Today we started our ride the same way we will start the next 4 days – this being the longest ride remaining. Today we rode 127.5 miles, climbed 3,982 feet averaging 17.7 mph. The next four days we will rid
e 113, 112, 103 and 88 miles. We were back to rolling hills, three or four were long and steep – 8% to 11% grade. We rode Hwy 5 and 20 today. This was perhaps the best roads so far on the ride. The shoulder was about 12 feet wide and smooth. If you had asked me which state would have the best roads for bikers before I left, New York would not have made my top five.
We crossed paths with a gal from Scotland who was biking across the US. She was doing her ride totally unsupported and has been biking for 60 days now – about 14 days left. She averages about 50 miles a day. She has business in Canada when she finishes the ride and hopes to be home by August 28th.
Our weather today was again ideal, sunny skies with crosswind in the morning and tail wind in the afternoon – maybe 10 mph. Temperatures started at 60 degrees and hit 81 degrees when we finished at about 4:30 this afternoon. It looks like the temperatures and humidity may rise by Thursday, but the chances of rain are still low – but like everywhere else, that could change in a New York minute.
Tonight we are staying at a hotel that has been at this site since 1790. The current structure is 150 years old – small rooms but does have running water and air-conditioning. A lot of history – see the pictures.
Today we topped 3,000 miles on our journey – just 420 miles left to Plum Island. We have one big day of climbs left. We have averaged over 100 miles per day since we left Oregon. Everyday since Oregon, our routine has been the same – get up early and ride about 100 miles. As I ride now, I’m starting to think about what will my routine be starting Sunday – can’t say now but I’m sure I will adjust.
