Day five started with my friends singing Happy Birthday as they gave me a signed card with cake for breakfast! And my bike was decorated by Erin, our LOD. I was very touched! We left the hotel a bit later than usual as there was a possibility of rain. Every morning has been SO cold, but it was actually warm and most of us left without raincoats. Thankfully the clouds cleared and it was a beautiful sunny day. We climbed up over 4 miles up Moosic Mountain which I have to say, was grueling. A very tough long climb up 247 South. My left ankle was sore before we left the hotel, and I did my best to stretch it as I rode. We climbed more than 4000 feet in elevation. At the top of the mountain we rested at SAG1 and I felt good. But soon after we got going again, my ankle proved to cause me more pain than I could manage while riding. At least I did the climbing but I could not do more without help. Bruce and Virginia rescued me on the side of the road as my friends reassured me I was doing the right thing. We call this “getting sagged” and I rode later with Jill who treated me to a birthday milkshake at the icecream stop where my friends later enjoyed lunch. We are having dinner together in the hotel, Chinese food in Room Frankencheryl. Ah, another day, another 70+ miles.

Val won a Yellow Truck award tonight for most improved rider, along with our cycling reporter, Krystal.

Last night Joan, the Leader Of the Day (LOD) took us on an adventure to The Wright’s log cabin home for a homemade meal served with love and generosity which moved us all. This local married couple opened their home to us, cooked us a delicious meal and even made a donation to Anchor House! Wow!!!!

Today, Day Four, we left Owego in a cold fog, literally. It wad freezing cold and we also had low visibilty. As the sun broke through we started to warm up around mile 22. We had to traverse through an industrial town of Vestle. Not sure if that was NY or PA at that point but it was scary and full if traffic. At mile 40 we had our first SAG with disco music up on a hill. Fun!

The only photo I have is from a bridge we rode under. I need to keep better notes as to what we see, but between riding, sun-screen and hydrating, this is what I have.

SAG 2 came around mile 60(?) and we finish with a LOT of up hill climbing. My training with Ribin Gale has proven itself. Last time I did these particular hills, I had to walk up. Not this time, as I was earning a double waffle cone at Merrings Farm Icecream. Banana and Chocolate Peanut butter.

Tonight is our banquet. My friend Val Ferro and my roomate Dan will receive a Five Year plaque for 5 years of contribution as well as others who have helped for 5, 10, and more years. Linda is getting a 10 year Plaque! This is the 31st anniversary of this ride. We are staying at the very comfortable and service oriented Nichols Village in Clarks Summit, PA.