May 9: The Gettysburg Battlefield
We left Waynesboro Pennsylvania this morning for a relatively short ride to Hanover. There was time to stop in Gettysburg and tour the battlefield that some say was the turning point for the Union victory during the Civil War. Although the battlefield covers a large area, the whole landscape is pretty much preserved as it was in July of 1863. The one exception: there are monuments everywhere, honoring the 170,000 plus Confederate and Union soldiers. It was a chilling experience to visit this place.
The flat tire counts stands at: Jeff - 8 and Marc - 2.
May 10
Good Samaritan bike shop saves the day. We left Hanover and mid-way through the day, Mike Dunn appeared and he had his son with him—19 year old Brady. Remember Mike rode with us for three days in Kansas. Apparently we wore Mike down so he brought in reinforcements to get even. Brady suited up and offered to take the lead position to cut through the wind. I (Marc) jumped in behind him but it didn't last long. After the first climb, I found myself 50 yards behind and panting. Instead of admitting defeat, when I caught Brady, I explained he needed to slow down for Jeff's sake. Brady pulled us for the next 15 miles to finish the ride in Reading. By this time, my bike was making a racket from the rear wheel. I called a local bike shop in Reading but they closed in 30 minutes. They agreed to wait for me. Jim, at the bike shop, explained that the bearings were shot. He did not have a new set in stock. 150 miles to go to New York and my Trek 5000 is finished. I thanked him and started to head for the door. As I was walking away with my head hanging low, Jim asked what I was doing in Reading and why the rush. I explained Mayor Anderson's message, how far I had come and our final destination. “HOLD ON!” Jim said. “I will tear the bearings out of new wheel and install them in yours after we close and have it in the morning, if that's okay.” I'll get a picture of Jim and his bike shop in tomorrow's trip report.
May 11
Crossing the Delaware. We left Reading, Pa., with Brady Dunn (the 19 year old, 6'2", 120 pound, Lance Armstrong look alike) pushing us down hills and drafting us upgrade. Jeff and I decided to try to stay with him, hoping we could wear him down over the long 105 mile distance planned for the day. Dumb idea. At mile 35, Brady jumped in the car and "tagged in"
Mike Dunn
to finish us off. And it worked. In spite of the humiliation, the ride was very nice, with clear blue skies and temperatures near 80 degrees. We heard you folks back in Utah are getting snowed on toda. Sorry. The ride took us along the impressive Delaware River for several miles and then we crossed over it into New Jersey on a cool iron bridge. The deck of the bridge was made of a steel material that you could see through to the water belo, much like a heavy duty screen for a window.
On to New York tomorrow.
May 12
Today took us to Manhattan Island, New York. The Mayor and other city officials of Raritan welcomed us as we passed through their town. We entered the heart of Manhattan by electric train. We don't suggest New York for a pleasure bike ride. Now off to a Broadway show for Jeff and Marc. We think we'll see Spamalot. The Mayor's message will be safely delivered to Joe Hoopes tomorrow at the New York Yacht Club. Joe Hoopes is the owner of the sail yacht, the “Palawan,” which will carry the message across the Atlantic.
May 13
We learned that by sheer coincidence Mayor Anderson is in New York attending his son's graduation from New York University. Together with Mayor Anderson, we delivered the message to Joe Hoopes. Good luck, Joe.
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