting for us. As we enter the parking lot we where greeted with cheers for those waiting. There was Hugs and Kisses for love ones that had been away for up to 52 days. My wife, Mom, Dad and 3 co-workers where waiting for me. Lynne put a Loral or my head.
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Most of us took of our shoes and took our bikes down to the water to dip our front wheels.
After a swim in the Atlantic (it was cold). A few of the 16 riders that road every fantastic inch posed for the EFI picture.
We where about 3 miles away from the Maine state line a few riders took a ride up to the line for the photo opp. I have already ridden to Maine and my family was waiting for me.
I Made it!!!
Next step the PMC. I plan on taking the next 3 days off the bike, then riding this weekend with the club. Will be interesting to see how I ride after a few days to recover.
Howie:
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