Day 4. Camden to Bath

Spent most of the day inland riding up and down some fairly tough hills from Camden to Bath (48 miles). Saw several other cycling tourists on their way to Bar Harbor. Checked into a hotel tonight which happened to have a pool and hot tub - splendid way to end the day.

Day 3. Bucksport to Camden

Good ride today from Bucksport to Camden (38 miles) along the coast. Ran into another cross country cyclist on the road and we had a nice chat. The road narrowed to no shoulder and turned uphill and into the wind towards the end which proved to be a bit difficult. I had to call upon my granny (aka granny gear or the easiest chain linkage) a few times but all in all a good day with some nice coastal scenery. Tomorrow I head inland for a bit.

Day 2. Ellsworth to Bucksport

Another short trip (25 miles) from Ellsworth to Bucksport today through a myriad of blueberry fields. Learned that lobster is very good for breakfast too. Spent the rest of the day working on gear, rearranging things, checking emails, etc. I am following some advice from a friend who told me that starting slow is the way to go. So far so good.

Day 1. Bar Harbor To Ellsworth. I'm on the road!

Well folks, I finally hit the road late Monday afternoon, starting in Bar Harbor, Maine heading south to Jacksonville, Florida. And, first and foremost, I want to thank the many people who have helped me in this venture. That list includes, but is not limited to, the following: Jen, Bower and Tiffany (of course), Dr. Alec Hoon and Kennedy Kreiger, Dr. Jerry Petty, Brooke Ruggles, and the whole team at Carolina Neurosurgery and Spine in Charlotte, N.C., Kim Lyman and the kids, Andy at The Cycling Studio in Asheville, N.C., Frank at Hearns Cycling in Asheville, N.C., Casey Drayton, and all those who have already donated and those who are planning to donate. Day 1 was a short trip from Bar Harbor to Ellsworth (23 miles) but with the late start and some technical malfunctions (e.g. Why does my GPS show me riding my bike in the Atlantic Ocean?) it was an adventure. I had lobster at a roadside shack for dinner and plan on repeating that as many times as possible while here in Maine. Weather was delightful. I have included a few photos of Day 1 in this post.

P.S. A few people have asked what I am bringing with me on this trip. That list is included here: Electronics: I-Pad, I-Phone, I-Touch, Garmin GPS, and chargers

Batteries

Multitool

Bike tools

Spare Bike parts

Bike lock

Sunglasses

Water bottles (3)

Camelback hydration backpack

Tent

Sleeping bag

Sleeping pad

Camp pillow

Cooking pots

Mini-stove

Freeze dried meals (3)

Toothbrush, toothpaste, sunscreen, etc.

First aid kit

Maps

Cycle4cp hats (3)

Bike helmet

Bike gloves (2)

Bike shoes

Cycling jersey (5)

Rain gear

Bike shorts (2)

Bike socks (5)

Bandana

Sandals

Shorts

Shirts (2)

Bathing suit

Watch

Road I.D. Bracelet