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

Sunday, May 27, 2012

Day 36 - Can Taste It

I rode from West Springfield, MA to Middleboro, MA. today and logged in 105 miles.  Here's the link to the map of today's ride.  Claire, the SAG manager deluxe, helped navigate today's route which brought us through Connecticut and Rhode Island and back into Massachusetts. We started out on US route 20 through Sturbridge MA then we switched to Rt 131 bringing us into Connecticut and we transitioned to Route 12 to Route 44 East, through Providence to Middleboro, MA.

While going through Sturbridge, MA we came upon some forest devastation from last year's tornado.  Seeing the extent of the devastation first hand amazed us.

In east Providence my daughter, Julia, and granddaughter, Sage, surprised me and drove along until the end of today's ride providing cheers and support.  This provided a real boost, as I lost 2 pounds to the Berkshires yesterday and I was dragging a little this afternoon. We then met up with Julia's girlfriend, Jenny and her kids and shared a meal together.  It was so nice to see family again and we celebrated my grandaughter, Jura's, birthday.

Today's ride set me up for a shorter mileage day tomorrow to enjoy.  Similarly to last day of the Tour de France,  I'll ride leisurely and savor the last day of this 5 week adventure.  We're still on schedule to arrive over the Bourne Bridge between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM, then we will ride to Old Silver Beach in Falmouth with anyone who would like to ride with me for the last eleven miles together.  Here's a link to the route from the Bridge to Old Silver.

You may call Claire, the SAG manager at 508 274 8247 after 10:00 for an update of the time expected over the Bourne Bridge.









Ducks




Julia's Decorated Car


Our Reunion With Sage

Family at End of Today's Ride
Post Ride Icing (Precautionary)

7 comments:

  1. Congratulations Dave!! Kudos, Claire!!
    You have completed over 3,000 miles!! Awesome!
    Russell and I are so proud of you both!
    Our wish for tomorrow is that you take your time on your way to the Cape, and have fun on the last 11 miles after the bridge.
    This is a dream come true!
    We love you! from Russell and Therese

    ReplyDelete
  2. Dave u truly are my hero. I'm so proud of you and so proud to be a part of ur family. You and Claire are truly inspirational in ur support of one another and love. So excited to watch u both complete this journey today. Julia and I and all the kids will be cheering you on. We love you so much! Enjoy today- u are amazing :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. Well done Dave cherish the last leg of the ride today and have cold one or two when you'r done... ~Vic

    ReplyDelete
  4. I don't want to bother Claire at this time of the morning - anyone have an ETA for Old Silver today? I'd like to cheer their arrival.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Nice idea to cut down to CT and RI for a bit. I'd imagine Rt 44 was a pretty nice ride. Keeping you in mind for this final stretch.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Congratulations Dave and Claire!!! Well done!!! I am in awe. Welcome Home!!!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Welcome home Dave and Claire. Wish I could be there with Leon, Chuck, and Krystel to cheer you on. I'll just have to do it from California. What a great ride. Thanks for taking us all along, enjoyed every minute. Love you both.

    ReplyDelete