Group Finish

Has it really been a week since we finished? Thanks to all from New Bern who were a part of CNC and made this CNC a great experience.

(Photo left to right: Paul, Bonnie, Tim, Nancy, John, and Bill Jutz.)

Road Cycling with Jim

Blog Stats

It is not usual to post stats on a blog.  But since this is a team blog, I thought my fellow contributors would be interested,

Page views by country since inception:

United States 2,628

Russia 58

United Kingdom 4

Page views today                                                                    151


So does one of us have relatives in Russia?

Finish Line Celebration

The Champagne celebration carried over to the Hoffman's cottage.  I would be remiss not to mention the fantastic meal they provided.  Many thank go to Paul and Lisa and the other that provided it.

Thanks all.

Finish Line Celebration

Thanks to the Kleckers for the Champagne.   We made it.

Bill Sadler
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Test

Did it work?

Bill Sadler
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Day 2 was a COLD start

I was told it got down to 39 degrees on the second night.  It was cold getting out of the tent that morning and the heater on my bike was slow to warm up. 

You asked how cold was it.....

It was so cold that I had to push my bike up the first hill.

Something was wrong with my drive train. (legs)

Day 1and Pilot Mountain

It was a cold start on day 1 of the CNC, but by the time we got to Pilot Mountain it had warmed up nicely.  Maybe that was because I was huffing and puffing up those mountain roads.

Second email blog test

 Sailing a Bay River Skiff on Kiwassa Lake in the Adirondacks in the summer of '11.  Mount Ampersand in the distance

Email Test

This is a test of the email posting feature

George and Carol Myers

Joanne's photos

 Here are some pictures sent by Joanne Somerday

Dave, Bill, Joanne and Cal at Bodie lighthouse

Last man to finish

Joanne and Cal at finish

Pilot Mountain Day #1

Nancy Alexander, Bonnie Refinski-Knight, Joanne Somerday, Mark Masser, Cassandra Crowder, George Myers

The picture above was taken with Pilot Mountain in the background using Bonnie's camera.

Sherpa Carol

Our ride experience, and that of many others, was certainly enhanced by having my wife Carol along for the adventure.  She did a lot more than just drive the car.  She scouted out opportunities and restaurants in each town, found the best way to cycle from our hotel to our daily route and networked with people at each campground before our arrival.  I think she also enjoyed socializing with the early riders and other spouses of riders.

I have done the camping bit before (for 4 days) and for me the only way to do CNC is hotels and private sag support! Thank you Carol!

Cassandra, Carol, George, Mark

Day #7 Corolla

For me, Saturday's ride was the nicest.  It was again sunny and cool with a northeast breeze.  But there were enough trees and buildings to block much of the wind.  We biked through parts of the barrier islands you normally don't see traveling by car on NC 12.  Lots of nice residential neighborhoods and parks along with some surprising hills.  Riding in the vicinity of Jockey's Ridge, we had a couple of nice climbs and coasts.  These roads were mostly traffic free allowing riding two or three abreast and actually talking casually with your fellow riders.  Very nice!!  We arrived at our destination in Corolla at 11:00 and were able to take the first shower after the shower trucks were set up.  Then for a barbecue lunch and the drive home.  Carol and I got home around 6:00 after dropping off Joanne and Cassandra and stopping at Harris Teeter for some steak and salad fixings.  All in all one terrific week.  On the ride home Cassandra was trying to generate interest in the Jasper Ride this morning.  Joanne said she would do it, I can't print was Mark said by cell phone, and I said NO!  We'll check Dave's website later to see if Cassandra and Joanne actually show up.

Mark, Marshall,Cassandra, Betty, George at the end of a very nice ride

Finished

Marshall rode everyday. I think this is now marked off our bucket list. Good times.......