Welcome cycling fans!

Another day, another route! According to last night’s weather report, it was supposed to start raining at 4AM. At 5:30, I awoke to dry roads and cloudy skies- the morning forecast showed rain moving in at 11:00 or so- so the decision was made to let the riders go earlier than our planned 8:00 start.

The rain began at 7:48.

Fortunately, the wet start didn’t last long, and by the time we’d crossed the Connecticut River into VT, it was over. Some humidity and a few passing showers lingered, but all in all a good day. Some folks explored the bustling downtown area here in the State Capitol of Montpelier, as others found some frosty libations in J Morgan’s Steakhouse here in the lobby of the Capitol Plaza hotel- The hotel frequented by VT State Senators when they are in session, diagonally across the street- while others went to do laundry, and some invested time cleaning their bikes after a long few days.

Tomorrow is our shortest day at 64 miles to Killington- many of those miles riding not only along several wilderness rivers, but heading in the same direction as the water flow.
The Summit Lodge will be our destination, a rustic, homey mountain ski lodge with a warmth and charm that make it amongst our favorite stops.

OK, shower and bed, ready or not, here I come!

Keep the wind at your back and the downhills in front of you,
GearMan

Hello all!

Road closures, reroutes, 90 degree heat, and the Kancamagus Highway- 4,800’ of climbing with the worst of it 85 miles into the day. It was a challenge to say the least, but our riders knocked it down.

It started just as we were about to let the riders  head out this AM, road work five miles out discovered by our Rest Stop 1 crew as they went to set up. Some quick thinking and a bit of spray paint- problem solved!

Everything was great all day, until… The climb. It’s been eight or so years since we’ve done the Kanc, but I don’t remember it being as tough. The heat and sun didn’t help- one rider reported a reading of 97F on her cycle computer. We had lots of vehicles circling with with plenty of water for the riders, but the heat will take it right out of you.

All safely in, showered and changed, some took to the pool, others the pub before a lovely dinner provided by the courteous staff here at The Mountain Club on Loon. A pint and some camaraderie after dinner quickly led to a hot shower and a soft bed.

We get to sleep in tomorrow- I don’t have to be to my truck until 5:45.

Keep the wind at your back and the downhills in front of you.

GearMan

Strapped for time, very bust weekend, no internet access last night that would allow me to post to the site- I could view it, but nit post. We got everyone up to UNE earlier today, loaded the two day riders onto the buses, their bikes into the semi provided by our sponsor UPS, and they’re on their way back home to you. I’m tired, sore, and filthy. It’s a quick shower for me then straight to bed. Meeting at the truck at 5:30AM.

Keep the wind at your back and the downhills in front of you.

GearMan

Greetings and Salutations!
Tonight’s the night!

Somewhere around 6:00 or 6:30 we’re going to meet up at the Red Heat Tavern for dinner, a couple beverages, and to make new friends. If you’re in from out of town and didn’t get a rental car for your one night in Bedford, head over to the Facebook Group and post on the thread about dinner tonight and we’ll try to fit you in a car.

As it gets closer, I’ll call about getting a group table and see if they’ll take a reservation for us- Some places won’t seat people as a big group on busy nights and this is our first time there. We’ll find out…

Stay tuned!

Keep the wind at your back and the downhills in front of you,
GearMan

 

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