Day 69 - Saturday, August 25, 2001
Keene, NH to Boxborough, MA
65 miles

The forecast low temperature for the night was 47 degrees. So nobody was in a hurry to get going in the morning. I was the earliest to leave, at 9:30, while the others were still in bed. We said our goodbyes, as I would be detouring from their route and be on my own again.

It was kind of weird meeting up with Steve and Dwayne after two months of riding solo. I'm sure they felt the same way. Still, we all got along well, and had even exchanged addresses. Steve didn't have an e-mail address, since he has no use for it. Dwayne got e-mail only recently - perhaps meeting some ladies at RAGBRAI and getting their e-mail addresses had something to do with it?

It was a big climb out of Keene going south on Highway 12. Part of the road was torn up from construction - one of the locals driving by told me of a way around most of it.

Then it was more rolling hills - but seemed like mostly up - heading east on 119. This was followed by my last state line crossing (Massachusetts) for the tour. I had entered somewhat familiar territory, with winding shaded roads and all.

As I rode into the center of Groton, Jeff, who had followed my adventures on the bike touring e-mail list, waved me down. He drove home and came back with the bike so we could ride to his house. (He knew I was going to ride every inch of the way to the ocean!) It was nice talking with him about bicycling and traveling in general.

I'm only about 30 more miles to the Atlantic Ocean - stay tuned for the final episode....

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