69.4 miles Avg Speed 12.6 MPH -top speed 36.2MPH
Total 187.5miles
So I didn’t get the opportunity to use my propane gas canister this morning due to the torrential downpour that was happening outside of my little plastic sanctuary. I was bitterly disappointed as I really wanted to give it a crack, but under the circumstances it would have been like trying to light a fart in a Jacuzzi; marvellous when it comes off, but unlikely given the conditions. So I sat disconsolate in the tent wondering how I would tackle the elements in packing up my gear, when after some internal deliberation it finally occurred to me! MAN UP. Yes, that’s right boyo, stop being such a whining ninny and get yourself wet, so I did just that. It wasn’t pleasant, but when I’d actually managed to pack it all up and get on the bike I felt great. The clouds broke at about midday and after that it was a glorious day to ride. I went through some more picturesque New England towns. Bath was the highlight for me, with it's riverside promenade and red brick buildings, but I ended up in Brunswick when two spectacular examples of Maine hospitality reared their heads. Firstly, a man in a van stopped me as I was riding up a back street, it turns out he owned the local bike shop and he always stopped bike tourists to check that their wheels are aligned, gears are clicking nicely and saddle sores didn't need wet wipes applied by a third party. I said I was AOK on all three, but we went to his shop so he could get me a map and some free energy gels anyway. Whattaguy.
I took his maps and headed for a local campsite to pitch up for the night by making my merry way down another of Maine’s tree lined streets when I saw a family near a beach, I asked if they thought it would be ok if I camped there, and they said probably not, but that I could use their garden instead. "Good Lord", I screamed (inside), "these people want to help a sweaty stranger from another nation they know nothing about" I thought, but I was in no position to be coy on invitations, I met some of their friends including the Maineopedia, Brad who was always on hand to help me brush up on my New England history. When I turned up at Marie, Julie and Greg Penners' place they pointed me towards a good spot on the lawn and I gleefully made it my home, but that wasn’t all, they invited me in for dinner. It was a vegan feast, which isn’t something this carnivore is used to, but I took it gratefully and it was very tasty and most importantly filling. I was also afforded the luxury of a hot shower before the final surprise of a trip downtown to have some highly praised gelato, they had soy gelato on the basis on their veganism, but I went creamy old school. I’m a little rebellious like that.
So, a day that started terribly, ended wonderfully with me being treated by possibly the nicest people I’ve ever met, let alone in this state. Oh well, onwards and upwards, I can’t stay around eating other peoples organically grown spuds forever.
Total 187.5miles
So I didn’t get the opportunity to use my propane gas canister this morning due to the torrential downpour that was happening outside of my little plastic sanctuary. I was bitterly disappointed as I really wanted to give it a crack, but under the circumstances it would have been like trying to light a fart in a Jacuzzi; marvellous when it comes off, but unlikely given the conditions. So I sat disconsolate in the tent wondering how I would tackle the elements in packing up my gear, when after some internal deliberation it finally occurred to me! MAN UP. Yes, that’s right boyo, stop being such a whining ninny and get yourself wet, so I did just that. It wasn’t pleasant, but when I’d actually managed to pack it all up and get on the bike I felt great. The clouds broke at about midday and after that it was a glorious day to ride. I went through some more picturesque New England towns. Bath was the highlight for me, with it's riverside promenade and red brick buildings, but I ended up in Brunswick when two spectacular examples of Maine hospitality reared their heads. Firstly, a man in a van stopped me as I was riding up a back street, it turns out he owned the local bike shop and he always stopped bike tourists to check that their wheels are aligned, gears are clicking nicely and saddle sores didn't need wet wipes applied by a third party. I said I was AOK on all three, but we went to his shop so he could get me a map and some free energy gels anyway. Whattaguy.
I took his maps and headed for a local campsite to pitch up for the night by making my merry way down another of Maine’s tree lined streets when I saw a family near a beach, I asked if they thought it would be ok if I camped there, and they said probably not, but that I could use their garden instead. "Good Lord", I screamed (inside), "these people want to help a sweaty stranger from another nation they know nothing about" I thought, but I was in no position to be coy on invitations, I met some of their friends including the Maineopedia, Brad who was always on hand to help me brush up on my New England history. When I turned up at Marie, Julie and Greg Penners' place they pointed me towards a good spot on the lawn and I gleefully made it my home, but that wasn’t all, they invited me in for dinner. It was a vegan feast, which isn’t something this carnivore is used to, but I took it gratefully and it was very tasty and most importantly filling. I was also afforded the luxury of a hot shower before the final surprise of a trip downtown to have some highly praised gelato, they had soy gelato on the basis on their veganism, but I went creamy old school. I’m a little rebellious like that.
So, a day that started terribly, ended wonderfully with me being treated by possibly the nicest people I’ve ever met, let alone in this state. Oh well, onwards and upwards, I can’t stay around eating other peoples organically grown spuds forever.
looking back it's so bizarre...it runs in the family
crosstown traffic
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