This Tour Starts Tomorrow

Here is where it begins and Joaquin will not stop me!  If anything, we will go together.

The Goose just came out of the bike shop for the last time before I hop on and go.  With that, finishing my role as Director of Bronx Helpers with the best kids on Earth and Friday's rain forecast I have postponed my Bronx departure until Saturday, 10/3.  I had the wiggle room and remain on schedule to arrive in Boston on Friday, 10/9.

Sometimes I'm excited.  Others I'm nervous.  Then I'm also in disbelief that my tour starts tomorrow. I keep trying to imagine each detail of what's to come but then stop myself.  Whatever is left unknown is protecting and will pleasantly surprise me.

Wednesday was my last official day as the Director of my youth leadership program (the time has come to pass the baton but I will hold on for just a little bit longer).  Serendipitously two of my alumni stayed too late in the office with me.  These are two of the kids whose parting brought me great anguish despite the fact that their success is where my heart and career are centered.  They have repeatedly expressed their distaste with my decision.  That night they asked me repeatedly if I was really ready to go.  I had to tell them with conviction that I was.  But the truth is I will never be.  They are forever my kids.  And nothing is easy about leaving an organization that works with integrity towards its vision as authentically as New Settlement Apartments does.

My ride to Boston will mark the beginning of another phase of my life.  Still with a focus on youth development, I endeavor to lead with the wilderness and outdoor environmental education as tools for healthy youth development.   I realized today that this ride will also provide me with time, space and freedom for the closure that I need.  I do not take for granted my ability to do it in this way.  To be cleansed by the intoxication that will come from accomplishing a long-time goal.  Oh how I long to impart all that I will discover and learn from this experience onto the kids.  This is an overwhelmingly positive feeling.

What awaits me on the other side of all of this?

Thank you all for what you have taught me and for your support.  It is exciting!

My friend Joe Nusbaum of over 20 years and his wonderful partner Paul will greet and host me at the finish line in Boston.

With Atlantic Coast Section 1 and Section 2 Adventure Cycling Association maps; mobile room and board; tools; portable charger; journal and pen and other essentials I will travel.  

Saturday, 10/3
Depart the Garden View, Bronx NY - Arrive Fahnestock State Park, Carmel NY
54 miles

Sunday, 10/4
Depart Fahnestock State Park - Arrive Taconic State Park, Copake Falls NY
61 miles

Monday, 10/5
Depart Taconic State Park - Arrive American Legion State Park, Pleasant Valley CT
52.5 miles

Tuesday, 10/6
Depart American Legion - Arrive Mineral Springs Campground, Stafford Springs CT
43 miles

Wednesday, 10/7
Depart Mineral Springs - Arrive Lake Manchaug Camping, Douglas MA
50 miles

Thursday, 10/8
Depart Lake Manchaug - Arrive Friendly Crossways Hostel, Harvard MA
46 miles

Friday, 10/9
Depart Friendly Crossways - Arrive Boston MA
27 miles to Cambridge then the T from Alewife Station into Boston

Whoa that's 333.5 miles!  I have phone numbers and reservations for all my destinations.  People will be awaiting my arrival.

Eager to tell the tales!

With love, strength and curiosity, 

packing can take days