Category Archives: Cycling

Day 55 – Crushing the Canc and into Maine

Day 55 – Crushing the Canc and into Maine
The Canc, as it’s known, has a fearsome reputation on the Northern Tier, mainly due to its reputed steepness. Thanks to some switchbacks, the steady but not too steep climbing didn’t wear us out. We stopped briefly at a Forest Service scenic view near the pass (see photo). Betsy and I reached the pass expecting more climbing; so much for the pass.
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Day 54 – A hot, humid day for climbing in VT and NH

Day 54 – A hot, humid day for climbing in VT and NH
For our biggest climb of the day, we rode east on Hwy 116 to a ridge, then we coasted downhill to a stream at Hwy 112. We pedaled uphill towards the southeast, following a rocky, clear water stream (see photo) to a pass where the Appalachian Trail crossed the highway. Then we coasted downhill to the Maple Haven Resort and camp site, just west of North Woodstock. Showers and dinner revived us. Today was highly rewarding as we pounded out nearly 75 miles with major climbs in the 90 degree heat and oppressive humidity.
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Day 53 – Into Vermont

Day 53 – Into Vermont
Vermont seemed tidier and cleaner than New York. In Middlebury, we rode past Middlebury College and purchased breakfast at a deli. I got my glasses repaired and we got infusions of cash. After buying food for lunch, we headed south on US Hwy 7 for 6 miles, then we rode east on Hwy 125 toward Middlebury Gap- a gain of 1,700 ft. of elevation. Some stretches of the road were extra steep, but we labored on. We passed by Bread Loaf, a satellite campus of Middlebury College. After passing Snow Bowl, a Middlebury College ski hill, we reached the gap- then we zipped downhill for 5 miles to Hancock!
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Day 52 – Hills, clouds, and rain in the Adirondacks

Day 52 – Hills, clouds, and rain in the Adirondacks
We continued east, crossing the nascent Hudson River(see photo). When Hwy 28N turned south, we continued east on Blue Ridge Road for 19 miles. There were many ups and downs, along miles and miles of forest, with few intersecting roads or homes. A wilderness area lay south of the road. The most unexpected sighting of the day was a small herd of bison 5 miles west of North Hudson. A local farmer raises them for meat. In North Hudson, we stopped at a C-store and ate lunch on a bench in front of the store- Betsy had crackers and cheese and I ate trail mix.
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