The grand finale! The entire group at their final destination, Crescent Beach, Cape Elizabeth, ME

 

Please support John Bottero in his fundraising effort "Pedaling to Power the Future"

As the Executive Director at Owls Head Transportation Museum, I am thrilled to be part of the vision that will propel the Museum into the future. Several years ago, I set a goal to cycle across America and see this vast country under human power. On May 29th my journey began from Portland, Oregon, to begin a 47-day, 15-state, 3,800-mile adventure that will bring me back home to Portland, Maine, by mid-July. 

Please consider making a donation towards our goal of $200,000 which will be applied to the Museum’s capital campaign. Thanks to an anonymous donor, EVERY donation that is made will be MATCHED! Meaning, your contributions will have double the impact and your support will continue to build the Owls Head Transportation Museum as one of the great Midcoast Maine resources for community and visitors alike.

 

Follow along as John pedals towards home

Click on each post for more images from the road.

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Home!!! It’s hard to believe.
Home!!! It’s hard to believe.

A day of celebration as we made it to the Atlantic Ocean. Lots of hugs, champagne and even a few tears as this adventure came to a close. A final dinner last evening to share pics and memories before all heading out.

As for me, my ride isn’t over quite yet. My final destination will be at the Owls Head Transportation Museum. Tomorrow, Saturday July 15 at 11:00 am I will be rolling into the museum to mark my end of this journey.

It’s hard to believe that today was the last climb of the trip!
It’s hard to believe that today was the last climb of the trip!

Over 7000 feet today as we went over New Hampshire’s White Mountains. That puts the total climbing for this trip at over 150,000 feet.

Tomorrow is our last ride, just 74 miles to Crescent Beach State Park where we will end with a dip in the Atlantic Ocean.

Woke up this morning in Ticonderoga NY and boarded the cable ferry across to Vermont.
Woke up this morning in Ticonderoga NY and boarded the cable ferry across to Vermont.

Spent the day dodging road closures and washouts from yesterdays rain storm. Alternate routes added another thousand feet of climbing to the 5000+ feet already planned! Lots of road crews out cleaning up the mess. Made it to Hanover NH for the night. Tomorrow we conquer the white mountains!

Well, we got a chance to see some of that New England rain that everyone has been talking about today.
Well, we got a chance to see some of that New England rain that everyone has been talking about today.

It was wet all 84 miles into Ticonderoga NY. Tomorrow we will go through Vermont and hold up in New Hampshire. Only 3 more days of riding left which include crossing over the Green and White mountains. (oh joy)

From Corning to Cazenovia to Piseco New York, it has been a beautiful ride.
From Corning to Cazenovia to Piseco New York, it has been a beautiful ride.

Last evening my cousins from Cazenovia picked me up in their vintage ride and treated me to a home cooked dinner, what a treat! Lots of hill climbing but beautiful country side. Deep in the Adirondack mountains, even passed through the town of Nobleboro today. Tomorrow takes us to Lake Champlain, only 4 more rides to go!

Today has been an incredible rest day
Today has been an incredible rest day

I am looking forward to hitting the road tomorrow for the final days of this trip.

Some of you may know that I have been using this trip to raise funds for the Owls Head Transportation Museum’s Capital Campaign, here is a brief message explaining the details.

Please consider supporting the museum and sharing this message with anyone that enjoys all that OHTM means to our community.

New York, state number 12!
New York, state number 12!

Great ride into Corning lots of great sights, warm weather and yes, hills! Guide Marty was there with a roadside fresh brewed espresso to keep everyone motivated. We will hold up in Corning for our last rest day before completing the trip. Only 6 more days of riding before Portland! I still can not believe that this adventure is winding down.