NEWCOMB, NY
DAY 8 JUNE 4 71.6 MILes
Get a bicycle. You won't regret it if you live.
Mark Twain
This morning, as we pedaled down Main Street in Middlebury, we had no idea of what lay ahead. Forget what they had told us about the worst being behind us. Today, we climbed 5,813 feet, the record day so far.
What made it worse was that there was no indication on our map of impending climbs. These hills had no names such as Passes, Gaps or otherwise. They simply sneaked up on us. One was 3.1 miles long with 8 to 9% grades most of the way up. Others may not have been quite as long but were equally demoralizing. At the end of the day, everyone was beat!
The route took us through the Adirondack Mountains, one of the more picturesque areas of the State. We rode past countless large placid lakes with a variety of homes on the shore where many Snowbirds spend their summers. Several rushing streams also meandered beside us as we plodded along.
A highlight of the day was the open ferry ride across the base of Lake Champlain. Our bikes easily outnumbered the cars. Another was riding through Ticonderoga, NY and viewing the site of the first victory of the Revolutionary Way back in 1775. A giant stone with a large bronze plaque marks the location.
No one said this would be easy. And if it were, there would be no challenge so we are not complaining. We have now completed more than 10% of our ride. Only 90% to go--and it still is fun. But I hope tomorrow will be a bit easier!
Tip: Stay far enough in the traffic lane to avoid being struck by suddenly opening doors of parked cars.
