Vermont For A Day

I thought I knew how to spell brutal before this morning, but today I learned that it is spelled V-E-R-M-O-N-T.  The Green Mountain state is certainly that...mountainous.  While it's by far the best scenery we've ridden through so far, today was a real physical struggle for us.  We knew it would be a long day and we were pushed by the fact that we're in the home stretch of the ride.  The weather was fantastic again and the mountain lakes and rivers we saw we're the best sights we've seen on the ride.  The plus side of riding up one side of a mountain is coasting down the other side.  We had a solid 8 mile float into Brattleboro that was a much needed rest for our legs.  We are still in good spirits and looking forward to the final two days of the ride into Waltham.  It was a challenging, but rewarding day to say the least.

We rode across the Hudson River into Troy, NY (the alleged home of Uncle Sam) and climbed out of the river valley into Vermont.  Vermont is a pretty skinny state and we'll enter New Hampshire early tomorrow.  In Vermont we passed through Bennginton, which was a nice little town where it seemed everyone had a kayak strapped to their car.  Also, everyone was buying beer at the gas station we stopped at.  Beer and kayaks, our kind of town.  Robert Frost is buried in Bennington.  We crossed the Green Mountains and rolled down into Brattleboro.  Brattleboro is also a very cool town.  Lots of outdoors shops, cycle shops, and river sports.  We had dinner at a place which had an awesome view along the Connecticut River.  Brattleboro is the home of Rudyard Kipling and Ida May Fuller, who was the first recipient of a monthly benefit Social Security check.  That's excitement!

The wives arrived in Boston today to check out the city before we cruise in on Monday.  We'll be passing through New Hampshire and entering Massachusetts tomorrow.  Leominster is our final stop on MS Pedal to the Metal.  We can't wait to get going tomorrow and make the final push into Boston.  Two more days and less than 100 miles.  Let's go.

Comments

[Terri Karls]

Let the count down begin!!! Hip hip hurray you're almost there!!! Our heros are near the end--only wish dad and I could be there to cheer you as you finish. Can't wait to hear form you on Monday. Go Go Go keep your heads up the finish line is near and a cure for MS is closer because of your GRAND efforts!!!!! Love, Mom and Dad

[Mom]

Finish line is so near! I'm so proud, proud, proud. I'll be bragging on you all day today. I'll be that person everyone steers clear of at the beer garden. Your brother will be "pouring" and I'll be bragging. I just may up my annual two beer maximum to three today in your honor!

XXXOOO

[Bill and Marg Bauza]

We're cheering you on! Great photos and descriptions. Glad you enjoyed the variety while you stood up to the challenge. While you're being a blessing, you get blessed!
All the best!