Day 7 - Beautiful Newport, Rhode Island

Dave and Ian receiving top fundraiser awards

We breakfasted early, but then made the decision not to ride until midday. I was relieved as riding in the rain is no fun. This was a wise decision as our ride was dry. We rode through Newport and by the grand mansions of the Vanderbilt’s, Berwind’s, etc. and these were only their summer homes! We hugged the coastline, saw many stone walls and quaint towns.

While making a stop at a gas station for bathrooms, a woman came up to us saying she had MS and was one of those in the clinical trials for Rebif®, EMD Serono’s product. She exhibited a very positive attitude to life. Just one of many people approaching us on the ride and expressing their support.

Finally due to the coaching of Joe, Jimmy and Line from Destination Cycling, we road as true team in a peloton of two across and drafted off each other. This was great riding and for one stretch we weaved through wooded areas at higher speeds. With brief stops for water and snacks we covered the day’s distance of 60 miles in just over 3 hours and the late start was not an issue. We crossed into MA, our 8^th State, and overnighted at Raynham.

We presented Mike and Cat , co-captains of The Great 8 Foundation and who pulled together this INCREDIBLE bike ride, with framed photos of the group of us at the Wellness Center in NJ. There was lots of emotion and tears by them and this reflected how close we had become since we started the ride as strangers apart from having a common mission. Dave Bethel and I were presented with trophies as the top fundraisers for the 8 States in 8 Days Ride.