Day 3...Keep Calm + Carry On

W39th Street Ferry Dock- This way to NJ!

Did I complain about biking through Nassau County? Well, Nassau ain't got nothin' on Hoboken + Jersey City. To say the roads aren't built for cyclists is an understatement. No wonder the Adventure Cycling trail maps start in Summit, NJ...even THEY couldn't figure out a safe and bike-friendly way to get out of NYC and through eastern NJ. Having said that, the ferry trip from W39th street early on a Sunday morning (no rain!) was lovely. And last night was a fun and relaxing one. We watched The Big Lebowski and laughed our tails off. What a classic! Hilarious! Remind me the next time that I'm stressed out to react like "The Dude" does. Totally relaxed + unencumbered.

After finally reaching Summit, NJ and having a nice lunch (with yummy chocolate chip cookies for dessert) we hit the actual Adventure Cycling bike trail....and it was AWESOME. Within the first 5 miles we hit 37mph....up and down, up and down. I have a feeling it's going to become a theme "hill repeats"... Within about 30 minutes I looked up to see 2 men standing on a hill taking pictures of us...Chip and Jim had arrived to meet us with the RV! Hooray! I felt so relieved. We finally had our support staff with us.

Only 51 miles in the bag today, taking us 4 + hours of biking and 3+ hours of stopping/getting lost.... but they were the necessary and EVIL miles we had to grind through to get to open roads! Bring it on!

Day 2...Short but sweet!

Riding over 59th St. Bridge

After a fairly decent night's rest and a nice breakfast at the hotel, we headed off for a short 20 mile ride into NYC.  No rain, hooray!! The route was simple.... Merrick Ave to Hillside Ave to Queens Boulevard. Luckily there wasn't much traffic and who knew Queens Boulevard had some nice "rolling hills"?? Still, I would not make a habit of riding that route. Ever.

It was a great feeling riding over the 59th street bridge into NYC. Getting off Long Island was no small task and I felt like now the real journey could begin!

We arrived in NYC around 10am and met up with Kevin's daughter, Danielle, and her boyfriend, Sonny.  I needed a new sports bra and recommended we all to go to my favorite athletic store, Lululemon.  So off we went. 

Lululemon E66th St. NYC

While in the changing room, the woman helping me asked what I needed the sports bra for. I laughed and said, "You wont believe this but I'm biking across the country right now". She quickly turned to another woman to tell her and, like wild fire, within in minutes, everyone in the store was talking about our trip!

Next thing I know the (wonderful) store manager, Becky, graciously offered to outfit both Kevin and I with Lululemon gear!!!!! Who on God's green earth could object to that? We now each have an amazing outfit to "test ride" across America!

We took a group photo and hugged goodbye to our new friends at Lululemon NYC E66th store! Thanks again. You all are wonderful! Really, could the day get any better? 

Pictures

Day 1....Slippery When Wet

Foggy Morning
Montauk Point, Long Island, NY

I awoke at 3:45am to a humid and foggy morning. I couldn't sleep- too much excitement and nerves before the start of this big journey! After downing a few cups of coffee and a few bowls of cereal we packed our bikes in the RV and left Southampton. We arrived at Montauk Point at 6:30 and were greeted by a small group of wonderful friends and family for the send off. My father was there waiting on his bike ready to ride with us for the first 20 or so miles. My friends Ali and Cheryl came as well, smiling and energetic as ever (thank you ladies!). Kevin's daughter, Shannon, came as did his wonderful work mates Rachel and Scotty. And, of course, our two RV drivers/crew mates, Chip & Jim were there.

A dense fog hovered over us and made the lighthouse nearly invisible. After trekking down a sandy trail leading to the waters edge, chatting with local surf casters along the way, we dipped our back wheels into the Atlantic ocean. We posed for a few pictures then each said a silent prayer, including one for our recently deceased friend, Andrew Walsh. RIP Andrew.

Me + Dad

Around 7:15 we set off, my dad leading the way for the first 21 miles West keeping an incredibly fast pace considering he just turned 75 and is currently recovering from an ankle injury. Amazing!! We rolled through Southampton around 9:30am and received a nice welcome from many people in town. After a quick stop in the RV (the last time we would see the RV until it met up with us again in NJ Sunday night) to pick up some chain lube + extra chamois butter, we said goodbye to the east end.

The rain was relentless, pouring down on us so hard it stung. But we laughed at what mother nature had give us and pressed on. We stopped a few times for some coffee/coke and snacked continuously the entire ride. Finally we made it to our pit stop for the night, a Holiday Inn in Lynbrook. A short ride to NYC tomorrow AM then relaxing until Sunday. A wet but great day! One thing is for sure, Long Island is a very LONG island!

The Beginning

Pump up the tires
Stretch out the hamstrings
Secure the shoes and helmet
Chug some gatorade
& load up the RV.....'cause we're going across the country!

Departure Date: September 23, 2011
Departing from: Montauk Point, NY

Arrival Date: ~ November 20, 2011
Arriving in: San Diego, CA

To see the route map click on the link above.

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