The Boys!!! Thanks for a great trip!
Judd and his (very proud) Mom!
Our police escort from the beach to the hotel
My bike and junk inside the "aircaddy". I was in such a hurry...I just tossed everything in.
...and ready for shipping!
Friday, May 25, 2007
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Day 31 Amsterdam,NY to Keene,NH 122 miles
Another Top 5 day in my history of riding a bike! Weather...spectacular, scenery...spectacular, company...goofy as usual!
We left the hotel in Amsterdam this morning with about 15. Our plan was to ride hard on the connecting legs between towns and then take it easy and recover once we were in town. Our first hard effort seperated us from the group...Judd, me, Shane and Rob. We kept the pace up the first 16 miles into Milton, NY, where we slowed for some "recovery sightseeing". Then cranked it back up until we got to Ballston Spa. This is Saratoga County...big time horse country. Beautiful rolling hills of the greenest grass I have ever seen. Plenty of hills to make this a workout! We stuck with the plan til the first SAG at 40 miles...when we lost Shane. Shane is one of the ride leaders...and sometimes has to interupt his ride with official duties. He's great to have along as the 4th guy gives you a longer break between pulls at the front. The town of Hoosick got Rob and I started on another laugh-fest that lasted for miles! "Hoosick?"..."I'm not sick...you sick?" A modern day Abbott & Costello...ha! Rolled thru beautiful Bennignton,VT and then the "10 mile climb". Rob is a climbing machine...so the agreement was we'd regroup at the top. When I got to the top, Rob was waiting and we decided to have a little fun at Judd's expense. We hid behind a house just off the route. (Thanks for the idea Beasterling!!) Once he passed us we slipped in behind him. It was clear he was not happy we had left him....but pretty funny once he knew what had happened!! The climbs today were really tough. It's one thing doing 122 miles on legs that have been working so hard for so long...it's another thing to add in a couple thousand feet of climbing. Today we had a a bunch of small tough climbs, the 10-miler, a 4-miler and a couple 3-milers...and it got pretty hot just to make it interesting! Some screaming descents to help cool us off. We stopped at a bike shop in Brattleboro...a hopping little town that seems to love the outdoors. Lot's of kayaking, mountaineering, snow skiing & boarding and bike related outfitters. Looks like a fun place now...not sure I'd be able to handle it in the winter! Had a locally made root beer while Rob changed out a broken water bottle cage. We crossed into New Hamshire to get to tonight's hotel in Keene,NH. Tomorrow is the end! It will be another tough day. Some 15% climbs right out of Keene and then rollers most of the way to the Atlantic.
Today was great day to reflect on this trip. It's late and I have another 130 miles to ride tomorrow! So, I won't wax on too philosophically. We rode hard to test our legs...and we are all much stronger than when we started. I know I have become so much more aware of things around me...the sound of the water in the stream next to the road, the fresh smells that came from the Hudson Valley forest...the color of the sky and the amazing green of the hills. It has been a truly amazing experience! I am thankful to be blessed with the health to accomplish this journey...but mostly, I am grateful to my incredibly supportive and beautiful wife, Katie! Without her encouragement and support I would never have been able to do this. I love you Katie and can't wait to see you!
Shane, Rob, Judd and I...on our early get-away today!
Downtown Valley Falls,NY
We crossed the Hudson River and entered the Hudson River forest. A breathtakingly beautiful ride along the river...shrouded by trees.
Some really beautiful scenery today!
My good buddy "A.J." from the UK. This guy has powered his way across the USA...completely by himself! Most of us have ridden in small groups that make battling the headwinds considerably easier. A.J. just churns out the miles...and he does it on a 30lb bike!! He's my hero!
We left the hotel in Amsterdam this morning with about 15. Our plan was to ride hard on the connecting legs between towns and then take it easy and recover once we were in town. Our first hard effort seperated us from the group...Judd, me, Shane and Rob. We kept the pace up the first 16 miles into Milton, NY, where we slowed for some "recovery sightseeing". Then cranked it back up until we got to Ballston Spa. This is Saratoga County...big time horse country. Beautiful rolling hills of the greenest grass I have ever seen. Plenty of hills to make this a workout! We stuck with the plan til the first SAG at 40 miles...when we lost Shane. Shane is one of the ride leaders...and sometimes has to interupt his ride with official duties. He's great to have along as the 4th guy gives you a longer break between pulls at the front. The town of Hoosick got Rob and I started on another laugh-fest that lasted for miles! "Hoosick?"..."I'm not sick...you sick?" A modern day Abbott & Costello...ha! Rolled thru beautiful Bennignton,VT and then the "10 mile climb". Rob is a climbing machine...so the agreement was we'd regroup at the top. When I got to the top, Rob was waiting and we decided to have a little fun at Judd's expense. We hid behind a house just off the route. (Thanks for the idea Beasterling!!) Once he passed us we slipped in behind him. It was clear he was not happy we had left him....but pretty funny once he knew what had happened!! The climbs today were really tough. It's one thing doing 122 miles on legs that have been working so hard for so long...it's another thing to add in a couple thousand feet of climbing. Today we had a a bunch of small tough climbs, the 10-miler, a 4-miler and a couple 3-milers...and it got pretty hot just to make it interesting! Some screaming descents to help cool us off. We stopped at a bike shop in Brattleboro...a hopping little town that seems to love the outdoors. Lot's of kayaking, mountaineering, snow skiing & boarding and bike related outfitters. Looks like a fun place now...not sure I'd be able to handle it in the winter! Had a locally made root beer while Rob changed out a broken water bottle cage. We crossed into New Hamshire to get to tonight's hotel in Keene,NH. Tomorrow is the end! It will be another tough day. Some 15% climbs right out of Keene and then rollers most of the way to the Atlantic.
Today was great day to reflect on this trip. It's late and I have another 130 miles to ride tomorrow! So, I won't wax on too philosophically. We rode hard to test our legs...and we are all much stronger than when we started. I know I have become so much more aware of things around me...the sound of the water in the stream next to the road, the fresh smells that came from the Hudson Valley forest...the color of the sky and the amazing green of the hills. It has been a truly amazing experience! I am thankful to be blessed with the health to accomplish this journey...but mostly, I am grateful to my incredibly supportive and beautiful wife, Katie! Without her encouragement and support I would never have been able to do this. I love you Katie and can't wait to see you!
Shane, Rob, Judd and I...on our early get-away today!
Downtown Valley Falls,NY
We crossed the Hudson River and entered the Hudson River forest. A breathtakingly beautiful ride along the river...shrouded by trees.
Some really beautiful scenery today!
My good buddy "A.J." from the UK. This guy has powered his way across the USA...completely by himself! Most of us have ridden in small groups that make battling the headwinds considerably easier. A.J. just churns out the miles...and he does it on a 30lb bike!! He's my hero!
Welcome to Vermont! Note Rob in his usual position.
Tulips!!
The beauty of today's route
The road into Bennington,VT
At the top of today's 10 mile climb...Rob and I jumped behind this house and let Judd go by. Then followed him down the hill. The agreement was that we'd meet at the top. It was pretty clear he was not happy we had left him. He got a good laugh when we came up from behind.
Today's self-portrait. Nice "zinc job"...eh?
Getting ready to make a withdrawal from the First Gravitational Bank of Vermont!
Me...with the Green Mountains of Vermont as a background
For most of the day...the road followed along this river. It was amazing to ride along to the sound of the water rushing.
More beautiful roads
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Day 30 Liverpool,NY to Amsterdam,NY 120 miles
Beautiful weather again today...40 degrees at the start...and up to the 70's by the time we rolled into Amsterdam. It was a little crazy out there today. I find it interesting that in a trip across the entire country...it's not until we get into New York (which would probably argue it is "the" most sophisticated state) that the crazy people come out to harrass us! What's up with these NY drivers??? We had an old lady run me completely off the road...and at least 5 other cars full of idiots who thought it would be great fun to yell out the window at us. Other than that...it was another spectaular day on the bike!
Today's route took us across Rt. 5E...thru more than a dozen small towns. Many of which date back to the mid-1700's. Most have seen better days. It's really sad to see what bad shape these historic areas are in. Some pretty important events in our nation's history took place around here. We crossed portions of the Erie Canal, we checked out one of the first fortified farms to be established in what was then Mohawk indian country. We also passed a bunch of historic homes and meeting places. It was fun to see. A mix of road surfaces today from ultra-smooth with a wide shoulder to chip n' seal with no shoulder. We really had to be on out toes! A good bit of long climbs again today...with two more days of it before we reach the Atlantic.
I definitely feel more powerful. The last few days of having to sit while climbing have also helped. I was able to stand and climb today...WOW, what a difference. My ribs still hurt, though mostly when I laugh...which is a lot!
I can't believe how many women mow the lawn up here. I would say that well over 3/4 of the people we have seen mowing the lawn are female. Riding mowers, push mowers...heck, in the Mennonite areas I saw women using old manual mowers!
I think the smell of fresh cut grass will always remind me of this journey.
Only two days left!!! They'll both be tough! I really want to gauge my fitness...so, I think I'll work hard both days. We've been taking it easy and "soaking in" the last few days.
Mike warned us all today that we should start "tapering down" from the huge meals. Without expending those 4000+ calories a day....one could swell up in a hurry! Cutting back on breakfast will be the hardest for me. At home, a big bowl of cereal is all I usually need before a long ride. Now that I have grown accustomed to the "Grand Slam"...it could be a challenge.
Gotta get some sleep! I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE and miss you Katie!
My last Denny's on this trip...and, hopefully, FOREVER!
Today's profile. Yes, it was a little hilly! Tomorrow and the last day are supposed to offer considerably more climbing
The World's Smallest Church in Canastota,NY
New York Rt 5E
Today's route took us across Rt. 5E...thru more than a dozen small towns. Many of which date back to the mid-1700's. Most have seen better days. It's really sad to see what bad shape these historic areas are in. Some pretty important events in our nation's history took place around here. We crossed portions of the Erie Canal, we checked out one of the first fortified farms to be established in what was then Mohawk indian country. We also passed a bunch of historic homes and meeting places. It was fun to see. A mix of road surfaces today from ultra-smooth with a wide shoulder to chip n' seal with no shoulder. We really had to be on out toes! A good bit of long climbs again today...with two more days of it before we reach the Atlantic.
I definitely feel more powerful. The last few days of having to sit while climbing have also helped. I was able to stand and climb today...WOW, what a difference. My ribs still hurt, though mostly when I laugh...which is a lot!
I can't believe how many women mow the lawn up here. I would say that well over 3/4 of the people we have seen mowing the lawn are female. Riding mowers, push mowers...heck, in the Mennonite areas I saw women using old manual mowers!
I think the smell of fresh cut grass will always remind me of this journey.
Only two days left!!! They'll both be tough! I really want to gauge my fitness...so, I think I'll work hard both days. We've been taking it easy and "soaking in" the last few days.
Mike warned us all today that we should start "tapering down" from the huge meals. Without expending those 4000+ calories a day....one could swell up in a hurry! Cutting back on breakfast will be the hardest for me. At home, a big bowl of cereal is all I usually need before a long ride. Now that I have grown accustomed to the "Grand Slam"...it could be a challenge.
Gotta get some sleep! I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE and miss you Katie!
My last Denny's on this trip...and, hopefully, FOREVER!
Today's profile. Yes, it was a little hilly! Tomorrow and the last day are supposed to offer considerably more climbing
The World's Smallest Church in Canastota,NY
New York Rt 5E
The Fort Klonk site. This was a fortified group of farms built in the mid-1700's. Forified against the Mohawk Indians who were probably not too happy to have them as neighbors!
New York RT. 5E
The town of Little Falls,NY
Cows do go to church!
The guy who built this house invented the "sleeper car" for the railroads. It has fallen into a severe state of disrepair.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
