Life On A B-I7

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Northern Tier Progress - September 1, 2026


Day 93


Route

  • Lincoln to Conway on the “Kanc”

Metrics

  • Miles: 38

Note

  • I have one more mountain to climb. The Kancamagus Scenic Byway. The Byway is one of the most beautiful in the White Mountains of New Hampshire.

Thought For The Day

  • When tempted, look temptation in the eye, laugh at it and then walk away. Laughing at temptation helps to put it in perspective.


The Kancamagus Scenic Byway, also known as the “Kanc,” is 34.5 miles of pure White Mountain wilderness. There are no services but there are plenty of stunning views. I’m hitting it at the right time of year, just as the fall colors are starting to come in. The highway begins in Lincoln, New Hampshire at an elevation of 1,411 feet and tops out at 3,000 feet. That’s 1,589 feet of elevation gain. The “climbing” will be significantly more. My day of rest here in Lincoln has been really beneficial. Note: The actual climbing turned out to be 2,184 feet.

I got a kick out of this sign.


Loon Mountain Gondola sky rides
Soar to 2,733 feet

My skiing friends back home will get a kick out of that…

Rules of the Road for Drivers


Rules of the road for drivers according to this cyclist. If you see a cyclist, give them a wide birth. That means crossing the center line when you go past them. If there’s a car coming toward you in the oncoming lane, and all three would meet at the same time, slow down, wait for the oncoming car to go by, then go around the cyclist, giving them a wide birth. Not only is this common sense, it’s common courtesy. There is no place so important that it means not slowing down and not moving over.




My last big climb is officially in the books!


Itinerary | Maps



Entries are shown in reverse chronological order.

A Brooks No. 17 Bicycle Saddle
is the most comfortable saddle for long distance touring.

Entry # 2,460




2026-09-01

Northern Tier Progress - September 2, 2026


Day 94


Route

  • Conway, NH to Naples, ME

Metrics

  • Miles: 42
  • 1.952 feet of climbing

Note

  • Today I entered Maine. The last State on my itinerary.

Thought For The Day

  • Remember to thank your Creator every day.


The climbing today was a bit of a surprise. I wasn’t expecting quite that much.

Expanding slightly on the “Thought For The Day,” I do thank my Creator that I’ve been given the ability to make a journey like this one. I have enjoyed every day, even the most challenging ones.

Portions of the ride today were on such rural roads that I was overwhelmed by quiet. I could hear birds and frogs while I was riding, and I was rarely interrupted by the sound of a car. These moments are magical because you can allow your mind to wander without concern for traffic, and wander it did.

At times like this you are also more observant…

Looking ahead of me, I saw a squirrel sitting on its haunches on the side of the road. It appeared to be looking at something. As I got closer, it noticed me and scurried into the undergrowth on the side of the road. When I got to the spot where the squirrel had been sitting, I noticed another squirrel clearly dead. It looked like it was sleeping, but it had obviously been struck by a car. It’s friend that had scurried away when it saw me had been sitting next to it, waiting for it to wake up. How do I know all this? While it is true that perceptions are unreliable, I believe my interpretation is correct. Call me an old softy if you’d like, I don’t mind, I’m tough enough to take it.

That’s it for today. I’ll be in Bat Harbor in 7 days!




MAINE! Welcome Home… Almost!


Itinerary | Maps



Entries are shown in reverse chronological order.

A Brooks No. 17 Bicycle Saddle
is the most comfortable saddle for long distance touring.

Entry # 2,461




2026-09-02

Northern Tier Progress - September 3, 2026


Day 95


Route

  • Naples to Brunswick

Metrics

  • Miles: 54

Note

  • Today is going to be a wet one. My navigator (Commander Duck) is excited about getting on the road.

Thought For The Day

  • Make sure your purpose in life is one that benefits mankind. Periodically evaluate your values to ensure they are aligned with that purpose.


As I was wheeling my bicycle out of the motel room, an elderly lady with her little dog greeted me with a “good morning.” She said she had never seen a bicycle like mine, apparently referring to all the gear. I explained what I was doing and she was a little mystified. The idea of a journey like mine was all new to her. I’m touching peoples lives, even if it’s in a tiny way. Someday I’ll have a little dog like hers, but it’s a bit too early to go down that path right now.

I wheeled my bike across the street to the gas station. They had a picnic table set up under a covered area. I went inside and got coffee and breakfast and came back out and sat down undercover watching the rain come down. I knew what I had to do, but still I wasn’t all that eager to begin. It occurred to me the best thing I could do to get motivated would be to listen to a song. I pulled up Spotify and listened to Willie Nelson’s “On The Road Again.” I can’t take my band with me because I’m riding solo (and I don’t have a band). After the song was over I got on the bike and began today’s push to my next destination. Sometimes all you need is a small inspiration to get you going.

I mentioned riding solo, but actually I’m not. I have a navigator, I’ve named him Commander Duck. He’s a rubber duck that was given to me back in North Dakota. He has a seat on my handlebar bag. He calls it his “Flying Bridge.” Whatever… He’s been doing an excellent job of navigating for me. He’s guided me for over 3,000 miles. I’m going to keep him. When I get home, I plan to put him on the dash of my Tacoma. That ought to confuse the Jeep Boys.

I was riding through a mostly rural area when a boy waiting for his school bus yelled at me, “where are you going?” I yelled back, “Bar Harbor!” he was curious enough to ask so maybe someday he’ll do something like this, you never know.

The rain did finally let up, but I had to deal with it most of the morning. There are a few things that should be noted about cross-country travel on a bicycle in the rain. The first thing is, rainy days are not good days to be clipped in. You’re going more slower anyway and it’s a good idea to be able to get your feet off the pedals quickly if you need to. When the shoulder narrowed, I got off the bike and walked. It gives passing cars a little bit more room and it gives me more room and more control over the bike. Another thing you don’t do is take the downhills at speed. The visibility and the conditions simply aren’t conducive to high speed on two wheels. As the saying goes, “discretion is the better part of valor.” Which is another way of saying I’d rather be a living coward than a dead hero.

I finished the day at a micro brewery called the “Black Pug.” The brewmaster was tending bar and he was fun to talk to. The handmade chips they served with their charcuterie board were excellent! I chatted with a nice couple sitting at the bar with me. The fellow recommended a small Maine company that makes Marino Wool Cycling Jerseys. I have a feeling there’s one in my future. He was also interested in getting into brewing. He goes to Portland, Oregon quite often. I told him he needed to come to Bend to experience the brewing scene there as well! One last thing to mention, I didn’t know Pugs came in black, but apparently they do…




This would be the solution to most of our current afflictions.


It looks easy, but it’s not.


Itinerary | Maps



Entries are shown in reverse chronological order.

A Brooks No. 17 Bicycle Saddle
is the most comfortable saddle for long distance touring.

Entry # 2,462




2026-09-04

Northern Tier Progress - September 4, 2026


Day 96


Route

  • Brunswick, Rest Day

Metrics

  • Miles: 0

Note

  • My last laundry day. I’m going to get a haircut today so people in Bar Harbor don’t think the men in Oregon are all wild-things. Speaking of hair. I’ve noticed that in New England, it seems like a lot of men have been working on their beards for a long time. I think more research is needed on this topic…

Thought For The Day

  • What lesson has today taught me? We should ask ourselves that every night.


It was a very chill day. After visiting four barbers, I was unable to get a hair cut. I’ll just have to live with shaggy hair until I can find a shop, hopefully before I reach Bar Harbor.

I’m excited to be concluding this journey in just a few days. That said, my desire to make this my last adventure is anything but a foregone conclusion. I don’t have a plan for the next adventure, but it’s out there, somewhere.

I’m excited to get back on the road tomorrow!




It’s time to wrap up this adventure. The fall colors are starting to come in.


Itinerary | Maps



Entries are shown in reverse chronological order.

A Brooks No. 17 Bicycle Saddle
is the most comfortable saddle for long distance touring.

Entry # 2,463




2026-09-05

Northern Tier Progress - September 5, 2026


Day 97


Route

  • Brunswick to Waldoboro

Metrics

  • Miles: 45

Note

  • Four more days of riding and then a short day to the finish line.

Thought For The Day

  • Gloria Steinem said, “Everything We Do Matters.” Always think before acting. Be courageous and work on developing determination. 


When I’m in the city, it’s amazing how many people I see on bicycles with the seat set too low. I don’t understand that.

I had to get off the bike and push it up several hills today. Maine is very hilly. The hills aren’t that long but they tend to have a steep grade as you approach the top. A lot of times I’ll get about 2/3 of the way up a hill and there’s just no point in continuing to pedal. Peddling up steep hills also puts the chain in tension. I’ve never had one break (probably because I’m not strong enough to do that) but I have had to replace the chain twice on this tour.

I’ve seen yard signs along the way that simply say “Be Nice.” I’ve been thinking about these signs quite a bit. I’m sure that phrase can have many interpretations. As I reflect on it, what comes to mind for me is we should vote for politicians that are nice, not politicians that are mean and show disrespect. I believe the inability of some to be nice is hurting all of us. Politicians that are nice and use evidence based facts to back up their arguments are an even better choice.




I’m the blue dot. It’s the coastal route from here to Bar Harbor.


Religion is performed on a much smaller scale here in New England than it is back home.


Itinerary | Maps



Entries are shown in reverse chronological order.

A Brooks No. 17 Bicycle Saddle
is the most comfortable saddle for long distance touring.

Entry # 2,464




2026-09-05

Northern Tier Progress - September 6, 2026


Day 98


Route

  • Waldoboro to Rockland

Metrics

  • Miles: 47

Note

  • Three more days of riding and then a short day to the finish line.

Thought For The Day

  • Ambition is good but ensure it serves mankind in some way.


When cycling the Maine coast, you can expect to encounter 1,500 to 2,000 feet of climbing about every 50 miles. Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine combined have more climbing than either Washington or Montana. When I began the journey, I thought if I made it through Washington and Montana, the rest would be a breeze. I was mistaken. Every state has his challenges, you just keep meeting a different set of them as you move from one state to the next. Perhaps if I’d looked ahead more carefully before I started, I would have realized that Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine would present the most challenging hills. I feel a little silly, not having realized that starting out.

This morning was chilly. Fall is definitely in the offing. This morning was the first time I’ve had to put on warm clothes to begin day’s riding in several weeks.

One of the things that make cemeteries in the east different from those out west is the fact that there are more of them and they tend to be smaller. Each small church in each small community had its own cemetery. Another thing that makes them unique is that they seem to be perched on, or near, the top of a hill.

I was having breakfast this morning and a group of ladies asked me if I was going to Port Clyde? I asked them why and they explained because that’s where Forrest Gump turned around when he reached the East Coast. I thought about it for a second and then I said, “well, that would be appropriate, but I’m going to Bar Harbor.” I think they were a little disappointed with my answer.

Being allergic to seafood goes a long way toward making your menu choices simpler when you’re visiting Maine.




Have one for me! Don’t ask me why I pedaled over 4,000 miles to get here when I’m allergic to seafood… if you look carefully, you’ll notice that hot dogs are also on the menu. That would be appropriate, since that’s how I began the trip.


Itinerary | Maps



Entries are shown in reverse chronological order.

A Brooks No. 17 Bicycle Saddle
is the most comfortable saddle for long distance touring.

Entry # 2,465




2026-09-06

Northern Tier Progress - September 7, 2026


Day 99


Route

  • Rockland to Searsport

Metrics

  • Miles: 44

Note

  • Two more days of riding and then a short day to the finish line.

Thought For The Day

  • If you make a mistake, no matter how small, gracefully acknowledge it. Don’t forget to apologize if that is possible.


My body’s ability to fully recover after each day of riding is starting to decrease. Each day is now starting to get a little bit harder to pull off. I’m glad I got as far as I did and I’m close to the finish. I think I’m reaching the limit of my long-distance endurance. Yes, “A man’s got to know his limitations.” You won’t find out what that is until you push the boundary. And so I have. And so I do.

Belfast has a very cool shipyard walk. It looks like all the luxury yachts on the Maine Coast come to the Belfast shipyard for repairing and refit.


|


Camden, Maine


Searsport, Maine


Itinerary Maps



Entries are shown in reverse chronological order.

A Brooks No. 17 Bicycle Saddle
is the most comfortable saddle for long distance touring.

Entry # 2,466




2026-09-07

Northern Tier Progress - September 8, 2026


Day 100


Route

  • Searsport to Trenton

Metrics

  • Miles: 45

Note

  • One more day of riding and then a short day to the finish line.

Thought For The Day

  • Anger can’t always be avoided. The best way to make anger go away is to first recognize it, then tell yourself to set it aside.


This is my last day of what could be called serious riding. Tomorrow is “Photo Day.” A 15 mile stroll into Bar Harbor. But that’s tomorrow. I still have to get through today.

I would be exaggerating only slightly if I said this has been the most wonderful adventure I have yet undertaken. The people. The sites. The pain. The joy. The list goes on and on. There are few things I would trade for having experienced these last three months. Would I do it again? Yes; In a heartbeat. But undertaking an adventure like this has to be supported. Not just by yourself but by everyone that cares about you. I am so very grateful for everyone I have met along the way. everyone at home, everyone that has followed me, everyone that has been a part of this experience in even a small way, even those of you I don’t know.

Adventures can be big or they can be small. The size doesn’t matter. What does matter is that we look for adventure, when we find it, we grasp it. I met a lady on the street today, she said, “I admire what you’re doing.” She added, “it’s important that we keep moving, isn’t it?” I simply said, “yes it is.” Keep moving expresses a big part of what this is all about, also sharing the experience has made it more fun and rewarding.




The Penobscot Narrows Bridge A “Cable Stayed” bridge. It was mind blowing riding across on a bicycle.


Early celebration. Difficult to choose! I tasted the New England, the Heath, and the Coastal. The Coastal was the winner!


Itinerary Maps


|

Entries are shown in reverse chronological order.

A Brooks No. 17 Bicycle Saddle
is the most comfortable saddle for long distance touring.

Entry # 2,467




2026-09-09

Northern Tier Progress - September 9, 2026


Day 101


Route

  • Trenton to Bar Harbor

Metrics

  • Miles: 15

Note

  • A short day to the finish line.

Thought For The Day

  • Use your gifts and your time to help others, not just help yourself.



I will wrap this story up tomorrow…




Bar Harbor, Maine. Day 101


Itinerary | Maps



Entries are shown in reverse chronological order.

A Brooks No. 17 Bicycle Saddle
is the most comfortable saddle for long distance touring.

Entry # 2,468




2026-09-09

Northern Tier Progress - September 10, 2026


Final Entry - Bar Harbor


This is my final Northern Tier Progress entry. Thank you for experiencing this journey with me. The journey has been epic. I’m proud to have completed it.

Without a doubt, this has been the most challenging of my three coast-to-coast bicycle journeys crossing America. I hope there are more cycling adventures in my future. Even if this is my last big bicycle adventure, I will keep on writing and posting when the spirit moves me. Feel free to join me here anytime you would like.

Once again, thank you to everyone that has been a part of this adventure. May all of your journeys be as wonderful and as exciting as this one has been for me.

RECAP


  • Start: June 1, 2026
  • Finish: September 9, 2026
  • Days Riding: 80
  • Total Days on the Road: 101
  • States: 13
  • Average Miles per Day: 52
  • Total Miles Traveled: 4,145
  • Tires: 4
  • Chains: 3
  • Rain Coats: 2




Day 1, Anacortes, Washington. June 1st, 2026.


Day 101, Bar Harbor, Maine. September 9th, 2026.


Itinerary | Maps


Use the Contents link at the top of the page to explore the site. Enjoy!



Entries are shown in reverse chronological order.

A Brooks No. 17 Bicycle Saddle
is the most comfortable saddle for long distance touring.

Entry # 2,469




2026-09-09

Bicycling the Northern Tier 2026


Bicycling the Northern Tier


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Table of Contents


Washington

Idaho

Montana

North Dakota

Minnesota

Wisconsin

Iowa

Illinois

Indiana

Ohio

Pennsylvania

New York

Vermont

New Hampshire

Maine



A Brooks No. 17 Bicycle Saddle
is the most comfortable saddle for long distance touring.

Entry # 1,946




2026-09-20