I am writing this quickly as I wait to leave on Thursday morning. I have had a really difficult time loading blogs and pictures even with what seem like good internet connections. Anyway, if I say "today" it means Wednesday.
This morning it was cool and clear, and we got an earlier start since the route was longer and took us into the mountains. Our group now consists of Kent, his wife Carol; their son Chris, wife Mattie; Mike Powell, wife Randee; Joe Kincheloe, Marty McGetrick, Ilkka Suvanto, Kent's daughter Renee, Husband Charlie Connell; Ted Leh, Myself, and Kent and Carol's four grandchildren. While the men ride, the women take care of the grandkids, shop, and most importantly, support the riders by providing great sag service at perfect locations.
The riding party first fueled up at the quintessential American diner, the Blue Benn, complete with a railroad car for the dining area. I had french toast again. Kent had blueberry pancakes, or more accurately blueberries with a pancake binder.
Appetites sated, our group rolled eastward toward our first challenge, right out of town, a 5 mile climb. The cue sheet listed it at 10 miles, but it pretty much leveled off at about 5. Here, Joe leads Kent up the first climb. Notice the look of determination of both riders!
Fortunately, there was a downhill for each uphill, since we are heading for the ocean. Here, Ilkka whips past on a descent at top speed.
In the small, touristy village of Wilmington, Randee and Carol had fixed a really nice rest stop for us. Mike jokingly tried to load his bike onto the bike rack as his commentary on the long climbs.
After the great snack stop (Kudos to Carol and Randee!) we hit the hills again. Here is a picture of Kent at the overlook for the Hogback Mountain ski area.
Descending, we made it to the historic town of Brattleboro in time for lunch. We ate at the Riverfront Cafe, located right on the banks of the Connecticut River. Last year, Ilkka had eaten there and recommended it for its food and the great view from the upstairs deck. We chose to eat outside since the weather was great.
As we left the restaurant, one of the waitresses suggested a better way to leave Brattleboro which would let us avoid traffic. As it turns out, the alternate route added about 10 miles to our route, plus an overdose of big hills. the one consolation was seeing Kent into the final state of his trek, New Hampshire at last!
The roads of Keene finally rolled under our wheels. We arrived at the Best Western only to find the parking lot full of black SUV's, and the doors attended by black-suited guys with headset walkie-talkies. Turns out that John McCain was on the campaign trail in New Hampshire and was speaking in town tonight. Several of our group encountered him in the motel halls and were able to chat with him briefly.
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