Final Post

First a big thanks to all the people I stayed with a long the way and all the friends I met or met-up with during the trip.

Here are a few statistics followed by some lessons learned/thoughts should someone else find this site and do a similar trip.

Total days: 46
Days riding: 31
Days resting: 14
Days on a bus: 1

(following are approximate)
Total Miles: 4,200
Miles by Bicycle: 3,400
Miles by Bus: 500
Miles by Car: 200
Miles by Public Transit: 100

(excluding rest days)
Hours Spent Pedaling: 300
Hours Spent in other Travel: 15
Hours Spent Sleeping: 250
Hours Spent in Pizza Hut: 20
Hours doing other stuff: 180

Pizza Huts eaten at: 9

Day 31: No longer homeless

Home, or something like it.

Day 31: Finished

Done.

Day 31: Final Day

I camped out last night just past New London, putting me just over 100 miles out from Boston. This morning I am going to head to Providence, RI, where I am planning to stop for a brief lunch before I push on to HKS; hopefully arriving there by 4pm or so.

I am looking forward to being done with this trip and start preparing for the school year. I have developed a massive "To Do" list of things I have put off while on this bike trip and things I need to do be ready for school. First up: I have my household goods (Army term) being delivered tomorrow and it is finally time for a hair (and beard) cut.

Day 30: Into New England

Visiting New Haven, CT. I have adjusted my route to continue East for now and then cut North through Rhode Island to Providence and on up to Boston. Hoping to get close to Rhode Island tonight.

Day 29: End

In New York City. Taking Saturday off before I continue North....for just 2 more days of riding.

In Philly

First bite of an authentic Philly Cheese Steak.

Arriving in Philly

In Philly.

Day 28: Through Baltimore

I did ford the river yesterday, it was pretty muddy and didn't have a good exit on the far side. I carried my bags over on the first trip, and then my bike on the second.

In the next town, I first stopped to borrow someone's hose to wash off and then found a place for dinner. Following dinner I continued on to Baltimore and found a nice hidden grassy area a long the bike trail to sleep at--probably my second to last night camping out.

I guess the last week+ sleeping indoors has spoiled me, because I slept poorly despite good conditions. Woke up at 5:45 and continued on out of the city. Looking forward to getting to Philly this afternoon where I will meet up with a friend I worked with in Najaf that just started at Wharton (U Penn), and enjoy another night indoors.

Day 27: Going through Maryland

Bridge is missing. Ford or take a 7 mile detour.

In DC

Arrived in DC at noon today. Spent the afternoon riding around the Mall seeing the sites here in DC. Of course a lot of good picture oppertunities, but unfortunately my phone decided to quit on life last night.

My phone had gotten wet Saturday night, and after spending a bunch of time at Verizon stores Sunday it looked like it was fully operational; however after about 6 hours of riding on the bus the phone just stopped on me. Verizon is mailing m a replacement that should arrrive Wednesday, so won't effect my schedule too much, as long as the phone arrives on time.

I am staying with my friend Evan--a FSO I worked with on the Najaf PRT in Iraq. Tomorrow we are meeting up with LTC Miska for lunch, and I will spend some more time sight seeing in DC.

On to DC.

Just left Cincinnati for DC...ended up taking the bus, it is actually a little faster. I should get into DC by noon, and will spend a few days visiting some friends I worked with there before continuing North to Philly.

I had a great time in Cincinnati and met a bunch of great new friends that I hope to stay in touch with. The party last night was wild...I imagine pictures will emerge on Facebook over the next few days.

O and surprisingly, Greyhound follows my route: headed through Columbus to Pittsburgh and then down to DC. Of course the big difference is I can sleep while moving and it will take about 10% as much time.