Fuel the Flame

Four states? Check. Three days? Check. Two wheels? Check. (still there!) And one incredibly inspiring cause!

Fuel the Flame quite literally rolled into the Lexington Center gym this morning at 1130 to super-warm welcome, in contrast to the cold, wet weather brewing outside. FTF covered the last 40+ miles under mostly clear skies, zipping past the Great Sacandaga Lake for most of the way. FLAME was playing at Lexington Center when we arrived, and the riders were asked to join the band on stage to present the $10,900 in donations we’ve received from our extraordinarily generous supporters. FTF was greeted by a giant surprise — a donor (who wished to remain anonymous) approached Lexington Executive Director Paul Nigra and offered to match the funds we raised. That’s $22,000!

Some overall stats: — time on the bikes, 15 hours, 47 minutes, and 54 seconds — total miles, 250.1 — average speed, 15.4 mph — max speed, 45mph (near Stratton Mt, VT).

We will post more later, but a quick thanks to our support crew, our donors, our families and especially FLAME and the Lexington Center!

FTF is now at the base of the last big climb before coasting down into Gloversville. Since leaving Lake Luzerne at 830, we’ve been riding along the north shore of Lake Sacandaga… On to Lexington Center!

So, we’re not the best at math - we’ve gone more than 200 miles over 2 days! This puts our estimated total at over 240 miles over three days. Some final stats for today: 101 miles, climbed to 2800+ feet, on the road from 815am to 615pm, and the number of covered bridges is eluding us right now… We’re on our way to Saratoga for some grub, and it’s up early tomorrow to get to the Lexington Center by 1130 for the performance by FLAME. Thanks to everyone for their support, especially our amazingly dedicated road support crew! Sorry we were out of range most of the day, but we were literally in the woods for 90 percent of the day - the views from the top of Stratton Mtn were breathtaking. If you’re planning to come tomorrow, pls find directions on the tab of the same name and check out our audio posts, at right.

130pm: The worst climbing is over! FTF just summitted both Mt Snow & Stratton (well, at least the highest road over each) before zooming back down and out of the Green Mountains into Arlington, VT, for a much-needed lunch break. Some stats so far today: 51 miles (151 overall), avg 14 mph, and climbed from 280 to 2880 feet!

Back on the road, with rolling hills ahead of us… And a dinner date in Saratoga Springs

Taking a break at a 7-Eleven at the base of Mt Snow, after losing some of the altitude we gained… About 1,900ft so far, over 22 miles. A quick stop for water and king-size Snickers… Off again. Next update at lunch!

645am - breakfast…. 723am - Nothing like an early morning dip in the jacuzzi to get the blood flowing. Adam, Harrison and Mike make the most of the Colonial Hotel in Brattleboro (the public-nudity capital of the NorthEast, at least according to the Globe).