Most people with ALS die from respiratory failure, usually within 3 to 5 years from when the symptoms first appear. However, about 10 percent of people with ALS survive for 10 or more years.
We awoke bright and early to the sun shining into our bedroom window that had a beautiful view of the lake. David was already awake and had coffee brewing and sausages cooking. We had a leisurely morning of good food and conversation before we packed up and headed back to S. Portland to start day three. There were only three of us riding today - Steve, Charlie and me while Doug and Rosie were handling the LG duties. Rosie and I had a slight mishaps as we missed the exit off Route 95 and added 22 minutes to our trip, but one bonus of our entire ride is that there have been no timetables that we had to meet. We were flexible and not rushed. The guys made it to S. Portland by 9:00am and were able to find a local bike shop to purchase me a spare inner tube to replace the one I had to use with yesterday's flat.
Today's 45 mile route consisted of about 15 miles of bike trails and the rest were roads through somewhat more congested areas of South Portland, Biddeford and the small towns of route 1 before we veered off in Ogunquit to hit the shore road. The entire ride however was magical. We rode strong and with determination. Steve led the way until the bike paths and since my smaller tires were expected to be a bit shaky in the stone dust and dirt, he wanted me to take the lead. The mud from yesterday was mostly dry and the dirt was packed with some isolated puddles. The major concern for me was the section of the trail near the bogs that had been repaired from the winter storm with large amounts of loose stone. We rode this section during a training ride a few weeks previously and I ended up walking my bike for about 100 yards as my tires sunk about an inch or two into the stone. Today, Charlie coached me from behind, telling me to stay right and to keep up my speed. Much to my surprise, I traversed the area with just a bit unsteadiness. We seemed to be flying on the trails but I was also working harder with my concentration and I realized my hands were tense from gripping the break hoods for dear life and my mouth was dry from not taking my hands off the handle bars to hydrate.
Out first water stop was at the Dunkin Donuts in Biddeford where we found Rosie and Doug all set up and waiting for us. A few customers and at least one employee stopped to asked about what we were doing. It was a quick stop and we were back on the road. The second stop was back at the Maine Diner in Wells. The scene was much different from Sunday morning as it was much less crowded but still had a steady stream of customers some of whom were interested in our menagerie
The home stretch to York was beautiful with twists and turns along the craggy coastline. The roads were tight but again most drivers, with the exception of some delivery vans, gave us time and space. There were actually signs on the road indicating that cyclists could take the whole lane which was a very welcome sight! We arrived to our welcoming party of Ellen and Nate who stood in the driveway cheering us in with cow bells and Mardi Gras beads which she quickly placed around our necks. Ellen's passion is like none other I have ever experienced and it is contagious!!!
Charlie, always filled with adventure decided to take off on his bike doing wheelies for good measure for 12 more miles to explore the coast, returning to Nubble Light and having a delightful albeit a bit cold swim in the ocean. The rest of us just spent a leisurely and lazy afternoon at Ellen's, enjoying each other's company and the peaceful surrounding of her home and property. There was a bit of a kerfuffle all day trying to find out what happened to Steve's prescription sun glasses and whose glasses was he wearing! After accusing everyone including an innocent but rambunctious French bulldog we met along the way, Steve eventually realized that he had taken Ellen's sunglasses by mistake the day before when he was cleaning the bikes and left his at her home! Phew, mystery solved and apologies accepted! Rosie also amused us with her funny story about "Lighthouse Keeping", one she may never live down. Ellen wanted to treat the gang to a traditional lobster bake complete with steamers which was an absolute delight and will certainly be seared into our collective memories when we think about this lovely ride through Maine! Thank you Ellen. As we were finishing up, we experienced yet again a "pop up shower", a new meteorological term that Rosie taught Steve. Rosie is always full of new insights for us all but truly, Steve seemed to be a bit sheltered not knowing this one!
Doug was thrilled that all was finished in time to watch game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals as Charlie and I worked out a plan to deal with a bit of an insulin snafu. The cool pack that was keeping his spare insulin cold malfunctioned and we were not sure if this was now effective enough to get him through tomorrow's long ride. As always when in a pinch, Mark and Susan Warner come to mind! The plan was for them to return to the group in York early the next morning so a quick call to them to ask if they would stop at our home in the early morning hours to bring up some new and cold insulin solved the problem. Type 1 Diabetes can certainly add some interesting bumps in life but all lessons in learning how to manage adversity. As a mom, something I wish I could protect him from but knowing in the end it will make him stronger! He is kind of amazing....
Day 4, tomorrow, we will bring this baby home! It is truly one of my favorite biking routes but it will be a long 55 miles in some significant heat and sun. Just another memory in this journey for hope!
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