I have to say that today was the hardest cycling day I have ever had. I averaged 8.4 mph and I was on the road from 7:45 Am until 7:45PM. I was getting worried that I wouldn't make it before dark but I just barely did. Talk about hills!!! They just seemed to keep going up and never come down! Again there was one that was so steep I could hardly push the bike never mind riding it. The roads were so bad that even when I was able to go down hill, I had to keep braking because I didn't want to break something including me on the way down. That is another reason the average mph is so low. I also ran out of water with about 12 miles to go and didn't see any place I could beg borrow or buy some.
The day was nice and sunny if a bit cool in the morning. I headed out and after a few miles, I knew I was going to be in for it. I stopped for coffee at a Starbucks with an outdoor table to sit at. I passed an interesting stone railroad bridge that was still in pretty good shape. I don't know if it is still being used or not, probably is. I was climbing and noticed a sign celebrating the 300 year anniversury of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, 1630 to 1930. Just think in 20 more years they will be celebrating 400 years, it boggles the mind.
I kept climbing and came upon a well kept farm at the top of a mountain with a nice looking pond. They had a store and sold things although it didn't look like it was open anymore.
Another reason the day was so long was the map I was using was incorrect. It said I should make a right turn on school road when the road reached a Tee. I was going along and saw a right turn but the road was church. Also the road continued straight ahead. This road wound around through the woods. At one time I saw a white horse come out on the road. I thought he was loose when a woman came out with another white horse which she was leading. The first horse just came along with her. She said it was like a dog, it didn't need a rope, it would just listen to her. Anyway I came to the end of this road and turned right on school road just like the map said. After a mile or so I realized I was heading east and not west. I finally stopped and asked someone for directions. I was headed in the opposite direction. I turned around and eventually the road took me back to where I made the decision by not turning. I had gone in a very painfull circle.
More climbing and I came on an appropriate sign, Purgatory! I certainly felt like I was there.
Eventually I entered Connecticut but someone put a pole in front of the sign.
What a day! I hope you are not bored with all of this.
PS, I left my cell phone charger at the motel this morning!
Bummer about the charger - I'll tell you like someone told me - you just have to make a checklist every day and then remember to check it!!
ReplyDeleteI think I would have been right beside you walking those mtns - 45%??
Can't wait to see you guys in a couple of days!!
You had me at white horse!!! Good grief, Leo, how COULD you forget the phone charger...those things are costly....now what....get another charger....you'd better go back.....nite. The VA
ReplyDeleteGood work Dad! Keep it up!
ReplyDeleteLeo, at the next hotel ask if they have a lost and found box of chargers behind the desk. they usually do and maybe one that fits your phone!
ReplyDeleteJeff and I rode bikes up Lookout Moountain today and I continued all the way home to evergreen. Not quite as far as you have gone but a big ride for me since I was sick all summer!! We are so inspired by you and your trip! Anything the mind can conceive and believe you can acheive!!!
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