May 18, 2014-A Saturday exploring Exeter-Portsmouth and THE First Day of the Ride on Sunday
After two days driving in the rain north from Atlanta to Exeter, NH, Lisa and I were delighted the rain we brought up the coast quit dumping early Saturday morning and the Exeter-Portsmouth area had the most gorgeous Saturday we could imagine.
With Craig and Dori, we explored historic Exeter and discovered the town was founded in 1638 and was the first capitol of New Hampshire during the Revolutionary War. Being a founding Father history buff, I had to get an Exeter T-Shirt with New Hampshire’s motto: “Live free or die” on it.
We journeyed out to see the Portsmouth Lighthouse and then had dinner at the Old Salt Inn and the best Haddock with Lobster Sauce dish I have ever eaten. We also learned that the drivers in Exeter were the most gracious we have encountered. Standing on a curb between two cross-walks looking like I want to take a picture across the street, cars actually stopped both ways and motioned for me to come across. Where does that happen?
We launched this morning from Hampton Beach and did the ceremonial bikes dipped in the Atlantic Ocean routine. Unfortunately, Alan and Sheryl were delayed a few days by HVAC problems and they plan to meet up with us in Western New Hampshire this Monday night. So Craig and I left Hampton Beach this morning and took the back roads to New Boston, NH, a 60 mile warm-up jaunt with about 3300 feet elevation change and the most hospitable drivers on this planet. We got lost a few times around Manchester. We found out pretty quick, google, our bike gps, and New Hampshire roads just don’t match up! Thank God Craig had cue sheets and maps printed out ahead of time! Other than that the route took us through quaint towns, rolling hillsides (low speed 4.6 mph and high speed 40.2mph with lots in between), and along a river where there were more than a few fly fishermen. Folks in New Hampshire have been incredibly helpful. Mike walking his dog near Exeter, two gentlemen in Manchester, a couple on a bike trail all kept us on track. I even got invited to fill my water bottle in the historic town of Chester at the Vestry for the First Congregational Church of Chester founded in 1733. Stopping for a quick break while Craig was snapping photos of a historic marker, a couple wise ladies invited me in to get some water where at least 50 people were having a late lunch and having a good ole time sharing. We also got mooned by a 5 year old boy we notice dropping his drawers to relieve himself behind a pine tree that faced the road out of view of his parents who were working in the yard. 🙂 Ah, our younger years. Of course we were too slow on the draw to get a picture. That was the priceless moment of the day!
Integrated Life Mentoring 
This trip is so awesome…really looking forward to reading about it throughout. Miss you guys and think about you often.
Miss you guys too. Those boys must be quite the crew by now. Let’s connect sometime soon.
You’re such an inspiration Gary! Looking forward to future posts!
Love the pictures!
Like your new biking clothes.
Hey Mom, Thanks and some of them will fit better a bit further along on this trip. 🙂
Beautiful scenery! What an adventure. You all are such an inspiration! Looking forward to all the posts. 🙂
Awesome pictures and text Gary. Thanks for sharing. We look forward to following you guys along the way. Tish and I might have to do something like this down the road!!!!!
Y’all can do it James!
That was me behind the tree. I am just playing. So proud of you all. Keep up the great pace.
Thanks for all the coaching to get in shape to do this the past two years Bobby. You don’t know how much I appreciate it! The foam roller has been a big help on this journey.
You always have such Big Hairy Audacious Goals! Travel safe and hug Lisa for me!
I did give Lisa a hug for you and she says “back at you”. I guess Ed will need to give you a hug for us!