Day 41 Albany, NY to Brattleboro, VT -76 milesThe 7 mile climb up Hog Back Mountain was everything it was advertised to be and more. This is a picture from the "scenic overlook" at the top.
We worked up quite a sweat going up and at the top of Hog Back Mountain it was a little chilly in sweat-soaked clothes. The descent, however, almost made up for the climb. I heeded Old Dick's maxim and tried not to do anything stupid. I didn't let my speed get too high which would have been easy. Rick from Texas said he hit 56mph coming down. Some of us are crazier than others.
I've been eating a lot of ice cream. This hotel is kind of isolated - about 3 miles from downtown Brattleboro so I thought I would have to settle for an ice cream sandwich from a gas station. As I approached the main street I saw "Fast Eddies Ice Cream and Bakery". It was a gift from heaven. You ordered at the front window then you picked up at the side window. I had a fresh strawberry sunday with optional whipped cream and nuts. For the walk back to the motel I got a Maine wild blueberry ice cream cone. (They had lobster rolls for $9.99) If you're ever in Brattleboro give Fast Eddies a try.
Tomorrow we're going to Burlington, MA. It's the last full day riding and it looks like it will be at least as tough as today. The amount of climbing is about the same as today and we have 90 miles to ride before we get there. On Friday we ride the last 18 miles to the ocean.
ONE MORE DAY........AND THEN A PIDDLY 18 MILES.........keep those legs going tomorrow....I sure hope someone writes a blog on Saturday....I don't know how I am going to lessen the grip those blogs have on me. Sam what a wonderful accomplishment. I am in awe of those who can stick to their plan and see it fulfilled. Good for you!!!!! We are proud of you. Many people have asked about you, even Karen Carter asked Jim about you. I don't know how she knew about you and "the ride", but she did. Have a good day tomorrow. I'm sure you are in lullaby land by now....so have fun in Burlington. Later, XXOO
ReplyDeleteSam I am also in awe. I guess it is like you're roundin third and headin for home. Sure hope the earth quake didn't disrupt you. I worried about those skinny tires and the shaking. Take the downhill slow
ReplyDeleteHi! Well, just about ready to wrap this trip up, are you? Don't get cocky -- those 90 miles plus those you'll have to make up when you get lost are going to beat you up real good. So you have to earn all of these accolades, buddy!
ReplyDeleteThat double ice cream sounds like a great summer regiment. My three-year old grandson, Kyle, told me I felt "squishy" today when he grabbed my belly -- I guess I need to cut out the ice cream or the beer unless I am going to peddle 90 miles a day -- makes my 2 miles on the tread mill (every week) look pretty sorry. Sit-ups next month, for sure! Why have you have done this to me? By the way, this is all about me, right?
Another great picture, Sam. Hog Back looks pretty friendly for a trip down.
Hope everyone ends up with no injury travel. Now that your butt is not complaining maybe you should consider really impressing us and turning around to go back.
One more quote for your last long day: Who dares nothing, need hope for nothing ... Shrek.
Don't know what that means but hope that you can use it --- that or just keep singing "Wooly Bully"
Sam.....Roy says he is going to ride EFI...and says he will tell everyone what those letters stand for, he already said the "E" is for every, "I" is for inch.....takes no imagination what the "F" stands for...even a 69 year old woman can figure that out....good word in certain circumstances.....perfect for his circumstances. Stay safe, thinking of you!
ReplyDeleteGood advice on the bike seat, Special Agent Watson. I've only got 2900 miles to go before my butt's tough enough!
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of advice, I wish Old Dick had told me not to do anything stupid before I walked into the Ladies Restroom in Atlantic City.
What an amazing "cattle drive"! Good luck on the last leg! I recommend you take a couple days off before you start back West!