Here's the story of why I'm riding across america

Hello, I’m Dave Nowlan. I cycled from Encinitas, Calif., to Cape Cod, Mass. from April 22 through May 28, 2012 in an effort to raise awareness of Multiple Sclerosis (MS), and to help fund research for a cure. My wife, Claire, and daughter, Julia, both have MS. I broke my back in a sledding accident almost three years ago; I’m the luckiest guy in the world to have recovered without being paralyzed and was able to ride this long cross continent adventure. Click on this link to “my story” for more information and why I continue riding. Here is a link to Information about MS

Saturday, May 26, 2012

Day 35 - Massachusetts! (May 26)

My wonderful sister, Therese, drove up last night from Manhattan to support us and spend the evening in Albany.  She experienced our daily evening and morning routine, including meals, with us first hand. Thank you Therese for everything! We love you.

Some of the final milestones were achieved today.  Reaching our home state of Massachusetts was a great feeling. Climbing over the Berkshires was also completed and we reached the shores of the Connecticut River in West Springfield.  I rode 98 miles today, here's the link to the map of today's ride.

We took a couple of video's at the Lebanon Valley Speedway for my good frield Mark, the ride commissioner,  who is a racing fan. Claire is correct, we did have an old Pontiac Grand Prix.

I went over "Jacob's Ladder"  which was one of the first mountain roads ever built (1910), planned to cross the Berkshires.  The Berkshires were definately a challenge but I was able to climb over them and enjoy a many mile downhill on the east side.  The area is extremely beautiful.

I'm estimating that I'll be coming over the Bourne bridge in the early afternoon (1:00 to 2:00) on Monday, Memorial Day.  NOTE: This is an estimate and is subject to change based on how tomorrow's ride goes. I'll provide an updated estimate tomorrow evening





Albany Bike Rack - Very Cool



















5 comments:

  1. Awesome ride today Dave. 95 miles over the Berkshires. I'm very impressed. Welcome back to Massachusetts!

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    1. Heh Dave, I would sing again to you if could....

      The Hills Are Alive


      The hills are alive,
      With the sound of music
      With songs they have sung
      For a thousand years

      The hills fill my heart,
      With the sound of music
      My heart wants to sing
      Every song it hears

      My heart wants to beat
      Like the wings of the birds
      That rise from the lake to the trees

      My heart wants to sigh
      Like a chime that flies
      From a church on a breeze

      To laugh like a brook
      When it trips and falls
      Over stones on its way
      To sing through the night
      Like a lark
      go davey go. Maureen

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  2. Hi Dave & Claire, We've been following your epic adventure on the blog and just want to say how proud and impressed we are with you both. We have enjoyed your journey and wish we could be there with you to celebrate your homecoming. You are both amazing!!!!Love you lots, Kiette & Greg

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  3. Dear Dave and Claire,
    Russell and I are so impressed with your incredible stamina and your positive attitude even when facing the Appalachian Mountains and a 4,000 ft. climb! You might experience some doubt, but it never keeps you from meeting the challenge each day.
    I love that you get up every morning and say, "It's another Ground Hog Day (full of work!), except we don't know the people and stories we'll encounter along the way." That attitude keeps you very open to new people and new experiences. You are very focused on staying in the present, which is a gift to others and a gift to yourselves.
    I know you are looking forward to dipping that wheel in the Atlantic, and going to your own home and sleeping in your own bed!
    And I know you will never forget your Awesome Adventure!
    Thank you, Claire and Dave, for the gift of your love and your service.
    Russell and Therese

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  4. I am SO proud of my Bro and Sis for arriving back in our home state. This deserves a second donation! Yoo-hoo Lovu Suzie Q

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