Sharon, VT to Big Rock Campground (Lincoln, NH); 72 miles, 5-10 SW, sunny, 60-70’s

Today was a day of “major climbs” as described by the Adventure Cycle map profile. That equates to 3.5 climbs for a total of almost 6000 feet of elevation gain. The half climb includes going halfway up the Kancamagus Pass east of Lincoln, NH at the end of the day because well the riding was still going strong at that point. We crossed the Connecticut River from Vermont to New Hampshire so one more state to go. The day also featured not one but two legitimate covered bridges unlike those replicas earlier in the trip. One of the climbs crossed the Appalachian Trail at the summit and we thought about our good friends Marji and Jim who hiked past there on their way to completing a through hike. Lincoln is very busy at the height of tourist season in the White Mts, a big change from the quiet small towns we have been staying in.

 

Big Rock Campground NH to Naples, ME; 75 miles, partly cloudy, 10-15 NW, and 50-70s

The first six miles completed the climb to the Kancamagus Pass. The grade really only became somewhat steep at 9% within a mile of the pass. Based on the map profile and my observation descending, the climb is much harder going west bound than east bound as it is steeper for a much longer distance. We descended to Conway, NH and the route included a side road with yet another covered bridge. From Conway it was then a short ride to cross over into Maine at Fryeburg. This being a weekend, the main roads were very busy with backups at every light. A fortuitous bike trail allowed a bypass of road construction just over the state line. From Fryeburg the route followed less traveled state roads and back roads to Naples through lake country. While the biggest climbs are history, there were and will be many hills to ride up in ME all the way to the end of the ride. Today there were more downs than ups as we traveled away from the mountains toward the coast.

Most photo credits are to the SAG driver.

 

Naples, ME to Damariscotta, ME; 76 miles, sunny, 10 W, 60-70’s

The ride continued to follow less traveled state roads and country roads towards the coast. Yes, it is hilly in Maine, very little flat sections. In particular there are these short really steep sections that challenge my lowest gearing. Not complaining, just reporting. This was what I call a slow day due to the hills, but also due to  many route turns and the time it takes to make sure you have made the correct turn. Some roads are unsigned so keeping track of mileage is important, something I have mental lapses about at times.  Cell coverage is not always available as a backup. The scenery has been forests, lakes, and the occasional little Maine town. We had a nice chat with a couple from Madison, WI we met on the road that were completing their self contained cross county trip today in Brunswick. They had started on 5/30 so they have made good time. We rode through Brunswick, Bath, and Wiscasset along Highway 1 on the way to Damariscotta where we are staying tonight with friends of Sally. I have now seen tide water on the east coast so technically I have crossed the continent. However, there are still miles to go to reach the final goal of Bar Harbor.

 

Damariscotta, ME to Bucksport, ME; 69 miles, sunny, 10 SW, 60-70’s

The ups and downs continued, especially on the state roads. There were longer stretches of riding on US 1 with a generous shoulder and less traffic than yesterday. The route is following the coast line by cutting across the headland peninsulas. US 1 has flatter hills and more traffic. The state roads have less traffic but more hills including the “steeps”, those short sections of high gradient. Along the way I spotted a beast that looks like it must be in the cattle family, but I have no clue what it is. We passed through the bay towns of Rockport, Camden, Belfast, and Searsport before arriving in Bucksport. This is the second year in a row I have biked to Belfast. Last year it was the end town for the Trek Across Maine charity ride I participated in. Belfast has a working ship yard and a large boat was being hauled into a large building for some dry dock work as I rode by. At the end of the ride I rode over this magnificent bridge to Verona Island just across from Bucksport over the Penobscot River where it empties into Penobscot Bay.

 

Bucksport, ME to Bar Harbor, Me; 46 miles, mostly cloudy, calm, and 70’s

The bike ride across the continent is now finished. The official Adventure Cycle Northern Tier route eastern end point is the town pier in Bar Harbor. The route followed US 1 and then turned off on a great quiet back road before reaching Ellsworth and the tourist traffic on ME 3. Then it was over a couple of hills through Acadia NP to town.

The total distance as measured on my bike cyclometer is 4179 miles. It has been a great experience to again complete a long cycle tour. There is the feeling of personal accomplishment but also the chance to see the sweep of our country coast to coast, and to meet people one would not otherwise come in contact with. I am thankful to have the health and fitness to undertake such a journey, and that it was completed safely and without any serious events (besides four flat tires). A big thank you to Sally for supporting me along the way, I could not have done it without her. It will take some time for me to further reflect on all we have experienced.

Thank you for following the journey on the blog ( and a special shout out to Millie my biggest fan). I would be remiss if I did not mention that the trip was a fundraiser for Journeys of Solutions and there is a Donate button at the top of the page.

The end.