Just the stats: 84 miles, 14.8 MPH average. Cumulative 3,340 miles. No flats today, nine in total. Sunny, really hot and really muggy with hazy blue sky's, 73 to 98 degrees. We climbed 7,143 feet today and descended 7,162 feet through the mountains of Vermont!Today's ride was difficult but fun. Shortly after beginning our ride we crossed the Hudson River and began a steep climb through Troy, NY. Then we meandered on back roads on rolling country roads. We crossed the border into Vermont and immediately started more hills and longer climbs. We rode through Bennington, VT, a very charming old town that was the site of a famous battle in the Revolutionary War.
After leaving Bennington, next up came the 7.5 mile climb to the summit of the Green Mountain that was a real serious climb. The steepest grade was over 2.5 miles long where I was in my three lowest gears the whole time. After that steep climb, we then continued on a rolling uphill climb, eventually descending into Wilmington. From here we began our second major climb of the day which took us four miles up to Hogback Mountain. The payoff was a nice view that takes in the intersecting corners of Vermont, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts.
From here we descended into Brattleboro. This we a fun ride because what goes up, does go down. It was a nine mile descent which at times took me into speeds I haven't gone before. I found my comfort limit was 46.4 mph. Anything over 45 was a little scary so I had to use my brakes.
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Tomorrow we have another 6,000 foot climbing day, 87 miles, through Vermont, into New Hampshire and then onto Massachusetts. This will be our last long ride. Friday is a short 18 mile trip to the beach. Then I go home, I can't wait. It's time to move on.
6 comments:
Incredible scenic pictures you got Tom. You will never look at this country the same after seeing first hand the breath and beauty of this God blessed country. Your will and passion to do this ride Tom really says something about you. I look forward to seeing you when you get back and offer you congratulations. But your front tire is not quite in the water yet. Keep going.
Don't think I mentioned that my father-in-law is a bike rider, too. He's also reading your blog and says he's tired just following you! He had knee surgery earlier this year and can't ride long distances yet in his recovery. I think he's just jealous of your adventure! Can't wait to see the pictures of your Atlantic Ocean wheel dip! Soon...soon...SOON!!! Keep on pedaling and enjoy the climbs, and the descents!
Nice goin Mr H! You're nearly done! This blog has been an awesome way to experience these places and sights along with you. Lookin forward to seein you Friday night! Have fun these last couple days of ridin.
What an adventure I and a couple of guys here at work have had, through you. We all like riding, but personally I have ever completed long climbs like you describe here - when I ride with the boys they tire me out.
This is one time that I wish we were still living in Burtonsville, so that I too could be one of the ones greeting you when you get home. Hopefully we will be visiting Martha and Chuck this fall and would love to see some of your pictures and hear more of your experiences.
To me you could write a neat book of your time on the road. A friend of mine has his own publising company and I know I could get him to publish it. Just a thought and something to do on some cold days this coming winter.
Love you brother...Larry
Tom, I thank God for the wonderful experiences you've had and His prevenient grace in carrying you safely across the U.S. Pedal, pedal, pedal, as Anne would say. And remember not to speed faster than your guardian angel can fly.
Tom - Since it seemed like you were always going into headwinds, turn around and head back. It should be quicker. Tom from Chicago
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