Kulpsville PA to Lawrencevill NJ- The Big Finish

I write this from the comfort of my air-conditioned home in Somerville MA, with music playing, and Barbara reading the Times next to me. Walking outside this morning, it was quite hot already. Who would bike in such weather??

Hard to believe that the Anchor House ride is completed- it's over in a blur of moving spokes. The last day of the ride was sweet and as always bittersweet, with a more leisurely pace as we had to only cycle 65 miles instead of the usual 70-80. We left Kulpsville and cycled toward the Delaware River. Although it was near 90, it felt no where near as hot as the day before. It was less humid, and the air was moving. We enjoyed our last SAG stop of the ride, having our last taste of watermelon. and peanut butter and banana concoctions. My roommate Jack and I are seen in front of the SAG scene. The scenery was again beautiful, and as we neared the river, we began to recognize old familiar cycling roads. We stopped at the Carversville General Store and enjoyed our classic cycling breakfast staple- an egg sandwich. We descended through lovely Carversville and soon arrived at the pedestrian bridge over the Delaware River. Once we crossed into NJ, we were on roads we knew well, and flew through Hunterdon and northern Mercer counties, enjoying a fair amount of shade, and lots of comraderie. Five miles from our picnic spot in Pennington, I heard an odd noise and as I got off my bike to investigate, and found my back tire had blown out. Note the impressive rupture! My good friend Jerry soon arrived at the scene, with his traveling mechanics shop in his front bag. He pulled out a spare tire (most of us carry spare tubes but not spare tires), and with my other bud Henry (who circled back when he didn't see me) we quickly got me back on my bike. Jerry was the man this week, helping many cyclists in need. Thanks Jerry and Henry!

We soon arrived at the Dutco's house, a wonderful family that every year hosts a big picnic at their house for all the riders. We enjoyed their wonderful food and swimming in their pool, and poised for our group photos.

After the picnic, we began our slow ten mile processional to Q'Bridge Mall, replete with a police escort and people waving from the sidewalks and cars honking as they passed. We arrived at the Mall, where we one at a time, get the thrill of biking through the Mall past cheering crowds, with loud music blaring. We found out that we had raised over $400,000 this year, with more still coming. Thanks to everyone who supported us, and thanks to all of the Anchor House riders for making this such a great week. Same time next year, okay?