The BreatheNH fundraiser bike ride was yesterday and they had a wonderful turnout. There were some 198 riders and volunteers making the trek from Pease Tradeport in Newington, NH to Ogunquit, Maine.

This was the first event of this kind I have ever participated in and found it very well organized. Everything from the fundraising help online, through registration, and support on the routes was outstanding and top notch. Due to everyone’s kind and generous support I was able to raise $691.00 for the organization, and I am so very grateful for all your support and I thank all of you who helped!! Overall the bike tour raised nearly $35,000, you can see there website here.

BreatheNH Bike Tour - Getting Started

My chosen route was 43 miles, but my bike odometer was telling me I covered 45. I began in Pease and rode down through Greenland to Rye beach and up to Wallis Sands. Then the route went inland and down pass BG’s Boathouse out through and around New Castle and back to downtown Portsmouth. I crossed river over to Badgers Island and down through downtown Kittery and around to Fort McClary. The route followed along to York and along Long Sands and up to Nubble Light. They had a photographer taking pictures of the riders and will post as soon as I get it. From there it was up to Short Sands and up along the road that passes by the Cliff House to downtown Ogunquit. I ended at the Seafarer Hotel on Rt1 to much fanfare.

In for the Finish

Being a newbie to cycling I didn’t want to push it to much and chose the middle length route. I rode the legs to Fort McClary (25 mi) with various other riders at a very casual steady pace. The balance of the ride I rolled on my own and pressed quite hard. This later section was also much more hilly so there was more climbing and downhill sections. The ride took about 3 hrs including the many stops at the checkpoints for provided snacks and water.

I thank all of you for your support in the event and helping such a worthy cause