YESTERDAY WE DID IT! 3,450 miles on a bike from Oceanside California to Portland Maine while sowing seeds along the way for kids with arthritis!
We left Portsmouth around 9:30 and started out last toenail of the trip. Maine is kind of like a giant Door County... but honestly, it was tires on pavement with anticipation only to get to that spot where we were going to jump in the ocean. Get to that spot we did! We cruised along Cape Elizabeth to Two Lights rode, right down to the Lobster Shack and a small crappy beach on the Atlantic Ocean! Everything was stripped off down to just our bike shorts as fast as we could get these them. It was a great show of stage actors changing for the scene. Then, with glory and Eye of the Tiger being wrongly half sang/hummed, we ran into the salty sweet finish line!
The ocean was cold, but it doused us with the knowledge of a giant accomplishment. It's cool waters bringing back memories of the other side of this landmass. While chilled and in the water, memories were spoken of of our journey. However, it didn't last too long, there was a Lobster Shack to go to!
We got ourselves some lobster and it was delicious, good job Maine! We sat right next to the ocean watching the birds and the people and devouring our prize. We chatted with a few people who were talking about how far they'd come for lobster... They all agreed we had won!
Ocean to Ocean complete! After lobster we rode our bikes to a warmshowers host house in Portland, Maine. We were giving high fives to everyone possible on our ride, it was joyous! Big thanks to Nola and Rick for letting us stay and making dinner! You guys are awesome. Also, we got to hang out with Matt's cousin Jen. She took us out to celebrate and it turned out to be a great night. Greek music, beautiful people, beautiful Portland, good beer, huge leap for the Rain Cyclists!
I am so glad to have met everyone we did along this trip! Nate and Matt would say that it is the people of this trip that was the best part. Part of me agreed, the other side of me says otherwise. The best part of this journey, for me, was every time someone said I was inspiring. Every time that a kid with JA at the conference passed me along in the hotel and shot me a smile and a wave. When they wanted those pictures taken because the thought I was a kind of hero to them. To go through this journey and to have inspired these kids and the people we met was my ultimate goal. I am pleased to say that, without a doubt, that goal has been met (just wiped away some tears).
Our ride continues.... We are celebrating with a ride to Mt. Katahdin. Then to Barr Harbor, then back! We will be back in Portland on the first of Sept. with some media coverage for our journey! WOOOPIE!
Now.... The bad news: I was informed yesterday by the person who has helped me get this ball rolling with the arthritis foundation of some bad news. Since my donations website is on a North Dakota webpage (since it is a break off of the North Dakota "Joints in Motion" marathon page) Kelly informed me that it is illegal to hold a raffle in North Dakota without a raffle license. Until further notice, this raffle for my bike will put on hold until I can get more information! SO SORRY! I had NO IDEA that you had to have a raffle license and if the Foundation got fined, then this would be for nothing... So, we are trying to figure something out! Don't let this discourage you from donating though! I have everyones information who has donated for the raffle and I am going to hold onto it! Very sorry I had to tell you guys this... But I would still love to thank everyone for the generous donations! Everyone who views this blog, even if I don't know you, THANK YOU for becoming a part of my journey. You have all inspired me as well!
P.S. If you have any comment or concern about the raffle, please feel free to email me at michelsjoseph@gmail.com
DONATE BELOW!
The final state number 15 on our journey
Not as cold as slide rock water but a bit saltier
East Coast Psyteve at the Lobster Shack. What are the chances?
One lobster dinner. Well deserved
Yea the ocean with a light house
World famous Lobster Shack at Two Lights
Why not take a boat?
Rick and Nola in the back with cousin Jen in the front
I was afraid you would need a license to hold a raffle - it is the same in Wisocnsin. Personally, I would contact all of those who have emailed you that they provided a donation and seehow badly they wanted your bike or were they simply trying to help you reach your goal. If they really wanted a chance to win your bike, we an figure something out - otherwise, this may be kharma in the works and you were meant to keep your bike. Congratulations Raincyclists - job well done and lobster truly deserved!
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I was wondering if you would get busted on the raffle also, kind of glad that you can't hold one. If it becomes an issue with people you can apply for a licence but I think it takes a little time (few weeks)to get approved. As your mom said I think was meant to be that you keep the bike :)
ReplyDeletePlease accept my raffle ticket purchase as a donation. It is for an excellant cause and you have worked hard for it!
ReplyDeleteI'm so darn proud of you fellas!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for everything you have done!!!! It's truly amazing what you have done for us! We love you!!
ReplyDelete-camp M.A.S.H kids :)
Congrats! I'm so excited for all three of you. You certainly touched our family. As a JA parent it is such an inspiration to see what you've accomplished and know that Elora's future doesn't have to be limited.
ReplyDeleteIm so happy for you!! you are an inspiration for any one who meets you dear, myself included. Congrats on such an awesome accomplishment!
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