As promised, there was definitely climbing involved in today's route. It provided, though, some spectacular views of the rivers and valleys of New York and Vermont.
Climbing started immediately from the motel this morning. Although temperatures were cooler, the humidity was pretty thick until mid-morning. There was fog hanging in the mountains and trees as we entered Vermont around mile 28.
Troy had a historic, developed downtown area. The other towns (Hoosick, New York; Bennington, Vermont; Wilmington, Vermont and overnight in Brattleboro, Vermont)on route today appeared to be full of tourists with incredibly heavy vehicle traffic and many shops and restaurants. It would be fun to spend some time in some of these villages, but today wasn't the day for sight seeing nor souvenir shopping.
The route to the first SAG (mile 23) was all rolling hills. It's unusual to have a SAG such a short distance out. I was concerned that might be an indication of what was in store. The hills were very doable, although it took some warm up to get to the climbing legs going.
Most riders took the obligatory photos at the Welcome to Vermont sign. Today's advertised ten mile climb followed shortly after. It was slow going, but having not done any serious climbing since doing the first legs of this trip two years ago, I was satisfied with getting to the top even if it's not at "Tour de France" speed.
The second SAG was in Wilmington (mile 55). Staff set up in a convenience store parking lot, which also had an outdoor food stand, known for its hot dogs and ice cream. Several riders, including me, took advantage of the opportunity. The chocolate shake was quite good.
Two riders from the 2005 North Ride also met us at this SAG. It was great to see Don and recumbent Bill again. Bill is leaving from Brattlesboro for a one week trip around Vermont. They know several of this year's riders. They were still visiting when I left the SAG, but Don passed me on the road in short order as we climbed another 3.5 miles after the SAG.
This climb took us to the top of Hogback Mountain. The view was incredible! There were photographers poised at the top of climb taking photos of everyone that came up to the top, total strangers the best I could tell. They were very encouraging, letting us know it was all down hill after that.
This area seems to be a haven for motorcyclists as well. We saw dozens on the road or in town today, all enjoying the awesome terrain and great weather.
The best part of the day, of course, were the descents. While they may have seemed disproportionate to the climbs, the final descent into Brattlesboro was a 6 mile screamer with great roads. You had to be attentive once you were close to downtown due to vehicle and pedestrian traffic. Out east, pedestrians definitely have the right of way, with all traffic coming to a complete stop for anyone near a crosswalk!
There was a detour in downtown Brattlesboro. The street we were to take to the hotel was closed and secured by the fire department. Seems as though the storms that went through Troy last night, also hit Brattlesboro. One of the churches' concrete steeples had been struck by lightening, causing a portion of the steeple to collapse and block the street. It was a bit of a challenge to find a way around that didn't involve additional hills and climbing.
Tomorrow promises to be more difficult than today as the biggest climbing day of the whole trip. The route calls for three 15% climbs. Hope we all make it in tomorrow night in time for the final banquet.
~ Lisa
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