Building on my bicycle ride across America in 2017/8, I plan to celebrate my 70th birthday by biking from Key West, Florida, to Bay Harbor, Maine. This is a distance of 2,200 miles.
Because of how much the U.S. Coast Guard and her people mean to me and my family, I’m using this ride to raise funds for Coast Guard Mutual Assistance (CGMA). CGMA is the official relief society of the Coast Guard. CGMA provides a way to extend compassion to one another in times of need.
Training is complete. I’ll fly to Key West with my bicycle in February to begin Phase I of the ride to Jacksonville. Phase II is from Jacksonville to Washington, DC. Phase III is from DC to Maine. I hope to be done by the time I celebrate my birthday in July.
This will be the first time that I will check my bike as baggage on the plane. I’ve carefully packed it in a foam-lined soft case. My anxiety about damage from baggage handling will ease once I’ve received and assembled my bike at the airport.
Dear Manson, you inspire me! What a great trip this is going to be. Deb and I look forward to greeting you to Maine as you prepare to reach your final destination. Our only request is that you travel safely. On our part, we will work hard to get rid of the snow and raise the temperature for your safe passage through the Pine Tree State.
Mucho love and Best Wishes Classmate,
Chris and Deb
Thanks so much, Classmate and Deb. Phase I was pretty challenging given the cold fronts and high winds. I’ll update the blog after getting some rest. We as Coasties certainly are trained to persevere!
Manson, please know you have support in the Boston area. We live northwest of the city in a town called Westford. If you need a place to stay or a ride anywhere in the area I am standing by. We are near one of the rail trails that runs from Concord MA to Chelmsford MA. If nothing else I’ll keep checking your site to make sure that I am along your route to cheer you on. Thanks for the good work you’re doing.
Bill, I deeply appreciate your kinship and continuing support. I’ll keep you posted on my New England route.
Great job Manson! When do you anticipate being in the DC/NoVA area? I would love to join you for a few miles while you are en route.
John, thanks so much for your generous support. I’ve been uplifted by the magnitude of support and outreach.
I’m hoping to roll into DC/NoVA around 8 April. CGMA might coordinate a welcoming event near the Lincoln Memorial so please monitor their comms. After the conclusion of their event, I’ll continue to bike to Burke, VA. I welcome fellow riders to join in… I don’t go fast anymore!
Best, Manson
BZ shipmate!