This journey began over 5 years ago and has been gaining momentum ever since.  While receiving an award for the 2001 RIDE at a National Hospice convention, I heard about a man who was planning to ride the perimeter of the country at age 65 for a local Hospice chapter.  The seed was planted.  Hopefully this 2007 RIDE will help plant seeds to grow dreams and HOPE for many others.

For the duration of the RIDE I will be writing journal entries to share the journey- past, present and future.

First and foremost, I would like to express our GRATITUDE to each and every one of you who has “joined the RIDE.”  Over the next few months I will covey our appreciation to the many individuals, organizations and corporations who have offered support and encouragement..  Without your confidence and commitment, this would just be “one long ride.”  With your backing, the RIDE is “purpose - full” and “passion -driven.”  The RIDE is about people.  It is about families suffering with ALS and Cancer.  It is about helping to find cures and providing HOPE. It is about making the best of the rest of our lives. It is about sharing the wonderful works of Hospice so that people may have choices about their end of life care ---pain free and surrounded by loved ones.

Over the next 5 to 6 months we will travel together and see the beauty of our country and its people.  Tune in any time, chime in any time, ask questions and share your stories; be as active or as passive a “rider” as you would like. 

Our current format is set for me to blog on a regular basis and share the day’s adventures, thoughts, feelings, and pictures. 

There is a column for those of you who would like to share “comments.”  We welcome your input.

There will be another column which will develop into the “heart and soul” of the RIDE; we will call it “PEDAL POWER.”   You are invited to share personal stories of your own or others concerning ALS, Cancer or Hospice. It is because of these life stories that we ride, donate, share and care. The RIDE is about people - the people who give us “pedal power;” in exchange we offer HOPE and support.  By hearing their stories we can focus our prayers and energy to help them and others. 

Thank you for joining the RIDE…

FROM THE BEGINNING   |  PREVIOUS  |   NEXT

by Bob Lee

Well here we go!  I am at the airport waiting for a United flight to Jacksonville.  Thanks United and Joe and Kathy Laughlin for providing transportation from here to there and back home again.  I just left Anne with lots of tears, but something would be wrong if there weren’t any.  I hope my phone is waterproof, since after I left a message for her when she got home, I noticed tears running down the keyboard.  These are the times I will pat my locket and talk to my “attitude coach.”  More about that in a minute.

Speaking of “Coaches,” that is what Mitch Albom called his professor Morrie Schwartz who died of ALS.  A teacher’s influence goes on forever and ever…  I hope you have read Tuesdays with Morrie.  If not please do so.  It is because of Morrie, I am writing this.  It is because he asked us; to ask ourselves a number of questions.  One was,  “are you giving back to your community?”  That question helped redirect my life.  Another one of Morrie’s questions was “have you found some one with whom to share your heart?”  That question was a simple one for me, since I met my wife 46 years ago as a freshman in college and we have share the same heart all these years.

The two hearts in this picture were given to us for the ride.  One is “on loan” and is symbolic of the passion of the RIDE and one a special gift that represents all the “Hearts” that have made the RIDE possible and meaningful.

Lisa Crane who lost her husband to ALS loaned the heart on the right to us.  When Lisa found out we were going to do another RIDE she presented this gift at Christmas with a note saying, she knew our “attitude Coach” would want to be with us.  After Rich’s death Lisa had the locket made to hold some of his ashes.  Rich always had the greatest attitude even in the face of death.  Morrie Schwartz said, “if you can learn to die in peace, you have learned to live in peace.”

By Bob Lee

Yes, cheers with Gatorade and cheers from a number of the employees at Jacksonville’s Baptist Cancer Institute.  What a way to start the first day of many…

This start could never have been possible without the help and support of Bruce and Judy Homeyer.  If you will notice they are listed under the Yellow Jersey designation as a top donor; but just as important, was their involvement in making my first two days exceed expectations.  From meeting me at the airport with a pick up truck, helping to set up the bike, to a wonderful dinner and a comfy bed, to picking up supplies, to mapping out a bike route, to rallying the support of the community and encouraging WJXT TV to cover the story, it hard to thank them enough. 

They are “sweet!”  Actually, Judy served a hot chocolate sauce last night over vanilla ice cream, which was the best I have had.  And now thanks to Judy’s generosity you can have some sweets.

1/2 C light Karo syrup
1 C half & half
1 lb semi-sweet chocolate
Mix Karo and cream in a double boiler. Add chocolate and melt slowly.

Besides making a great chocolate sauce, Bruce and Judy are known in Jacksonville

By Bob Lee

The ride will be a journey of hearing advice and learning lessons, but so is life.

Last night by phone Bruce Homeyer gave me some advice for my ride today.  The advice was a follow-up on a story I told Judy and Bruce at dinner.  On my 2001 cross-country ride I met a group of lady cyclist who were also riding from San Diego to St Augustine.  I had often thought to myself, what do the ladies do when they needed to go?  So to be sure I am continuing my education, I asked one of the group leaders.  She said at first it is difficult, but within a week they learn that if they squat off the side of the road and shut their eyes, no one can see them.  Well today, I was riding through some low swampy areas.  Bruce’s advise was don’t stray too far from the side of the road and don’t shut my eye.  There are alligators in the swamps.

There is also a lot of beauty long the side of the road that most people miss. Note the “bike rider’s Easter lilies” and other flowers along the way.  On a bike you see, hear, feel and smell so much more than in an automobile.  I am reminded of this throughout the day.  Today I had the sweet aroma of wisteria in bloom and within two minutes the terrible smell of “road kill.” Life is full of contrast and opposites.

By Bob Lee

March 31, Jesup, GA 56 Miles

To ask or not to ask, that is the question.  Usually men don’t want to ask directions (me included.)  Maybe I have been sitting on a bicycle seat too long, but I asked this morning and I am glad I did.  If I hadn’t I might have been sleeping along the side of the road, since my route was taking much farther than I could ride in a day —with no beds along the way.  It would have taken me through some of the Okefenokee Swamp and lots of pine forest. I should have studied my maps better before I decided not to bring my tent on this leg of the journey. 

At least I know the tent was tested well with our two granddaughters Kendal and Channing who live in Denver.  Thanks Black Diamond for providing a home away from home when needed.

It's been an interesting couple of days.  Watch here for more about  the last couple of days.  I still have making it to Maine on my mind!

I want to say how very appreciative we are for everyone’s prayers and well wishes for a safe journey.  Your prayers brought me home from the last ride with nothing by good memories and strengthened friendships.  Let’s work together to have the same results this year.

Polly and Tom Grafton gave me A Guardian Angel of Bicycling.   The guardian angel rides on the front my bike. It says, 

   "The guardian angel of biking keeps you safe on street or path,
     guides you and protects you, from any kind of crash.”

There will be more to come on today's ride… Stay tuned!

FROM THE BEGINNING   |   PREVIOUS  |  NEXT
...

By Bob Lee  Ride date: April 1

After being a fool on the morning of April 1st, I headed out of town.  Railroad tracks are never fun for a biker, but these men must have thought they would pull an “April Fools” joke on me by pulling up the whole track.  Click pictures for a larger view.

Today was Palm Sunday and a good time to reflect on death and NEW HOPE

By Bob Lee   Ride Date: April 3

Statesboro, GA

Well, I am a day behind, but I guess I can’t skip yesterday since you are probably wondering about the "cookies I almost lost." I created my own April Fools —on April 3. Are there any rules to say you can only be a fool once a year?  The day started just as if I was at home —greeted with a smile, or on this day smiles.  No, not from Anne, but from Samantha and Courtney Joiner.

What a wonderful family they are!  Such warm Southern hospitality.  They are so easy to be with I decided to stay an extra night.  I hope I didn’t wear out my welcome.
       

Did you ever have a day all planned and find at the end of the day you haven’t touched your plan? Well, I decided to take a day off the road to rest up for the long ride coming on Wednesday. I needed to catch up with e-mails, phone calls, customer calls and so on.  I also wanted to work on my “things to do before I leave” list which was never completed before I left.  I guess that is an oxymoron.  To get geared, one of the first things I planned was to get the gears adjusted on my bike.  I knew I wouldn’t be riding by a bike shop for at least a week after today.

By Bob Lee   Ride Date: April 4th

Statesboro, GA to Point South, SC (75 miles)

Yesterday I talked about some excellent people who helped make what could have been a disastrous day into a memorable day.  I forgot to mention Jeff Sully who previously donated the yellow Ortlieb waterproof panniers, which carry all my gear, and the Tubus racks.  When I lost my bike yesterday, I really  did lose the map case that snaps onto the front handlebar bag.  This bag is important since it is waterproof and allows me to read my maps on the road.  I would feel lost without it, so with just one call to Jeffery yesterday he had one on its way to me to pickup at a motel tomorrow night.  Great service and wonderful panniers.

I left the Joiners at about 9:15 for a good day’s ride.  Since I raised sheep as I was growing up, this sign caught my eye.  Well, I had been a shepherd, though never a sheep, so I parked my bike to contemplate the true meaning.

By Bob Lee   Ride Date: April 5

Point South, SC to Walterboro, SC

I knew there wouldn’t be any hills today since I was riding through the “Low Country” of South Carolina.  Over the last day or two I would see signs for Beaufort and Hilton Head.  This morning I remembered that my spin instructor from the Advocate Good Shepherd Heath and Fitness Center was going to be at Hilton Head on her honeymoon.  Carol and her husband Val were married in January, but waited to the beginning of April to go on their honeymoon. Val had convinced Carol not to bring any “bikes” but he never said anything about a “biker.”  Carol helped spin me into shape for my 2001 ride, as well as this ride. She has always been so supportive.  Before I left she called one night and invited me to stay with them in Hilton Head, if I was in the area.  Now that’s a true friend!  Who wants to offend a friend? 

So today I thought I would deviate from my route and join them for the last four days of their honeymoon. Well, lucky for Val, on my way out of town I stopped by a Southern Plantation and met a lovely lady named Peach Morrison. Yes, her name is Peach —a family name passed down through the generations. And she is not even from Georgia.  I took my helmet off and Peach showed me how to really spin. 

I think we hit it off well since I wasn’t just a typical Yankee passing through town.  I, too, have a family name passed down. She was pretty impressed. 

By Bob Lee   Ride date: April 6

Walterboro, SC to Moncks Corner, SC

Yesterday I started the morning off by meeting a woman named Peach —and she was a peach.  I am glad this morning that I somehow missed seeing this girl.

As I pedal down the road, I take note of the street signs.  Some of them encourage you to turn, others don’t, and some just do not make sense.  What are Heavy Feathers?   Does anyone know?

By Bob Lee   Ride date: April 8 - EASTER SUNDAY

Andrews, SC to Conway, SC   54 Miles

Please look at this first picture.  Yes, two chapters of the same book and two weather patterns that are interchangeable.

I did watch myself as I crossed the bridges.

I know many of you had white stuff on the ground this Easter morning and we did as well.

The temperature dropped below freezing.  I feel sorry for the farmer who planted his corn early (above right). We might have had a cold egg hunt, but to lose your crop is much more serious.

By Bob Lee   Ride date: April 9

Conroy, SC to Sun Set Beach, NORTH Carolina!   40 miles

They say, “You can never go back.”   But who are “they?”  And why not?  Since I am writing the blog, it is my prerogative.  And at my age I should have the right to forget things occasionally, so…

…I have received a number of emotional e-mails about Jon Blais who we discussed in the 4/7 blog.  I failed to give you Jon’s website which is www.alswarriorpoet.com. You will be impressed with what this young man has done with “the rest of his life” to help find a cure for ALS. In addition, I would like to share what Jon and I were discussing when the picture was taken of us in San Diego.  I was telling him about the “gift on loan” locket I wear which represents Rich Crane and all PALS (People with ALS).

…I would like for you to go back and read the comments on the April 8th blog post.  I had asked the question, "Why do we celebrate Easter with Easter Eggs?"  Look at Chris Kaufman’s response. Thanks, Chris, for such wonderful answer. 

One of the goals of this blog is to encourage participation with your answers, questions, and/or comments.  We are riding together, so join in and make some comments.  Recently we made it easier to add your comments, so try it.

By Bob Lee   Ride Date: April 10

Sun Set Beach, NC to Bald Head Island, NC   50 miles

Last night I finished my blog at 2:00 AM and sent it to my “editor-in-chief”.  When I woke at 8:30 it was already posted.  Jim, you are amazing.

And what amazing nice people there are.  I really appreciated Nelson and Nancy Kirk offering me the use of their condo last night.  I even went to their club this morning for a short workout.  No –not on a spin bike.

Want to know about some wonderful people from Summerville, South Carolina? Read this article from the Lake County News Sun.

A gift of mobility is coming to a Grayslake family from Summerville, S.C., this week when Ronald Fox and his two sons and grandson deliver a wheelchair-equipped van and top-of-the-line wheelchair. Fox read about Aimee Chamernik of Grayslake and decided that he was going to donate the 1998 Dodge Caravan and wheelchair to the 37-year-old Chamernik, who has ALS.    Read the full story HERE

I will write more about Aimee in another blog.  She is a VERY SPECIAL person.  If you can’t wait, go to www.askaboutaimee.com.

Farmers know the weather better than anyone does. 

As fast as he was planting, this one must think the frost is over and the rains are coming.

(Click pictures for a larger view)

By Bob Lee   Ride Date: April 11

Around Bald Head Island – 6 miles

Since there is a saying, “You can’t go back,” why don’t we have one that says, “I can’t go forward.” for days like this. I wouldn’t mind spending the next 5 months right here on Bald Head Island.  Does someone want to volunteer to ride the bike while I will sit here and write blogs?

This is the view from my bedroom window.  A tough way to wake up in the morning. 

Then, to go downstairs for a breakfast like this.

By Bob Lee    Ride Date: April 12

Bald Head Island, NC To Wilmington, NC   32 Miles

There will be good days and there will be bad days.  I have certainly had a string of good ones!

I slept well last night.  Remember the picture of my bed at the Marsh Harbour Inn?  Well I am a touchy-feely  type of guy —and I loved these sheets.  To me it is the sign of elegance.

I am a little hard of hearing and sometimes get things mixed up.  On this, I have been confused most of my life, though.  I slept well because of the sheets, so I asked the Innkeeper, "Pam, What are these sheets?”  She said they are 400 Count Egyptian cotton.  I wish my picture was clearer so you too could count my sheets.  Why am I confused ?  Growing up, I always thought if I was having trouble sleeping I was to count sheep.  Now I know I should count my sheets – all 400 threads. 1, 2, 3, 4…

By Bob Lee   Ride Dates: April 15 - 16

New Bern, NC to Aurora, NC - a very long 38 miles

Question of the day: In what products do we use Phosphate?

Some things are just meant to be.  Isn’t Sunday supposed to be a day of rest?  Well this Sunday is, for sure!  It is not fit to be out when a Nor’easter comes to the Southeast.

On Sunday, we experienced heavy, heavy rains, strong, strong winds, tired legs, and, most importantly, open hearts with an open door.  The Brown’s couldn’t have been nicer about extending an invitation for another night.  How many would give up their comfortable master bedroom suite to a total stranger.  I know two people. Their names are Margo and Bill!

By Bob Lee   Ride Date: April 17

Aurora, NC to Plymouth, NC– 42 miles

Questions for today: What was the first town in North Carolina? What was Blackbeard’s real name, and why was his beard black?  Please look at the comments on yesterday’s blog to find the answer to yesterday’s question —and put your answers to these in the comments for today.

This morning I had to get up early to check on the tides.  Was the ferry running?  At 6:15, the report was they were going to try a test run to see if there was enough water and no debris in the river.  I was told that if they were able to make it to the Aurora Port, the ferry would leave at 7:45. 

I got there at 7:48.  Just in time to wave good-bye to the ferry —and wait two hours for the next ferry. 

Again, the employees at PCS made me feel at home.  They set me up in their employee center to catch up on e-mails and to work on the blog.  While there, I saw this paperwork – applications for Relay for Life.  They not only help a stranded bike rider like me, but much more importantly, they are actively involved in Three Relays. People helping people! You can’t beat that.

By Bob Lee   Ride Date: April 18

Plymouth, NC to Edenton, NC - 38 miles

This is a test. 

RememberTerri from my March 29 Blog?  She is the nice lady who shared her boiled peanuts and gave me this Valencia orange.   For the past 2½ weeks, I know Anne has been sorting through things in our basement, which we have collected over the years.  I think she might even be trying to clean up my office.  That’s scary thought.  Do you ever keep things longer than you should and then wonder why you did?  Well here is a good lesson on what you shouldn’t do when biking self-supported.  The picture of the orange was not taken on March 29 when Terri gave it to me.  It was taken just this morning.  I have carried this orange almost 800 miles waiting for just the right time to enjoy it, but now it is almost petrified. 

Lesson: Only keep things you will really use.

I had a donut in my motel room this morning.  It would not have lasted as long as my orange.  When I went to pick it up there was a large cockroach sharing it.  He was too quick for me to take his (or her) picture. Sorry. I know you would have enjoyed that shot

By Bob Lee   Ride Date: April 19,

Edenton NC to Suffolk, VA –54 miles

Some places I feel rushed!  This is one town where I would love to just hang out for a day or two.  Enjoy these pictures of the Granville Queen Inn Bed & Breakfast.

Remember, if you would like to purchase this Bed & Breakfast send me an e-mail.  Wouldn’t it be fun to be a B&B critic and visit them all by bike or car?

By Bob Lee   Ride Date: April 20

Suffolk, VA to Hopewell, VA –77 miles

For the past five days, I have been living with the wind.  If you are headed north when cool winds are coming from the north, it takes some of the fun from the biking Today, though, I learned a few tips that might help other bikers. Before I reveal these secrets, I would like to share something.

My Interview With Mitch Albom
Remember this —the last picture of yesterday’s blog?  One of my personal dreams has been to connect with Mitch Albom.  He’s the author of Tuesdays With Morrie —the book that inspired me to redirect my life.  On the last RIDE Mitch sent a few autographed books, but I was hoping to make a stronger connection on this RIDE.  This time, I was interviewed by Mitch on his radio show.  The interview was arranged a couple of days ago — Thanks to my friends at Quicken Loans, whose headquarters are in Detroit, where Mitch is also based.  We will post the audio on this site if it can be arranged. Mitch has written three best sellers.  It would be interesting to know how many lives he has touched.  Read an excerpt from Tuesdays With Morrie. 

I knew my ride would be a long one today.  When you don’t have a tent you need to plan your route from bed to bed.  The first bed from Suffolk towards Richmond would be in Hopewell, about 65 miles.  I stay in some towns just because I need too, not because I want to.  This is one of those towns.

By Bob Lee  Ride dates: April 23 & 24

April 23: Richmond, VA to Fredericksburg, VA  - 66 Miles
April 24: to Woodbridge VA - 56 Miles

On Monday, some fences were knocked down to allow us to have a few firsts.

To begin with, recognition by Kim Komando as the “Cool Site of the Day” was a first.  This was big!  For the past few weeks, we have had an average of about 300 visitors to the site a day.  On Monday, there were over 8,600 visitors — areal first place performance. Thanks Kim!   

Another first is that the odometer clicked past the FIRST 1,000 MILES!  Now there are just 5,500 miles to go.  Hope you will ride along.  How’s your seat?  Be sure to get up and stretch every so often.

By Bob Lee  Ride Date: April 25,

Woodbridge, VA to Washington, DC - 38 miles

It is a little sad to leave the family stomping grounds, but we need to move forward.

I had some good roads...

...and some challenging roads like US 1 —which I needed to call about...

...to ride before I connected with the first bike path on my route.

By Laura Lee Horak   Ride Date:  April 26

Chicago, IL to Washington D.C. - 612 Miles (by air)

I would like to introduce myself – I’m Laura Lee Horak, Bob Lee’s daughter, 40 years old, wife and mother of four, and your GUEST BLOGGER for the week.

In our society turning 40 is considered a major milestone and one that is usually marked by a significant celebration.  “Happy Birthday” is often followed by “do something special for yourself.” 

This year I took my friends’ advice —literally.  I left my 4 children behind in Barrington, IL flew to D.C. on the morning of my birthday, grabbed a Starbucks and People magazine and met my Dad in D.C. for a week of biking.

By Laura Lee Horak   Ride Date: Friday, April 27

Washington D.C. to Marriottsville, Maryland - 44 Miles

THUMP, THUMP, THUMP...   

I awoke with a start at 6:00 a.m... I thought I heard Kyle, our 3 year old, falling down the stairs…

As it turns out, I was in McLean, Virginia and it was the sound of thunder and incessant rain.  What a way to start my first day of riding! Our incredible breakfast of crepes, bacon, and fried eggs distracted us a bit from the weather. 

The weather is part of the Ride so we decided to leave as planned.  The first part of the ride was supposed to be quick, flat and easy – a 14 mile ride on the Rock Creek Bike Path.  We spent the first hour with our friend Tim Kollar trying to decide if the path before us was actually the Rock Creek Bike Path.  Tim was so patient and headed off to his job at the Treasury Department a couple hours late.  We mutually decided that his assistance was a good use of the taxpayers’ dollars.   

By Laura Lee Horak   Ride Date: April 28

Marriottsville, MD to Delta, PA - 55 miles

With one day of biking under my belt, I started out the day feeling great!  I even hung up my running shoes for biking shoes. . .

My Dad was at a different place than I was.  After a month on the road he struggled with the decision of which one to ride?!?!

The day got even better when my Dad suggested that we stop for a donut after only 15 miles on the road.  It is typical to go 20 to 30 miles without a “snack” in sight, so the Reisterstown’s Dunkin' Donuts was a welcomed sight!

By Laura Lee Horak   Ride Date: April 29, 2007
Delta, PA To Marietta, PA - 36 Miles

HAPPY 65TH BIRTHDAY BOB LEE!!!!!  The Ride is now legitimate – 65 years old and 6,500 miles!  What a gift to be 65 and full of mental and physical endurance. 

My Dad has always been a determined and goal oriented person.  What I admire most about his drive is that he never lets it get in the way of his relationships with friends and family.  No matter what he has on his agenda he will make time for you.  Our basement flooded recently and my Dad was there within minutes - shop vac in hand.  He was in the midst of job obligations, preparing for the Ride and packing to leave for Mexico the next morning but he was still there. 

By Laura Lee Horak   Ride date: April 30, 2007
Marietta, PA To Ephrata, PA - 30 Miles

I am quickly catching onto my Dad’s daily routine.  After a good breakfast, the first thing we do is assess the day’s riding conditions – sun? wind? hills? distance? snack inventory?  Today’s ride was “thumbs up” on all 5 accounts. 

The sun was shining and the 25 mile per hour winds were at our backs.  Check out this quick video clip to appreciate the wind conditions.

Our day started with an incredible encounter.  About a week ago, Bob from Lancaster, PA discovered the website via Kim Komando and became enthralled.  He immediately contacted my Dad and offered to “wave his golf hat” as he passed through Lancaster County.  Well, he did better than that.  Bob (age 68) and Don (age 66) met us at a roadside church and escorted us through the incredibly gorgeous backroads of Lancaster County.

By Laura Lee Horak   Ride Date: May 1
Ephrata, PA To Glenmoore, PA - 30 Miles

HAPPY  MAY  DAY!!!!  Did you remember to share a May Basket with a friend?  Since I was little I can remember picking a bouquet of flowers,  leaving them at my Mother’s door, ringing the doorbell and running.   We saw some gorgeous flowers today that would have made the perfect May Basket bouquet.  Mom, we are sending you these photos with love!

By Bob Lee   Ride Date: May 2
Glenmoore, PA - a day to visit

Déjà vu.  In 1985 Anne and I left Laura in the parking lot at Duke University. With tears in her eyes she said, “How can you leave me here like this?”  After years of preparation and the challenge of being accepted in one of our finer Universities, our family separation was still difficult.  This morning we packed up Laura’s bike and I said farewell in the parking lot with tears in my eyes and me playing back her same line.

By Bob Lee   Ride Date: May 7
Milford, PA to Middletown, NY -  36 Miles

Since I have been on the road, most days blend together.  It makes no difference if it is a weekday or a weekend.  Today, I knew it was Monday – laundry day.

Yesterday some of the fly fishermen asked if I had seen any bears.   I think they were asking more for their concern than mine.  I wasn’t taking the trout from the bear’s creek.

In this area they have experienced a late spring due to unusually cold weather.  Last night we had frost warnings.  This delay has allowed me the opportunity to really catch up with spring.  It was nice to see the forsythia and daffodils in bloom.

By Bob Lee   Ride Date: May 8
Middletown, NY to Rhinebeck, NY - 60 Miles

Isn’t it great to be…

Our freedom allows us the opportunity to be the best we want to be and make the best of the rest of our life.  Not every day is all “blue sky” but it is that way for me today!

There are special areas I would like to revisit with Anne someday – to ride together,

By Bob Lee   Ride Dates: May 9 - 10
May 9 - Rhinebeck, NY To Salisbury, CT - 42 Miles
May 10 - Salisbury, CT To Windsor Locks, CT - 55 Miles

I don’t like to combine days but when I get behind it seems like the only way to catch up. If you haven’t visited western Connecticut, please do so some day.  To me it is the beginning of New England with rural and yet in some cases sophisticated small towns and pretty farms in between.