We awoke around 5:30 to be at Edie Cassidy's (CCHD Director, Bridgeport) house for breakfast at 6:00. Our departure time for New Haven was 7:00 sharp. It seems we always set a time but have difficulty actually leaving when we should.

We filled our bellies and mentally prepared for our ride to New Haven, not knowing what to expect this last day of our weeklong ride. As we ate, Edie filled us in on some pertinent information regarding CenterEdge and why taxes in Bridgeport are so much higher than the surrounding towns. It was a good lesson for us and she likes talking about CenterEdge.

Finally it was departure time. We thanked our hosts and someone shouted out "Riders Up!" We gathered in our usual circle and prayed our verse form Genesis. We then sang Happy Birthday to Joan before we actually left. "Pedal On!" That became our call as we began riding.

It was a cool morning but it felt good. As we made our way through the streets of Bridgeport, we waved to people on the street just beginning their day. When we could, we advised them why we were riding, giving out the CCHD statistic cards we had stuffed in our riding jersey pockets. When possible we handed out the cards in Spanish. This is part of each ride most of us love. The interaction with the communities we bike through. Lou pointed out some of the sights he was familiar with as a kid growing up in Stratford as we biked along.

We had our first "pit" stop at the K of C in Milford. Most used the facilities and anxiously anticipated New Haven. We again heard the now familiar "Bikers Up! Pedal On!"

As we rode through West Haven and our second "pit" stop, another K of C, we first came upon a nice beach area and Joan decided this would be a nice place for a little photo shoot. We lined up our bikes on the sand , feathered out as we were directed, and she began taking our pictures. Some of us found another porta-potty. It seemed like we never could get by one without using it. We again gathered on the beach and climbed a Lifeguard stand for another photo. Really cool! After our fun on the beach we hopped on our bikes and rode to our next stop.

At the K of C in West Haven, we were greeted by a reporter and photographer from the Crossroads TV program. We were told we would be on TV Sunday and Monday at 10:30 am. We look forward to watching! We had a few snacks and were treated by sweets that Sue Ryan and Marilu picked up for us. I love dark chocolate!!! After several of us were interviewed, we made our way toward New Haven. We had to be there by 11:00 and we were making real good time. Once within New Haven we decided to re-gather at the K of C Headquarters. We used their facilities and were a little surprised by their very tight security. I suppose that's the way this world has changed so much as a result of all the terrorism problems in this world. We hadn't realized there was a heightened security alert currently in force.

Finally the moment arrived. We were headed toward the New Haven green. Led by Bob King and Lou, we rode two by two into the green. We saw the arch of colored balloons and the stage from where Bishop Rosazza and New Haven mayor DeStefano would be speaking.

We circled around for a few minutes and then rode through the arch. While the crowd was smaller than expected, our enthusiasm was at an all time high. Many of us had a tear in our eye as we came to the end of our journey. We realized this was the end of our weeklong ride but it was the beginning of our next stage in our mission. We had learned from each other and had learned from those we met on this journey and we had bonded as a team ever ready to take on whatever the next hill had to offer. We had mixed feelings. Glad this ride was over but sad that this ride was over.

We listened to the kind, inspirational words of Bishop Rosazza and Mayor DeStefano and a few other speakers, including Mary Ellen. She read a letter from Father Bob Vitillo from CCHD Headquarters and his words bolstered us for the future. Charlie, Kelly and Rob had the opportunity to share what we learned, why we rode and why we "PEDAL" with those present.

Did we make a difference? I for one think we did. Even if only one person in attendance was touched by what we did and what was said, that's all it takes because that person may touch someone, and on and on. That's why we do what we do whether there are 100 in attendance or only 1.

After the celebration, several of us went to visit with a representative of US Representative Rosa DeLauro in her office near by. We had a fruitful conversation which included our Poverty Forum idea which was mentioned at each of our visits with the other politicians we engaged on this trip.

We are so hopeful we can make this happen. We did it! We Thought About It! We Talked About It! And, We Took Action!!

We look forward to the next phase of our mission, Brake the Cycle of Poverty….This Time Connecticut!!

(Editor’s note: The Connecticut team’s mission extends beyond the ride. This fall, they will continue raising awareness of poverty and CCHD’s unique response through presentations at Catholic parishes throughout Connecticut.)