Thursday, June 16th .... Today was a day off for some much-needed rest!  My friend and riding buddy from Jacksonville, Stan Sanford, met me here in Erie, PA  This is where he grew up and started in the bicycle business while in school.  He worked here for fifteen years before moving to Jacksonville and started Champion Cycling.  He sold the business to some great guys who have carried on and continue to build a very successful business that has served the cycling community well.

I met several people he worked with here in Erie.  They spoke as highly of him as we all have come to think of him in Jacksonville.  He also took me to many of the interesting sights in Erie.  Paul, one of Stan's sailing buddies, took us to lunch at the Yacht Club.  We are meeting another friend for dinner at a well known Italian restaurant.  This has been a great day.

Stan will ride with me for the first 50 miles of our ride tomorrow from Erie to Buffalo.  This will be the start of the last week which will conclude June 24th at Revere Beach in Boston.  Cecilia, Nicole and Easton will be meeting me there.

I really look forward to this adventure coming to a successful conclusion.

'





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