Day 48 -- Back in the mountains again!

August 7, 2004

ROUTE: Troy, NY to Brattleboro, VT                 
DISTANCE:  76 miles                 
WINDS: None to speak of

WEATHER: Overcast and cool; in the high 50s maybe reaching low 60s    
TERRAIN: Rolling to mountainous          
TOTAL CLIMBING: 5,370 feet

RIDE OVERVIEW: Oh what a beautiful day. I sit here now, sated with China Buffet sushi, stuffed clams, salmon, shrimp, and (warm) beer. It's been a very full and fun day, first in New York and then in Vermont. But let's start at the start . . .

It was another beautiful day for riding though darkly overcast at times and quite chilly. Threatening all day...but no rain!  Well, another state bit the dust...New York.  I hate to see New York go since it's "my" childhood state and I really liked the roads with their super wide shoulders, smooth paving, and bike lanes, but today we entered Vermont, the Green Mountain State . . . our next to last state.  We will be in Vermont only for one day because tomorrow we enter New Hampshire and take it home.  Even though we were on several different roads today, the navigation was pretty simple...take Rte 2 to Rte 7, which becomes Rte 9 when we enter Vermont.  But in contrast to the easy navigation, the terrain was a bit challenging as we climbed over 5,000 feet today. For Gabe, who rode the loaner bike in street clothes and bike shoes, and for the new riders who came in just a few short days ago, and who haven't developed any climbing legs yet, it was a tough day.  Lots of climbing, both long and short.

Barbara set up SS#1 at a Deli east of Hoosick, and I set up SS#2 in touristy Wilmington behind a Country Store. Wilmington came after a long climb and a steep but thrilling downhill (Mike reported seeing double nickel on his computer max speed), so most of the riders took a short break here to enjoy the touristy atmosphere and have a bite to eat. There are lots of neat delis in this area and just about any of them serve great sandwiches and sides. Many riders bought cheese, maple syrup, bicycle key hooks, and other things at the Country Store and I carried these things back in White. Robert had seen a Vermont Wooden Bowl store about a quarter mile from town.  He asked me to buy him a salad bowl and four smaller serving bowls after I closed up the SS, so I went back to the bowl store and enjoyed making the selection from the beautiful bowls they had for sale.

Even though we are in VT only one day, it will leave an impression on the riders.  You can understand why they call this area the Green Mountain State.  As you can see by the picture at right, the terrain is spectacular.  We rode along a river and two pristine lakes tucked between two tree- covered mountain ranges that stood majestically on both sides of our route.  Everywhere you looked you'd find small farms nestled into the base of these "hills."  We actually rode between the mountains so our riding terrain was mostly just rolling, but our road went up drastically soon after we left Bennington.  It was our first taste of mountain climbing since we left South Dakota and I think most of the cross country riders found these hills not to be nearly as challenging as they were out west (but they are just as tough . . . I think they are really much stronger than they were then).

As far as Mike was concerned, it was another successful day...everyone got in safely.  The riders spent most of the afternoon after the ride chilling around the lobby and visiting with relatives who have started to gather.  I think we are all starting to feel the end nearing and are trying to do the last group bonding.  We have only two more days of riding . . . it's hard to believe we are almost done with this adventure, but we still have a few more miles to focus on safe riding.  I'm sure Mike will remind riders of to "stay focused" tomorrow when we have our final evening meal.

Tomorrow will be our toughest day since John Day, but I think most of the riders will find it to be a fun day even with all the climbing.  At this point, they feel nothing will stop them from getting to the beach.  The states have thrown almost every conceivable construction scenario at us and we've overcome.  We've overcome mountains, heat, humidity, a little rain, and each other.  Tomorrow's just another bump in the road.  See you then.

HEARD ON THE ROAD TODAY:
"Running water, that's the best." [Andrew G. when the water jugs on Cov's hotel cart started rolling away]
"Well, today if you're not going up, you're going down."
"That was a two-story hill. Jeff told one and I told one and by that time we were at the top."
"I'm really scared to go down this steep hill."  "Do what I do. Close your eyes."
"Is there any truth to the fact that when they see 'ABB' on the road they tear up the road?"

DUH! OF THE DAY: 
--Could be Mike trying to download the pix off his camera without (duh) plugging in the USB cord.
--Or it could be Gary & Nick who signed in at the luggage truck and then (duh) left the motel with their luggage still in the cafeteria.
--Or it could be Karen who filled her cereal bowl and then (duh) neglected to hold it level while talking to someone so let the milk all dribble out, or ... there are just too many to mention.

PHOTOS OF THE DAY:

Trendsetter C. Michael models the newest in helmet
hair fashion--the Triple Mohawk...

Diane races a coupla hogs up Hogback Mountain, easily
summiting two bike lengths in the lead.  Way to go, Diane!

Is it dinner yet?

Josh's Uncle Jim and Aunt Judy Esch. Jim made the fiery fresh fruity fodder,
er.. salsa, served at SS#2 today. It will be served tomorrow at SS#2
also. Jim says the recipe is available to all who want it.  See Josh . . .

The Hammer's little bro, Fred Breunig, greets riders at
 day's end with some lively reels. Hear tell that a camera
somewhere contains a shot of Mike cutting the rug.
 If the taker will bring it to me, I'll see that Mike gets some
exposure on his website.

Five minutes ago this crowd was biting, shoving, and kicking
each other's shins. But let them, see a camera and they turn into sweet-faced
churchgoers...all except Jay, that is, who mugs it up at every photo op. 
Here, he's about to take a bite out of Liisa's shoulder.

Kate nods off after a hard day. Wonder if those socks cause hotfoot?