Data: 129 miles Riding time 8:10 (15.9 mph avg)
Another perfect bike ride! They just keep getting better, it seems. The Vermont and New Hampshire countrysides are forested, green, and hilly, with rivers, streams, lakes, gorgeous mountain views, and picturesque villages.
It took me about 15 miles to "get my legs" this morning after yesterday's hard day. I think I was the last rider after 15 miles, but then I felt stronger and caught up. We went northeast away from the Erie Canal, and the highway was less scenic than usual until we got to Mechanicsville. We then crossed the Hudson River, which was exciting for me. When I do the Great Loop, I will take the Hudson up to the Erie Canal and then head west, so I will not pass by this spot. However, others doing the Great Loop elect the route that continues north to here and on to Lake Champlain and eventually to the St. Lawrence River.
East of the Hudson, we began beautiful hilly country roads, including along the scenic Tomhannock Lake. When we got to Vermont, I was with Dave, Geoff, and Jerry.
We took "Scenic Hwy 7" all the way across Vermont. It runs through the Green Mtn National Forest, and also crosses the Appalachian Trail. So you can imagine the beauty! While still in NY, we passed the Hoosic River Falls, and I posed for the camera.
I left my riding buddies in Bennington to visit its Battlefield Memorial, a tall obelisk we could see for miles as we descended into the town. It commemorates an Aug 16, 1777 defeat of the British by the local militia.
Once I stopped for sightseeing, I was on my own, which means more stopping for photos. On many of the long hills we climbed and descended, we were right next to a rushing river, making it special and pretty.
I hate to admit this, but I was by myself and made a wrong turn onto Interstate 91 as I was coming into Brattleboro, VT. Our route sheet said to turn left at "Hwy 9 E/ 5 N". Well, I saw a sign saying that, so I turned. However, I missed the fact that this was the interstate onramp, and the sign was simply pointing out that Interstate 91 also led to 9E and 5N. Anyway, as I was merging onto the freeway, I realized my mistake, but before I could even think what to do next, a state trooper stopped in front of me on the side of the hwy. He got out and sternly said: "You're not allowed to ride here. Turn around and walk your bike back off this onramp right now." Okay, I did! Once I got back to the original road, I went another half mile and got to my left turn, which of course also said "9E/5N".
As you'd expect, I passed many maple syrup stores and even a maple syrup museum.
There was a pretty mountain lake in Vermont and I took this picture while pedaling.
I eventually crossed the beautiful and expansive Connecticut River and was in New Hampshire. Today was our third three-state day on this bike trip. And NH makes state number 14, with only one more state to enter tomorrow.
We traveled on Hwy 9, another designated scenic road, and went up and down hill after hill until reaching Keene. One descent was particularly steep -- Logan got up to 55.9 mph (I got to 46 mph, an all-time record for me). Here's a photo of us riding through wooded roads just as the ABB van and trailer was passing us. I'm at the back in the yellow jacket.
I had a special treat for dinner: Charles and Martha Martin, the parents of a good friend in Simi, Bob Martin, live 23 miles from here, and took me out to dinner at the down-home Family Ties Restaurant. It turns out tomorrow's route goes within three miles of their home northeast of here, and our official rest stop is right there! So, they said they'd come on down and cheer us on. It was so nice to meet them and for them to take me out.
Tomorrow's the final day, and we'll dip our front wheels in the Atlantic Ocean! My friend James Keast, who used to live in Santa Clarita but moved to Massachusetts, will meet us at Salisbury Beach for the ceremony (and then drive me to Amesbury and the car-rental). Annette will get there in time for the final banquet tomorrow night. I probably won't have time tomorrow night to write my update, so you'll need to wait two or three days for an account of tomorrow.
Here's a typical New England church along the way, prim and proper.
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