Coast2Coast Day 82: Naples to Old Orchard Beach, Maine/‘Dipping’ in the Atlantic Ocean; fog, drizzle, cobblestones, bricks, gravel, sand AND salt water!
First, the ride: Before heading our from the campground, was greeted by Peter, the campground ‘host.’ He was out walking their puppy of nine weeks, and congratulated me on the bike ride. It was interesting to me, that our journey has been longer than their puppy, Kya, had been around!
The morning was cool, with low hanging clouds. There had been overnight rain, that caused acorns to drop onto the van with loud cracks! The pavement had dried, so all that I took along was my light rain jacket (and not full rain gear).
Leaving from the campsite, again took me to the shores of Long Lake, and through town before heading to the Coast. There were walkers and joggers out-and-about, so signs-of-life amidst the low lights of the morning.
The first 30 miles or so seemed to be only up or down, with very little flat. I passed by. Freeman Road (the last name of my sister and brother-in-law), and passed through Morin (my daughter and son-in-law’s last name). Also, I added a new country, Poland, to the collection of towns-bearing-names-of-countries. The route took me through forests and neighborhoods.
I stopped at a Citgo Minimart in New Gloucester, where Ashley was working the counter. She said our journey, and my comment of ‘Be safe. Have fun. Spread joy.’ Made her day!
When in Durham, stopped again, and met Karen while exiting the convenience store. She indicated that she was always excited to meet the cyclists on the way to the Coast.
When reaching Durham, I diverted to head South toward our final destination for the day. I followed Google Maps directions from Durham to Old Orchard Beach that would take me along the Coast through Portland. While biking through Yarmouth, I caught up to Chris, who was out riding before heading to her son’s soccer match. She is a family practice physician, and we discussed a few different topics as we rode along together. She shared some interesting insights into ‘village living,’ as she change her ride to match my direction for some distance. It was great to be riding with another!!
When getting close to Portland, I was passed and was able to catch up to a pace line of three that were heading to Portland. Abe, Ben and Sam were out for a brisk Saturday ride. Sam invited me to ‘hang on’ while we paced at ~20+ mph. It was exhilarating to be joining the group. Abe had recently moved from Bend, Oregon. Ben had been to Colorado to do Ride the Rockies a few times. Sam was great to give me directions to the trail in Portland that would take me away from some of the traffic, and follow the water to South Portland.
On this beautiful and sunny (now) day in Portland the trail had abundant pedestrian traffic! Once I reached South Portland, I needed to shift to the street to be able to ride. Amazingly, in my path on the street, Cathy appeared. She had been exploring, and noticed that my riding would take her close. She had seen an article pointing out ice cream shops to visit in New England, and had been at one, Gorgeous Gelato, one street over. She recommended that I stop there, and I couldn’t resist, though the road to the shop included cobblestones, bricks, and brick steps1 Had espresso and Boston Crème, which were delicious!
Cathy and I decided that I would meet her at the campground, and we would bike together to the pier at Old Orchard Beach. We found the pier and the ocean waiting for the obligatory and celebratory dipping of front tire and lifting one’s bike pictures.
During this day’s ride there were many thoughts and recollections of our journey that went through my mind. The ‘distractions’ of conversations during the day were very much welcomed, as I remembered my Mom and Dad, my Uncle George, Nick, Tim, Paul, Sarah, Mark, Carol, and all the organizations with which I have been associated. I also thought of folks I wouldn’t have met, or gotten to know so well, without the journey, and the places, particularly the small towns, through which we traveled and have memories!
I will ‘document’ appreciations and supporting organizations in some Coast2Coast +Days. For the moment, thank you for your patience and persistence in checking into this blog! It certainly felt, even when riding alone, that Cathy and I were far from alone on our journey!
Be safe! Have fun! Spread joy!