Got an early start in the morning after a peaceful sleep by the White River. Rolled through Rochester VT and picked up some fruit and “raw” energy bars. My stomach still wasn’t feeling right and earlier that morning I had trouble eating oatmeal. I think this has more to do with the excessive drinking that I did in Portland and during my wedding celebration then anything to do with the trip. I wasn’t 100% when I started the trip. It felt amazing eating a banana.
Rode into Hancock shortly after where the route branched off towards the Green Mountains. My wife and I used to vacation at an inn right at this intersection called “The Sweet Onion Inn”. Once a vegan bed and breakfast it now is under new ownership as a hostel. It was difficult to see the inn without Chilly beside me.
It took several hours and a pound of my flesh but I summited that f@#king bastard of a mountain around 11:30 AM. I have the picture to prove it. I then cruised down the other side past beautiful Breadloaf campus with its lush lawns and solid yellow buildings. Apparently Vermont chose this week to rip out all the pavement from Breadloaf to East Middlebury so I had the pleasure of riding downhill through dirt and gravel and one-lane traffic patterns. Made for a stressful victory lap.
The ride into Middlebury was amazing. This is classic VT with the mountains on the horizon, the wide fields and red barns with giant silos, and the rustic homes. In Middlebury I had to get my brake pads replaced. I wanted to switch out the tires but they had no good options. I spoke with the owner of the bike shop about the ride through NY and he said it was relatively flat, quiet and rural once you pass over I87 (which leads to Lake Placid). He recommended stocking up on supplies. Given that my body was broken by the mountain and the bike wouldn’t be ready until 5:30 I got a place to stay in town. 39 miles today, but I crossed over a f@$king mountain so that should count for something.
At first I was angry at myself for spending the money on an inn, but now I see it was a good idea. The is a natural food store next door where I stocked up on food and bought some dinner. I also picked up some Kimchi to help with digestion, some tofu and tempeh for protein, and some broccoli so that I can eat something that is living. I should be in top form tomorrow morning. A couple more nasty climbs then I should be flat landing it for 1000 miles or so. Went to get more denatured alcohol for my stove but the hardware store was closed (at 6 pm!). My clothes are all washed and I am ready for the backwoods y’all.
Prepped my route and I should be at Niagra Falls in 6 days. I should clear I87 tomorrow before the holiday rush. I may not post to this blog for several days as I expect to not be near electricity and need to conserve phone battery power.
Overall the bike has been handling very nicely. I dropped the front panniers down one rung to lower the center of gravity and the bike is more stable than during the test drive. The Dromdary bag is working out great and, though it adds more weight when full, I am definitely keeping hydrated.
Two states down and well on your way, traveler. you should be pleased. beer is always a good idea. water is even better. when you hit the humidity, and you will, sweating will help keep you cool, but that water needs to be replaced. what you don’t replace catches up with you a day later and cramping sets in. that can slow you down big time. I’ve driven thru new york several times. 290 miles and much of it quite scenic. if the weather holds you might make good time. good luck and enjoy the adventure. peace. traveller
Hey Dan. I am following with great interest. Sounds like you have had some adversity, but nothing you couldn’t handle. I am going to map out your trip so the kids can follow you. Sleep well and make hay in the morning. Love, Dad
Good Luck, i did the trip the other way 2 years ago. For any cross country rider coming through Middlebury, if we have space we give you a room for free! I think the above Bob Lee is the one who road across 3 years ago and also up the east coast. Have a great trip!! You’ve done the hardest part, getting started.
PS: Sorry, space would be in the Swift House Inn which we own in the center of Middlebury.
Congrats on the great work bastard. Happy trails and here’s to NY!!