Day 47 - Peterboro to Rye Beach

Out of Little River B&B at 6:30 for the climb over Temple Mountain.

And then a nice cruise thru Wilton and Amherst.

Getting around and thru Mamchester is a little hectic. A little anxious as I find myself on a 4 lane highway with entrance and exit ramps to Rtes 3 and 293.

Jump back on to Rte 101 East of Manchester, and really flying to the coast.....

..... until I hear a brief siren beep and the state police cruiser pulls me over.

No bikes allowed on this section of 101.

Off to Raymond and back roads thru Exeter to the Atlantic.

As I roll thru Rye and see the Atlantic I am overcome with emotion. Hard to believe that I made it.

Kathy and Brendan meet me at Rye Beach. Ceremonial picture; smelly riding shirt and shoes off; into the Ocean.

Up to Maine for Fried Clams; final end of day milk shake.

What a trip. Long lasting memories of all of you who welcomed me into your homes, provided directions, engaged in great conversation, and provided guidance on the best things to see and roads to ride thru this great country. So many great memories !! So many great people !!

I will be in touch with you soon.

The End !!

Frank
frank@projmgr.com

Day 46 - Bennington, VT to Peterborough, NH

Tough yet beautiful ride today.

I'd been anxious about Vt Rte 9 based on all the news reports I'd heard over the years. Didn't feel it was dangerous though. Lots of good shoulder and, as usual, the truckers were very accommodating.

About 8 miles to 'first' top - Woodford - maybe 3 or 4 at 8% grade. Really pretty ride - Mill Pond, Big Pond, Adams Reservoir, Harriman Reservoir. Woodford is the highest elevation town in Vermont at 2200+ feet. I'm guessing lots of snow up on the top rolling section of Rte 9. On the lookout for Moose !! At Harriman Reservoir there is a 100 mile view lookout.

Down into Wilmington, and anxious to see how it looks - not as bad as I expected. I know Irene restoration is still in progress, but the only obvious hint to me riding thru is the musty smell I detect riding past some buildings.

I thought if would be generally downhill from Wilmington to Brattleboro. Not !!

Wilmington is in a valley and I do some good hills to get up to Marlboro, from which there is about an 8 mile drop into West Brattleboro. If I hadn't 'matured' into a cautious downhill rider this would have been a real rush.

I'd like to get back to this area for some hiking and camping.

Dogs! Last mention was at about mile 975, north of Pocatello, ID. And today. As I am topping out at Woodford two dogs come racing out, snarling and barking. The owner watches from the house window and does nothing. I call her a bad name as I start back pedaling on an uphill section. Why did this happen in my home state??? Not bad, though - mile 975 and mile 3500. Can't complain.

Rest in Brattleboro at a bakery, and then 18 miles to Keene - some good, steep hills.

As I cross into NH, on the lookout for the welcome sign, I first see a NH Liquor Store sign, and then later a Welcome to NH sign - need to set your priorities.

Keene downtown was really nice - lots of really great old homes: Keene State; vibrant shopping area. Great place to stop for lunch.

On to Peterborough - 20 miles - lots of up and down, but hills are longer rather than steeper.

Peterborough downtown is really great; and I finally get a mocha milkshake!!

Peterborough takes historical preservation very seriously, and has some really eclectic shops in a very attractive downtown.

Rob and Paula, at the Little River B&B, are great - and we finally figure out a route to Rye by navigating thru the Bedford / Manchester / Rte 93 tangle. And I get a printout of the prescribed route.

Tomorrow starts with a 4 mile uphill - not what I was hoping for - but not many options !!

As yesterday, only 1 significant picture.

Frank
frank@projmgr.com

Day 45 - Canajoharie, NY to Bennington, VT

On the road a little after 6:30. Straight shot down Rte 5, thru Amsterdam and into Scotia for the first 35.

From Scotia all prescribed routes seemed to weave thru Schemectady and Cohoes highway interchanges, so I mapped out a local roads route.

North on 50; local roads and county highways thru Ballston, Glenville, Jonesville, Clifton Park, and Waterford.

Some tough climbs over Plank Road outside of Waterford, which I assume is the bottom of the Adirondacks, and on to NY Route 7 East heading to Vermont.

In Vermont !!!

Bennington is a really nice town. I haven't been here in years, and it appears to have really kept the downtown area vibrant - lots of arts activities in and around town; good restaurants and coffee shops, restored historical sites. I'm impressed.

Today only deserves 1 picture - the VT welcome sign - so nice to see!

One of my goals, obviously, is to experience the downtowns in the cities I visit. I seek out the best coffee shops, cafes, and ice cream shoppes. And have sat at many old-fashioned lunch counters. In the last week or so I have also passed at least 50 Dunkin Donuts shops, yearning for a sugar jelly donut - yet cruise on by in pursuit of downtown Americana. I think I can hold out for 2 more days !!

Frank
frank@projmgr.com