Day 71 – August 13 – Camden, ME to Bar Harbor, ME – 84 Miles

We did it!

It was foggy and cool for our 7:00 AM start from Camden.  Like all our days so far in Maine we had yet to see the sunshine, this morning was not an exception.  Forecasts called for clearing today.  We had hoped to make it to Belfast, Maine yesterday, to make a shorter day today.  Starting from Camden added 22 miles.  The early start gave us enough time absent any unanticipated obstacles.

The first portion of our ride took us back onto county roads and along Lake Megunticook.  The lake’s islands and rocky shores reminded me of Lake of the Woods in northern Minnesota and Canada.  It was a beautiful ride.  We made it to Belfast and Weaver’s Bakery on Main Street for fresh homemade donuts and coffee.  I know at the conclusion of this ride, I am going to have to quit eating like this, but for now, I indulged.  Belfast is a beautiful historic town on the coast.

From Belfast we re-joined US 1  and were able to make time with a good shoulder and better grades.  Near Bucksport US 1 crosses the Penobscot Narrows on a spectacular single suspension bridge.  We grabbed a quick lunch at the Subway in Bucksport and continued north toward Ellsworth.

Our route diverted from Route 1 near Surry, ME and followed a nice downhill run toward town. Of course, we had to have one more challenge, that is what this trip has been about, meeting challenges!

We were gliding along on a nice level stretch when we heard the dreaded pop and hiss of air leaving a tire.  Within seconds my rear tire was flat.  It turned out to be my third flat of the trip. We had not had a flat since US 41 in western Indiana.  I had a funny feeling this morning that we were traveling on borrowed time with regard to flats.  The funny thing was that I had not seen anything on the road that would have caused such quick loss of air.  As it turns out, the flat had not been caused by a road hazard, the tube had been punctured by a spoke.  The rim liner had worked its way from over a spoke and which resulted 1/8 inch hole in the tube.   We refitted the liner, replaced the tube and were back on the road in 20 minutes.

Traffic increased as we approached Ellsworth.  It was very congested when we re-joined US 1.  Barb had secured a room at the Hampton Inn on the east side of Ellsworth on Route 1.  For the last 20 miles we were able to ride without the bags and trailer having left them at the hotel.  Our route to Bar Harbor took us along busy US 3.  Traffic was constant.  The lighter load was welcome.  Once on the island, our route diverted off of Route 3 and took us up and over Desert Mountain, our last climb.  From the top of Mt. Desert we coasted almost all the way through Bar Harbor, to the waterfront and down the boat ramp.  Barb saw us make the corner around the town park toward the pier, and joined us a few minutes later.

I checked my wristwatch; it was 5:38 PM. We had finished.

As I write this, it still hasn’t all soaked in.  Of course, Ride for Water is only half complete.  Now comes the real work, in Malawi.

I do want to say, that all the comments to this blog and the donations made, have offered powerful encouragement to us and hope to bring safe water sources to our brothers and sisters in Malawi.  The graciousness shown to us, the generous donations, the friendly honks, and thumbs up as we pass unknown motorists have reminded me of how God can work through each and every individual.  We have been blessed!