Wednesday, Oct. 22nd

Orangeburg, SC to Charleston, SC  113 miles

The big day finally arrived, for it all was quickly coming to an end. The actual 113 mile ride was very nondescript, with the vast majority of it either taking place on flat rural roads with nothing around but trees and cotton fields or on the shoulder of very busy highways that scared the hell out of me. Once we started approaching Charleston, the adrenaline started to really flow, especially when we hit the last couple of miles to the Atlantic Ocean. The last 300 yards was actually going down a sidewalk that led to the beach and I was the first person to round the final corner to see all of our loved ones cheering and the ocean in plain view. It was a Kodak moment that will always remain with me. After taking the ceremonial pictures of dipping the front tire in the ocean and holding the bike overhead while standing in the water, the celebration began. We had a fabulous happy hour, which included a great slide show of the trip and dinner with all the spouses. Given the day's event, everyone was tired both physically and emotionally and retired to bed early. Tomorrow there is a farewell brunch to say your good byes before everyone departs.

FINAL STATISTICS

Total distance: 3341 miles

Average daily speed: 16.2 mph

Average daily distance: 95.5 miles

Consecutive days of 100 miles or more: 5

21 days of 90 miles or more

26 days of 80 miles or more

Longest day: 144 miles

Total climbing elevation: 166,000 feet

Greatest single day climbing elevation: 11,082 feet

FINAL THOUGHTS

One of the major reasons I did this trip was to challenge myself both physically and mentally like never before. I started training in November, spending countless hours in the gym lifting weights, doing thousands of crunches, cardio machines and spinnning classes. Once the weather allowed me to start riding, I spent every Friday, Saturday and Sunday riding, in addition to the short rides I would do during the week wherever my business travels took me. I logged approximately 3300 miles. Not only has this undertaking forced me to get into the best shape of my life, but it has made me more disciplined and improved my mental toughness and self confidence.

99% of the trip were places I had never been to and at an average speed of 16.2 mph, one really benefits in seeing how beautiful and diverse this great nation is. It certainly reinvigorated my patriotism and how truly fortunate we are to live in the good old USA.

Finally, I save the most important thought for last. I am, without any doubt, the luckiest guy in the world to have a wife that not only provided unrelenting support throughout the whole ordeal, but who strongly encouraged me to consider it because she knew it was high on my "bucklist". It was she who came home from the Trek store with the brochure and said "you have my full and total support should you decide to go". She was always there to support me in every possible way. From getting up at 5:30 every Saturday and Sunday to make sure I ate well before my long training rides, to having a meal ready upon my return. She insisted that my indoor bike trainer be positioned in the family room all winter so she could visit with me. It became like another piece of furniture that was even decorated for Christmas. Through all this, she never so much whimpered any type of complaint, but instead, provided constant encouragement that kept me going through the tough times. Quite frankly, without her, this once in a lifetime journey would never have become a reality. For all that she has done, I am forever grateful and indebted to her. Thank you very, very much Susan.

Tuesday, Oct. 21st

Union, SC to Orangeburg, SC  123 miles

Given the magnitude of today's ride, 123 miles and 6800' of total climbing elevation, plus still feeling the lingering affects of the previous 24 hours, I decided to ride in the van until lunch. I certainly did not want to potentially jeopardize missing tomorrow's final ride, so I took the conservative approach. While I was not 100%, I felt reasonably good for the 65 mile ride and given the flattening terrain, I was able to average 18.3 mph. The ride took us through Sumpter National Forest and of course, lots of cotton fields. 

It seems like a distant memory that we were riding through the desert, but yet it was only 5 weeks ago. It truly has been a trip of a lifetime and it certainly not only met my expectations but exceeded them in every regard. I cannot say enough good things about our guides, Dave and Stephanie. They are not only exceptional guides who did everything to perfection, but they are exceptional people and I will always be grateful for the great memories they provided me. Check back for commentary on tomorrow's ride and some final thoughts 

Monday, Oct. 20th

Asheville, NC to Union, SC  104 miles

At 12:50 am this morning, disaster struck with a vengeance. I was hit with a severe case of food poisoning, probably from the fish I had at dinner. I spent the vast majority of the night in the restroom and by morning I was not feeling any better. As much as I wanted to ride, there was no way possible given my condition. In fact, the van had to make a few abrupt stops to accommodate the unfortunate circumstances. The guides were kind enough to get me to our next hotel as quickly as possible so I could catch a nap. While the outflow has greatly diminished, I am still nauseous, dehydrated and weak. We will see what tomorrow brings and make a decision at that point. 

Sunday, Oct. 19th

Cherokee, NC to Asheville, NC  67.6 miles

Frost was definitely on the pumpkin this morning with the thermometer showing 31 degrees. I put on every bite of warm clothing I had, it was as if I was dressing to go snow skiing. We started at dawn to beat the sightseeing traffic that would soon bear down on us as we headed for Asheville via the Blue Ridge Parkway. We started our last major climb 3 miles into the 67 mile ride. 10 miles at a 5-8% grade quickly warmed up the body. By the time I reached the summit, I had my coat and jersey completely unzipped with my bare chest fully exposed. With not a cloud in the sky and the early morning sun highlighting the peaks of the Smoky mountains, it provided surreal moments of beauty. The descent was very steep(9-11%) and unbelievably cold. Given the temperature at 5100' was in the upper 20's and you add the windchill of 30+ mph, it was down right brutal. I reached a point were I couldn't feel my fingers, thus inhibiting my ability to apply pressure to my brake levers. What seemed like eternity, but was actually only 20 minutes, I reached the next town and was able to jump in our support van to warm up. The rest of the ride took us through small towns via remote roads and just when you thought the scenery couldn't get any better, it did so all the way to Asheville. I was planning to go visit the Biltmore Estate but unfortunately the ride took longer than anticipated. Tomorrow we cross into our the final state of South Carolina.

Friday, Oct. 17th

Crossville, TN to Townsend, TN  104.7 miles

The topography of today's 104 mile ride was much of the same as the previous couple of days. Even though the ride wasn't quantitatively the same as the previous day's ride, it still proved to be quite challenging and rewarding. The last 15 miles followed the very picturesque Little River. The trees continued to show their magnificent colors, despite the heavy overcast sky. I was so mesmerized by the beauty that it took me over an hour to go the final 15 miles. We are now nestled in Townsend, TN, which is the entrance to the magnificent Smoky Mountains National Park. During the course of the ride, we crossed into our final time zone. It is hard to imagine that it is all going to come to an abrupt end in five days. It will be a very emotional and bittersweet moment. 

Saturday, Oct. 18th

Townsend, TN to Cherokee, NC  57.4 miles

The guides called today's short 57 mile ride a rolling rest day to Cherokee, NC. However, I strongly disagree since we had two significant climbs. The first being 14 miles and the second climb, which was considerably steeper, was 15 miles. Being that the trees are in peak color and it is the weekend, the traffic was very busy on the narrow two lane road. Unfortunately, the combination of fog and clouds prevented one from having any visibility at the various vantage points. By the time I reached the summit, the temperature was 36 degrees and I couldn't feel my toes. I jumped in the van to warm up before making the very chilly descent. Soon after I started down, the sky started to clear up and the Smoky's showed their stunning beauty. I do not know if I have ever seen such unbelievable foliage colors. With the traffic hot on my tail, I  had to let it ripe and I flew down the mountain at 35 mph +, matching the posted speed limit. Tomorrow it is off to Asheville, NC via the Blue Ridge Parkway.  

Thursday, Oct. 16th

Nashville, TN to Crossville, TN  130.3 miles

Today was a big day...130 miles and 11,082' of total climbing elevation through the "hills" of Tennessee to Crossville, TN. The forecast called for 90% chance of rain, however, we had no more than a few very light sprinkles that lasted only a few minutes. Despite the heavy overcast, the scenery remained spectacular with the trees showing more color the further east we travelled. Exiting Nashville during morning rush hour provide a new meaning to rush, but there is no road rage to report. Having fresh legs after a day off enabled me to cruise at an average speed of 16.5 mph. Tomorrow it is off to Townsend, TN, just another 105 miles and 9000' of total climbing elevation.

Tuesday, Oct. 14th

Erin, TN to Nashville, TN  71.8 miles

Given today's relatively short(71 miles) yet hilly(6465' total climbing elevation) ride into Nashville, we arrived just past noon at the historic Hermitage Hotel in downtown. It is an absolutely beautiful and very elegant hotel that has been the hotel of choice for many presidents, dignitaries and celebrities for nearly 100 years. Certainly one of the nicest hotels I have ever stayed at. It was another gorgeous fall day and the scenery was not disappointing, particularly along the banks of the Cumberland River. Things became interesting when we got into the mix of urban traffic, especially riding through downtown, but all arrived without incident. Susan and I spent the afternoon with Nicholas, before having a group dinner at Capitol City Grill. Tomorrow's rest day activities will be very low key and the highlight will be celebrating Nicholas's birthday at Ruth Chris's.