Day 42 Brattleboro, Vt to Burlington, MA-91 milesHere's a picture of my new friend I met at Sandy's Lunch Box. I didn't get his name. He reminded me of Old Dick - just a little wacky. As you can see he's a cyclist too.
It's 90 degrees here in Burlington and we're under a severe thunderstorm watch. Ha! I'm off the street so I say let it rip.
The ride today was a little dicey. Very little shoulder to ride on and lot of traffic. The good thing, I think, is that this part of the country has lots of cyclists and lots of signs saying "Bicycle Laws Strictly Enforced". So most drivers are pretty courteous. Colin, however, encountered one who was anything but. Colin said a young guy in a car kept edging over as they approached a stop giving Colin very little room on the pavement. Colin said it was intentional and when Colin pulled up beside him, Colin who is 71 yelled in his thick British accent; "Get out of the car and I'll beat the shit out of ya!" According to Colin, the kid acted like he wanted no part of the crazy Englishman and sped off. I told Colin he should not be so hostile-the Revolution is over, we won.
On the way to Burlington we road through a number of old Massachusetts towns and villages. A lot of them incorporated in the 1700's. We road through Concord and Lexington which prompted me to recite the first stanza of The Concord Hymn:
By the rude bridge that arched the flood;
Their flag to April's breeze unfurled;
Here once the embattled farmers stood;
And fired the shot heard round the world.
I really like that one. It chokes me up. I should memorize the rest.
Tomorrow we ride to the ocean to dip our front wheels. It's only 18 miles. I think I have that much left in me.
Sam.....you are 18 miles away from the culmination of a wonderful "trip" for yourself and all of us who have followed you daily. It was obviously easier on our butts than yours, but we did think, worry and wonder about you each day. Hoping that it would be everything you thought it would be, and hoping each day that you would be safe. Well, it is about to become a reality. I am wondering if you will be too excited to sleep tonight. Probably not! Thanks for all your wonderful blogs, thanks for putting up with our crazy messages to you, and most of all thanks for being a good brother, brother-in-law, and uncle. YOU ARE THE MAN!!!!!Have a great ride into the Atlantic.....or a great "dipping" whichever happens it will be really something. Sweet dreams, as usual you are in our thoughts and you are a testament to the idea, with determination and courage IF YOU CAN THINK IT, YOU CAN DO IT. XXOO i hope you will write one more blog for us...
ReplyDeleteI insist you write one more blog. However, I want to compliment you Sue, for your input. I feel that I received a true education about our nation, and I felt the experience thru Sam's physical ability and your research. Thank you! It is too bad that we all do not have to experience this journey as part of our youth. Happy dipping and a safe last day
ReplyDeleteSam,
ReplyDeleteSue -- and Orchidshell -- are right on, my friend! My guess is that the celebration started tonight. Lot's of ice cream! I'll check in tomorrow. Old Dick.
Hi Sam,
ReplyDeleteI am heading upstate for my father-in-laws birthday celebration. In case you shut this site down before return on Sunday, wanted to once again tell you how nice it was visiting with you at Sandy's Lunch Box -- wouldn't you know I got a puncture and a sore butt on my way back to the woods where I live with other Wizards.
Can visualize the approach to ocean but can't possibly imagine the emotions you must have felt.
I am sure you remember that old saw about nature giving us two ends -- one to sit on and one to think with. Ever since then a person's success or failure has been dependent on the one he/she used most.
Somewhere along the ride you hit the right formula! You've got my respect, old friend! Hope we get to catch up this summer. Old Dick