A six day ride through western Maine
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Most people got on the road about 6:30am. I waited until about 8:15. The baggage truch leaves at 8:30, so I was kinda pushing it. Since it was only a 55 mile ride I figured if I left too early I would end up hanging around the campground all afternoon with nothing to do. Of course, it meant I also slept through the free breakfast this morning. I am not sick of Cliff Bars yet, so they make a fine breakfast for now.
Even with my late departure, I ended up overtaking quite a few people before I got to Canton. No mountains or anything today, but there were some wicked steep hills. I didn't walk up any but plenty of people did. Wouldn't want to try them on a tandom and lots of folks are riding those.
The campground here has a nice view of a big old mountain. I think we will be doing mountains or at least the foothills tomorrow. Dinner will be in a few minutes and when I am back the sun will be down far enough that I will be able to sleep. I will read for a bit and then knock off.
Yeah, I would call these mountains today. The climb to Rangeley was a bit rough. I did get a slightly early start today and I did have the free breakfast (I guess I should call it the pre-paid breakfast). mooseville.com was amusing and I picked up a few trinkets for folks there.
I have found these recumbent bikes people are riding are a lot like semis. I pass them going up hills and they pass me going down them. They look comfy to sit in, but I am not sure I would like them for hills. Don't know how you put your weight into it to power up a hill.
No organized meal tonight, but I am eating now at the Red Onion. Ordered the homemade pot roast. Sounded good--you really build up an appetite cycling. I am also looking at the dessert list...
Tomorrow there is no riding. It is a day off. I plan to spend it at the public library. I have discovered that my plan to use my phone to tick off my progress isn't going to work because I get no data coverage out here. Thought that might happen. Oh well, I should be able to add it at the library tomorrow anyway.
Very pleasant day today even though I did get a flat and ended up being stationary for the better part of three hours. It was okay though. I got two new tires, met some nice people, and got plenty of rest. The climb to Height of Land was tough-ish, but the view was excellent.
The support on this tour is really great. Everyone is very nice and the whole tour has a nice social feel. Of course, being me, I don't make the most of it, but it is still nice to see it around me! I am getting a bit tired of Peak bars and gaterade, but I am coping.
Even though I lost three hours I still managed to pass a couple of people outside of Bethel so I wasn't the last person into camp. Just got back from dinner and it was pretty tasty. Lasagna seems to be the main staple for cycling dinners.
Very pretty ride today. Bicycled to the top of Evan's Notch without resting. Had to really squeeze the brakes coming down the other side though. I was moving at a good clip all day today. Maybe it is the new tires or maybe it is the knowledge that I don't have to save my energy for a whole bunch more rides. Today's ride was full of lovely mountain streams all along the way. Still haven't seen a moose, but I am not too worried. If I don't see one on this tour, I do have the advantage of actually living in Maine, so unlike a lot of people here, I don't feel the same urgency to see one...
Went to see the Zing Zang Generic Jug Band tonight at the campground (which was the 4H fairgrounds) and they were a lot of fun until I was driven away by the mosquitoes. The showers are great at this place too. Little things like that can make a big difference on these trips.
Last day and I am waiting at the school to be picked up! Got here around 10:30am! I was really flying today. Today's ride was pretty much out of the foot hills of the white mountains, but there were still some good hills. It was a great trip, but I am looking forward to sleeping indoors and taking it easy for a day or two.
The route is show in red with each day's stop marked as a green dot. By default you see the road map view of the route. To see a topographical view, click the button to the left of the route map. Click it again to switch back to the road map.
