Final thoughts on the UGRR

Final Thoughts/Reflections

August 4, 5, and 6, 2011

The end of our trip has given us two delightful surprises: Buffalo, New York and Bob and Judie PufPaff.  Buffalo has turned out to be a jewel of a city.  We came to Buffalo with a not so favorable image of the city.  Buffalo has a unique and varied history.  The homes, places to eat, Lake Erie and the Niagara River all reflect the nature of this community. Bob and Judie are part of the community. They are long time friends of our friend, Paul Kressin.  Paul grew up here and encouraged us to call them while we were here. We are so glad we did!! Bob and Judie are marvelous hosts. 

Final Thoughts

Every tour we have taken has its own character/flavor/theme. For example when we did the Lewis and Clark Tour the theme was tracing the historical journey of Lewis and Clark.  As we traveled the route we saw markers of the events that made history.  The Great River Ride was traveling along the 4 great rivers. (You get the idea.) 

This trip has its own character/flavor/theme.  It brings to mind two words: escape-and invisible. Evidence of the “freedom seekers” is scarce and limited through the states of Alabama, Mississippi, Kentucky and Tennessee.  Because of the weather and terrain, we always felt like we were “escaping” to the North for cooler weather and less rugged terrain.  When we reached Ohio we felt this ‘breath” of fresh air from the Ohio River. Our route at times seemed invisible like a secret. The lack of documentation up to Ohio made us wonder how the “freedom seekers” every found their way.

Our trip was Hot the first two thirds and we had difficult days.  The detours we encountered weren’t always pleasant surprises, but we problem solved our way through them. Each day we learned something new about ourselves and our country. Bike touring is like life’s journey (OK you have heard this before)—every day is a new day.  Some days are better than others, but we learn to accept each day as a gift.   We learn to expect and deal with the unexpected. We use our sense of wonder to  look for joy each day no matter how big or small. , We appreciate the people along the way and the memories they leave with us.

Thanks to ALL of you who responded by emails, Face Book and texting with your positive energy, prayers and safe travel wishes.  You will never know the impact of your kindness to us as we read your messages at the end of a particularly challenging day!

Thanks to Jessica, Greg and Esther for watching and caring for our home.

To Esther –keep your sense of wonder, adventure, and joy.  But most of all remember that you have the family trait of “spunk” (courage and determination) from Grams!

Total Stats of the Trip

1771 total miles

10.8 average mph

163.8 riding hours

69,000 feet elevation gain (13.2 miles)

Happy trails

Charlene and Bruce