While I have been away from my computer and taking a long technology break – Rob made his way across Massachusetts and home to South Walpole on August 3, 2023.

We’ve been home resting, resetting and relishing the simple pleasures of an almost two year old grandson! Starting him on the bike early – Go Asher Go!

Hey Poppa Rob – [Poppo] that bike looks a little small for you!

On Saturday – August 26, Rob will leave South Walpole on his birthday to embark on the last leg of his cross country cycling adventure. He will ride almost 90 miles to Dennis, MA – where friends will host him for his final night on the road. On Sunday, August 27 – on what would have been Scotty’s 64th birthday – Rob will complete his ride in memory of their friendship.

Rob and Scotty were born a mere 5 hours apart in August, 1959.

Leaving New York, Rob has some route challenges due to a faulty GPS signal – Sometimes Rob just gets into the zone and rides and rides and rides – hence the up and back loop on the Garmin – The Adventure Cycling maps are a dependable route system for so many reasons – leaving the route presented some challenges until Rob entered Massachusetts and more familiar territory.

Rob arrived in South Walpole ahead of schedule after encountering some rain and almost being conquered by those dang Berkshire Hills! What!? – Those are mountains!

So for over 75 miles – he pumped up and down those rolling hills of western Mass.

The previous climbing record was 4,872 feet on June 8 going over Sherman Pass in Washington State. We both really thought this record would stand for the duration of the trip. However, on August 2 in the Berkshires – that record was surpassed when he climbed and climbed in and around Westfield, Massachusetts clocking over 5,768 feet!

His new Ascent PR!!

Remembering in March as we drove across Massachusetts, we chuckled at the rode sign along the Mass Pike in what appeared to be a humorous boast.

Just riding by today – hope to be back for a show sometime soon!

Crossed the Appalachian Trail in western Mass – Feels like going home!

You know you are in Massachusetts in August when you see fresh PMC route arrows! Rob followed the Pan Mass Challenge route from outside of Carlisle into Franklin – and then made a beeline for home.

There’s always so much more I want to say – but for now – I just want to thank you all for your support.

I’ll be in touch again on Monday with what may be my final post on this ride anyway …

YUP – that’s a 2018 Honda Gold Wing – purchased just east of Springfield, MA – yes, he did cycle to see the motorcycle and took it for a test ride – wish I had a photo of him on it with his bike helmet!

Our next adventure …Alaska!

Keeping the rubber side down,

Julie and Rob