Senior Cyclist Crosses Finish Line
Triumphant End to Grand Coast-to-Coast Bicycle Adventure
Senior bicycle rider Herb Schon, 75 years young, completes epic cycling odyssey across U.S.; ;leads group in final miles to Atlantic Ocean wheel-dip
After pedaling 3,900 miles, amazing Santa Fe senior bicycle rider Herb Schon, 75, has triumphed by crossing the U.S. on his diamond jubilee ride.
The last section from Erie, PA, to Portsmouth, NH included serious climbing days, rivaling the West in total elevation and steepness. "Don’t kid yourself: Eastern hills can be very intimidating," he reported.
Nevertheless, "the rivers, lakes and greenery were a joy. Lake Erie, the Erie Canal, New York’s Finger Lakes, the majestic northern reaches of the Hudson River quickly reminded me of how beautiful and serene the Northeast can be. I couldn’t help feeling a wave of nostalgia sweep over me after 10 years in the deserts of the
southwest."
Cycling New England
After one bad day, Herb said he "must have reached down deep" because he covered a long stretch at a 20 miles per hour clip. "I felt as if I were 70 again!" he exclaimed.
Vermont was familiar territory for a native Northeasterner who spent "so many winter ski weekends" there. His penultimate day "turned out to be an ultimate bad day" with rain, a malfunctioning bike computer causing missed turns and finally a flat. That night the America By Bicycle group enjoyed a farewell "banquet."
The final leg was "filled with smiles and good spirits." The group arrived at a Portsmouth school to the applause and cheers of family and friends, including his son Peter and daughter in law, Amanda, pregnant with what will be Herb's first grandchild. With 300 cameras clicking away,"we lined up behind a police escort for the final six miles" and Herb, the oldest "was embarrassed to be asked to lead the way to our ceremonial wheel-dipping in the Atlantic Ocean, closing out the 52-day epic excursion."
At the shore he "plunged into the most therapeutic waters ever. My first time in the
ocean in 10 years and it was great."
"I'm Proud of Myself"
Herb's summing up: "I’m proud of myself for having completed this ride at age 75. I knew, after completing the first 11 days without a break, it was to be. My spirits were often dampened but never flagged. Most sports-oriented people agree that mental determination will far outweigh physical discomfort. And no matter what you might be determined to do, go ahead and do it. Not trying is more of a failure than failing to reach a goal."
Would he do it again? He's not sure, but "the thought of a Canada-to-Mexico trip is intriguing. But only if Irene (Herb's wife) comes along." He had a second thought: "Okay, just California." And now Herb's on route back to New Mexico by plane, thinking, "47 days on a racing saddle has been enough for now. But maybe next week…."
Let's salute this hearty senior role model!
