Berlin, Maryland to Pocomoke, Maryland 35 miles (56 km)

Last night, during a thunderstorm, both hamstrings cramped for about half an hour. The pain was excruciating. I was in my tent and flopping around like a fresh caught fish. I self massaged, pounded and forced my legs straight. As I tried to force them straight my quads wanted to cramp. Eventually the cramps passed. I've been pedalling that heavy bike into a stiff south westerly wind ever since Sandy Point, NJ. The wind coupled with extreme heat and humidity have taken a toll.

I left the campground at 6:00 am this morning.

"Home of the free, because of the brave" is the message on the Bethany United Methodist Church sign, located along the Stephen Decatur Highway (Route 611) in Berlin, Maryland.

Within a few hundred meters of traveling down Highway 113, I felt the squish-wobble of another flat rear tire. I walked the bike to Berlin's Stephen Decatur Park and found a bench to make the repair.

Repairing a rear tire flat is always more work because of the gear that needs to be unloaded from the bike. Beautiful morning for a repair!

I googled the name Stephen Decatur, whose name was familiar to me, but I couldn't recall his place in American history. Decatur, born on the Maryland coast, was a highly decorated naval officer, known for his heroism in the many battles that he partook, including the War of 1812 with Britain.

This wheat field shined golden by morning sun was so striking that I laid my bike on the side of Highway 113 to take the photo.

The message on the Snow Hill Mennonite Church reads: Jesus said, "I am the light of the world."

Near the end of cycling for today. I was spent... dehydrated despite consuming copious amounts of water... and hamstring cramps. I took a hotel room in Pocomoke to rest and recovery.

Rehoboth Beach, Delaware to Berlin, Maryland 55 km (34.3 miles)

The morning of June 27, 2013 along Route 1 South which passes through the Delaware Seashore State Park. Straight and very flat...

Bridge over the Indian River Inlet which gives access to Rehoboth Bay.

This advertisement was for the Delaware Army National Guard, Bethany Beach, Delaware. Take a close look at the center top of the helicopter where the props attach: eagles have built a nest.

In this photo my bike is posed in front of the Fenwick Island Lighthouse and Transpeninsular Line Stone Monument which was placed there April 26, 1751 to mark the eastern end of the surveyed line demarcating the east-west boundary of Pennsylvania's lower three counties (now Delaware) and the Colony of Maryland. Carved in to the stone is the coat of arms for the Calverts on the south side and the Penns on the north side.

The 75 feet high Fenwick Island Lighthouse, constructed in 1858 for $23,748.96... I would think it a bargain for keeping ships from running aground.

Along the Coastal Highway in Ocean City, Maryland, the St. Peter's Lutheran Church sign tells us that "Jesus has the heart of a healer." Good thing, this world and everyone in it need healing.

This innovative sign is in front of the St. Luke's Catholic Church along the Coastal Highway in Ocean City, Maryland just a few pedal stokes down from St. Peter's Lutheran Church. The sign, made out of a   life guard stand states "Come back to God, we have a seat for you. Jesus Christ the 1st 'Life Guard' will save you."

Ocean City is an interesting mix of beach culture and Christianity. I was compelled to linger in Ocean City and came across the above billboard with the play on the word 'son'. Here's the reverse of that same sign:

The scripture verse is Acts 16:31. As I mentioned before, I was compelled to stay in Ocean City. I walked to the boardwalk and this is what I found:

I was alone, but I didn’t feel alone.

I saw the hustle and bustle of beach goers, boogie boarders, surfers, shoppers, lovers, lusters, shop keepers and then I saw the sand sculptures regarding God and Jesus.

Love God First was written on one sand tablet. Love others as self was written on another sand tablets. The tablets were surrounding a large sand sculpted head of a bearded man who I assume was to be God. At an adjacent mound of sand was the sand-sculpted depiction of Christ carrying the cross and written above the cross was the words “our sins”.

There were eight cardboard placards wedged in the sand in front of the sculpture:

If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. Romans 10:9

For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whosoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

For by grace are ye saved through faith and that not of yourselves it is the gift of God, not of works lest any man should boast. Ephesians 2:8-9

Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.  Matthew 4:4

Jesus told doubting Thomas, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” John 20:29

Jesus said, “behold I stand at the door and knock; if any man hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to him.” Revelations 3:20

In memory of Tim Hofman 1961-2013

The biblical sand sculptures of Ocean City, MD 2^nd St. and Boardwalk by randyhofman.com

I was curious and did a google search for the name of Tim Hofman. Here is an excerpt of his obituary:

"Timothy Patrick Hofman, age 52, died on May 29, 2013 at his home. Born, the 7th of nine children, he was raised on the colonial Gittings Ha Ha estate in Brookeville, MD. He was the son of Gloria Ann Haverty Hofman, and the late Leo Charles Hofman, and is survived by his wife Florence Hofman and his brothers; Leo “Fritz” Hofman, John C. Hofman, Thomas M. Hofman, all of Ocean City, G. Randy Hofman, James B. Hofman, both of Ocean Pines, and sisters; Cathie H. Rocklin of Ocean City, and Bonnie Hart of Front Royal, VA. He was preceded in death by his brother, Francis G. Hofman.

Musically gifted from an early age, Tim had been an altar boy and music coordinator at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Olney, MD. All through his life he continued to play in churches. He became a professional pianist, classically trained under Roger Priese of the National Symphony in Washington DC. As a concert pianist, he performed all over the United States, including Las Vegas and cruise ships, and toured in 24 countries. After spending his formative years in California, he returned to the east coast in the early 1990’s to make his home in Ocean City. He enjoyed writing lyrics, and composing music. He also loved building and architecture and being a landlord. He had attended 

Salisbury University. In high school he was a national medalist in Greco Wrestling."

A talented artist, Randy Hofman's website is worth the look: www.randyhofman.com

On the Ocean City Maryland Boardwalk.

I wasn't looking for anything in particular on the boardwalk, but I was stopped in my tracks when I saw this small kiosk for "Names on Rice." My friend Hubert Marcoux made necklaces with names on rice in addition to gold wire name jewelry. He mastered these crafts to fund his solo around-the-world sailing odyssey. Hubert came into my life in the late summer of 2003. His boat, Mon Pays, which he built himself was damaged when Hurricane Juan hit Halifax. Hubert worked tirelessly to repair his boat and left Halifax for Bermuda in November of 2009. He was hit by a severe storm on his way to Bermuda and was lost at sea. Hubert was a kind and gentle hearted soul, a dear friend, and I miss him. I rest in the knowledge that he is in the loving embrace of Jesus.

There it was, the answer for my lingering in Ocean City... fond memories of Hubert.

Perhaps some of you reading this may wonder why I take photos of church signs. The reason is spiritual and not religious. I profess Jesus Christ as my Savior. The signs are a reminder of that personal relationship with him. All to often I have driven my Jeep past signs like this and because of the speed of travel and commitment to be somewhere, I'm rarely able to read them. Being on the bike is different. Not only can I stop and photograph the signs, but I can pedal away in meditation of my relationship with God.

From the Land of Trump to the First State - Delaware

On the Atlantic City Boardwalk I couldn't help but appreciate the relationship between Trump and Starbucks... Starbucks coffee may be an expensive brew, but it keeps the gamblers awake... shall we call it a symbiotic relationship. I wonder if Donald Trump himself is a Starbucks coffee drinker?

I enjoyed riding down the board walk which stretched for miles, despite bumping over the wooden planks and dodging the many people who were milling about. The Air Show would be starting later in the day. I enjoyed taking my son Sean to the Air Shows in Halifax when he was younger. Today I just wanted to remove myself from the Land of Trump and continue south enjoying the coastal scenery.

Grass neatly planted in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy will help hold the dunes in place.

Another sweltering day of cycling. From Trumps Taj Mahal Hotel and Casino I followed the boardwalk and then coastal roads until I reached Cape May (48 miles, 77.4 km). The handkerchief helps to keep the sun off my neck and ears and the salty sweat from my eyes.

The Ocean Drive Bridge that took me into Ocean City, NJ. From a distance the bridge looks like it would be an intimidating climb, but really it was nothing compared to the Pennsylvania and Upstate New York Hills.

That's my slice of spinach pizza in front of Dean who works at Promenade Pizza and Stromboli on the Ocean City Boardwalk. We talked about US politics after he asked about the health care system in Canada. Dean was aware of the fact that the system is socialized in Canada. Unfortunately, many Canadians have the attitude that health care is free. The heavy taxation in Canada make it far from free. For the American with proper health insurance, the care is world class and without the wait times experienced in Canada. I experienced those terrible wait times over and over again as I dealt with my shoulder injury. Somehow there has to be a happy medium between the two systems. Dean and I both agreed that too many politicians don't listen to the people. He cited Obama Care as being forced down American's throats when over half the people were against it. Unfortunately, the lobby with the biggest bucks gets what they want even if it is harmful to people. We shook hands and then Dean offered me a "God Bless you," as I rode away down the board walk. He was a good, hard working, young guy and I wish God's Blessing for him and his family.

As I left the Ocean City Board walk I cycled next to Tom, a retired university administrator from central Pennsylvania who rents a home in the area for himself and family during the summer. We chatted a bit as Tom weaved his way through the streets and oriented me in the right direction south. I was quick to accept his invite for a stop at his place for a lemonade. I handed him the card with my blog address and he immediately spotted the DC after my name indicating my being a chiropractor. Tom shared his recent diagnosis of spinal stenosis which has been painful, despite chiropractic care and despite injections. Importantly it is impeding his golf game. I explained the simple stretch that I would recommend to my patients who are golfers.

"Basically Tom, if you are a right handed golfer your body has a very ingrained neuromuscular pattern for that swing. Over time an imbalance happens that can set you up for pain. The stretch is simple. Grab one of your irons and adopt a left handed grip. Slowly swing the club in a left handed fashion holding the follow-through of a few seconds. Do this for 20 reps before your round of golf and for 20 reps at the end of your round. This will help you balance your body from a neuromuscular standpoint. Just don't go swiping at dandelions because your body is not ready for anything ballistic in your non-dominant direction."

It turns out that Tom also holds a Bachelor and Master degrees in Physical Education. I told Tom a bit about my Physical Education Masters Thesis on the history of bicycle touring in the 1980s. He enjoyed my relating the history of the League of American Wheelman who began to lobby the US Federal Government over what was dubbed the "Good Roads Movement." In fact the lobby by the bicyclists was successful and the Good Roads Movement became the impetus of the US Highway system. Yes, it was cyclists that improved our roads! Another interesting fact, the League of American Wheelman changed their name once the automobile became mass produced... the American Automobile Association. Americans, in their love of the automobile relegated the bicycle to a toy or fitness device. I can say that since my bicycle tour to Florida in 1986, a huge amount of progress has been made in the US to make bicycles a safer and acceptable alternative to the car. Bike trails and lanes have been developed in many places. I hope that the trend continues.

Yes, turtle crossings all along my coastal, marshland route. The species in question is the Diamondback Terrapin. During the spring the female turtles leave the marsh and walk across the road to the dunes to lay their clutch of 8-12 eggs of which only 3-6 hatch. I even saw a "Turtle Patrol Car" go by, but the only turtles I saw had been flattened on the road.

The heat became unbearable so I took a long break and had a mango banana smoothy at Marita's Homemade Ice Cream Shop in Sea Isle City, New Jersey.

As I sat in the shade a guy named Jerry asked about my trip and gave me a business card to his Cycling Training website: www.cylingtraining.ws
He took one of my cards and said he'd set up a link on his site to my blog. Cool - networking - bike style. Jerry commented that I was not only dealing with the heat, but I was riding into a stiff southwest wind... the bike is loaded and heavy, its hot, the wind is against me and I'm carrying almost 75 lbs more body weight now than I did when I bicycle toured to Florida in 1986... I can feel the weight coming off already.

The bike on the ferry for the crossing from Cape May, New Jersey to Lewes, Delaware. Only $10 for the 85 minute trip across Delaware Bay.

The Cape May Ferry Terminal.

I rode another 7.4 miles (11.8 km) after leaving the ferry in Lewes, Delaware.

America the Land of Contrasts: Trump Taj Mahal Hotel and Casino

I rode over 17 miles (27.5 km) from the McDonald's in Egg Harbor City, through sweltering heat until I reached Atlantic City.

All I really wanted to do was ask someone to take my picture in front of the Trump Taj Mahal Hotel and Casino which I figured would be an interesting contrast from the photos of nature and church signs.

As I approached the opulent entrance I saw two young guys walking toward me.
"Hey guys, do one of you mind taking a photo of me in front of the fountain?"
"Sure." I handed my camera to the sandy haired guy. He snapped a couple of pictures from different angles.

"Thanks guys, I wanted my picture taken here because it's been a long hot day and I've ridden my bike here from Canada."
"You rode this all the way from Canada? No way man."
"Yeah I did, and God willing I'll be riding all the way to Florida."
"That is so cool man."
We stood talking as I answered their many questions. Dennis is a business student at a local community college. Josh recently quit his job as an external maintenance keeper of an apartment complex. He's hoping to start his own landscaping business. I handed them the card so they could check out the blog.
"Good meeting you guys, I'm going to head in and see what Donald Trump will charge me for a room."
"You want a room? We're comped at this place. I'll get you a room, would you pay $20 for it?"
"Sure."
"Follow us."
Dennis went to the hotel check-in line up and was there for about 20 minutes while Josh and I stood outside talking. Eventually Josh walked me in to the check-in counter and held my bike while I confirmed to the incredulous lady that I had in fact ridden my bike from Canada. She was well acquainted with Josh and Dennis who were both regulars at the casino.
"God works in mysterious ways," she said to Josh. She pointed heavenward and continued, "See Josh, you do good things and good things happen to others."
"Amen sister!" I replied.
Josh and Dennis have a bank of complimentary rooms and meals that they redeem and sell to people so that they can continue to gamble without spending any of their own money. I handed them each a 20 dollar bill as they helped me get my bike and gear on the elevator and up to the 36th floor.

The view from my 36th floor room.

Morning ride to Village Bicycle in Tuckerton, NJ 13.3 km (8.3 miles)

The sign at Cedar Creek Assembly of God has the reminder, "Make God Your First Priority, Not Your Last Resort."

After the 13+ km ride from Manahawkin, I pulled my bike up to Village Bicycles where Marsha who owns the shop with her husband was just opening up.

Village Bicycles, 122 East Main Street, Tuckerton, NJ. Enjoy the following photos that I took of their antique bicycles:

While my rear wheel was being worked on, I had a great 'second' breakfast of a tasty western sandwich on rye with iced tea at the Dynasty Diner, across the street from Village Bicycles.

The heat of the day was full force when I got back on the bike after the repairs. I continued south on Hwy 9 and stopped to photograph this church sign:

St. Paul's United Methodist Church sign welcomes "scouts, campers, travellers, everyone of all faiths," stating that you can "Come As You Are" and in small print reminding that "God looks on the heart not the outward appearance."

Marsha of Village Bicycles had called her husband and obtained instructions for me to bypass a section of Hwy 9 that joins the Garden State Parkway and is off limits to bicyclists. I followed Route 542 west to Route 563 which took me into Egg Harbor, NJ (22 miles, 35 km). Along the way I photographed some beautiful vegetation:

I passed lots of roadside Tiger Lilies, one of my favourite flowers.

This grass was taller than me! I did a bit of researching and I think it is a species known as Common Reed (Phragmites australis). If this is the the Common Reed, it is an aggressive plant and outcompetes other native plants, decreasing diversity. Phragmites have underground runners which spread and grow shoots. This plant is so abundant in some areas that it is a fuel for grassland fires that can happen in the area.

I'm sitting in a McD's in Egg Harbor, NJ along Hwy 30 taking a break from the heat (33 C, 91.4 F) and enjoying an unsweetened iced tea and the free wifi.

Sea Girt, NJ to Manahawkin, NJ 71.2 km (44 miles)

Along Route 35 there was still evidence of the massive power that Hurricane Sandy packed. Some properties looked completely unscathed, some under repair and others were still in ruins.

More Hurricane Sandy destruction. It's hard to imagine the disruption that the storm caused so many people, but all these months later these photos are pretty indicative.

Three houses in a row crunched together by the wind and water of Hurricane Sandy. This hurricane took place in the latter days of October 2012, packed winds of 115 mph (185 km per hour). Damage estimates in the US are upwards of $65 billion. Sandy was a Category 3 hurricane when it hit Cuba and weakened to a Category 1 hurricane as it hit the US. At Category 1 Sandy was unique because of the massive size.

 "The Fruit of the Spirit is Love" is on the sign for the St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, Waretown, New Jersey.

I started riding at 6:00 am and by the time I stopped, the temperature was a scorching 33 degrees Celsius (91.4 F).

I probably would have made better headway had it not been for a flat tire which I repaired outside of a Wawa Gas Station and Store at Lanoka Harbor, NJ. A couple guys stopped by to visit.

Lenny, in his 70's pulled up in his big blue Ford F350 pick-up truck and said he'd like to go with me. He went into the store and came out with an Iced Coffee which tasted pretty great.

I don't remember the name of the other guy, but he was a Jersey Italian and fellow cyclist who admired the form of travel and was planning his own trek. He was even willing to bring me to his home to use his tools and repair the wheel, but I had it back on the bike. We visited a while and then he handed me $10 and gave me a hug. "Make sure you think kindly of us loud American's."

Both guys told me of the shop down Lacey Road off Hwy 9, but it was closed when I rode to it. My rear tire is almost worn bald and I need to find a bike shop soon.

Newark, New Jersey to Sea Girt, New Jersey 61 km (38 miles)

I left the comfort of the Holiday Inn early Sunday morning and rode along Hwys 1 & 9 toward Liberty State Park in Jersey City. The ride was about 17.5 km (11 miles).

Hwys 1 and 9 were not bike friendly, although they did have a pretty good shoulder for most of the way. I was glad that it was Sunday when I was riding. At one point I took an off ramp thinking that I could skirt the highways and still make it to the bridge that I was to cross... Nope! I wound up in an industrial park and was shocked at how much garbage was on the sides of the streets.

Leaving Liberty State Park.

 Manhattan Sky Line from the ferry.

On the Ferry from Liberty State Park, New Jersey to the World Financial Center Ferry Terminal, New York City. I had wanted to take a ferry to Liberty Island to see the Statue of Liberty up close, but due to damage from Hurricane Sandy, no ferries were landing.

Freedom Tower silhouetted by the sun.

I walked my bike up toward Freedom Tower and snapped this photo which does not do justice to its immense size and height.

I was surprised by how bike friendly New York City was.

You can learn all about the NYC City Bike rental system at http://citibikenyc.com/how-it-works

The Pier 11 Ferry Terminal was only 2.5 km from Freedom Tower. I took the above ferry to Sandy Hook, New Jersey along with quite a few beach goers from Manhattan.

Bikes on the ferry. The guy who sold me the one way ticket to Sandy Hook told me to make sure my bike and gear were secure for the speedy passage - the boat travels up to 35 knots.

The Manhattan skyline from the ferry to Sandy Hook.

Fort Hancock is on the Sandy Hook Peninsula. In 1895 the US Army set up a major defensive point for New York City.

There was a beautiful paved bicycle path through Fort Hancock and the entire Sandy Hook Peninsula.

I didn't expect to see cacti in New Jersey. Above is the yellow flowered Prickly Pear Cactus which thrives in the dry sand of the Sandy Hook area.

Fort Hancock was closed as a missile base in 1974. Above is the Nike Hercules Missile. During the Cold War Era, missiles were stationed here to defend New York City and Philadelphia.

Miles of white, soft, sandy, beach makes up Sandy Hook.

A closed (obviously) section of the bicycle path that was torn up by Hurricane Sandy.

The sign in front of Sea Bright United Methodist Church quotes John 5:6 and reads, "Jesus asked, Do you want to be Made Well?" "All Welcome"

From Sandy Hook I rode to Sea Girts, New Jersey,  41 km (25.5 miles).

Just as I was out of Sea Bright a guy named Tom pedalled up next to me. Wearing flip-flops, a tank top and riding a beach cruiser bike he was heading toward a watering hole in the town of Neptune. Tom had a knapsack embossed with the name and symbol for the "Wounded Warrior Project." I asked him about the project. Tom volunteers with the logistics of getting wounded vets, many of whom are amputees, out surfing. Tom also gave me a running commentary of how Hurricane Sandy had disrupted the lives of so many in this area. We rode together until I took a break at the Bradley Beach 7-11.

At the Starbuck's in Sea Girt, NJ I met Jim who asked about my trip and wished me well.

I was happy to be able to give Jim and Tom a card with my e-mail and blog address. I had the cards made up by Patti, the owner of Quality Printing and Design Inc., in Honesdale, Pennsylvania while visiting Mark, Kelly and my nephews. Thanks Patti - great work!