Randolph, NH

Hello from the Brocket's house and Randolph, NH! Today was a pretty challenging ride. The hardest part, especially for Ellie, was leaving the Dukes. We really enjoyed our stay at their home and are grateful for their hospitality to us all. As for the ride itself, it was one of the hillier days of the trip. The Green Mountains are really tricky in that as soon as you crest a hill, you go back down, and then back up, and back down... FOREVER! That is what made today a challenge. The day was also pretty long (100 miles) so that added to the fatigue. It was well worth it though because once we got to the Brockett's, we were greeted with a big dinner and a bunch of friendly faces at the town center. The town's people put on a dinner for us at the center and we got to talk about our bike trip with them. It was great to tell stories but also sad to realize the trip is coming to an end. As we reflected on our time in the Cascades, Rockies, Mississippi River, etc., a real sense of nostalgia overcame the group and we truly came to grasp how much ground we had covered. The dinner was awesome and we really enjoyed the generousity from the people of Randolph. Tomorrow is a much shorter and flatter day. Today was the last hard day of the trip.. Although these days were always hard, I know that in weeks, months, and years, we will remember days like today and feel a real sense of accomplishment. We are looking forward to seeing our families, friends, and supporters in Maine.

As for my month away from the group... I am not much for talking about myself but I will say that the rowing was a great experience and I sure learned a lot of new things about it. The blog was a frequent stop on my computer while at camp and the cyclists never left my mind. I love all the members of the bike trip and the cause that we are raising money for. I cannot put into words how happy I am to be back with my closest friends.

See you in Maine,
Brendon