Category: RA 2011

Orford NH to Jigger Johnson Campground (east of Kancamagus Pass) NH – 64.2 miles When we met Nancy yesterday, she asked where we were staying tonight, and when we told her she remarked, “You’re going to do Lincoln Pass and Kancamagus Pass both in the same day?!”  On paper, today’s ride looked challenging, 60 miles that finished with a couple of 2000 foot climbs. Jack and I started out on a different mission, though, to get a proper “Welcome to New Hampshire” photograph for our collection.  We found one just north of our campsite back across a bridge into Vermont

Gaysville VT (White River Campground) to Orford NH – 44.7 miles The entire gang stopped at Creek Cabin Diner about 4 miles north of camp this morning and tanked up.  I think our ravenous appetites actually increase in these hilly areas.   We enjoyed a fabulous ride along the White River flowing in our direction.  It occurred to me that water always rolls downhill – so it must be a lot be smarter than touring cyclists. The road continued a general downhill all the way to Sharon VT.  There we met a lady named Nancy in her car who’s done a

Ticonderoga NY to Gaysville VT (White River Campground) – 69.2 miles The guys all left early but Jack and I lingered as usual at the Ticonderoga Super 8, and eventually rolled over to the Hot Biscuit Diner in town for breakfast.  We then pedaled down to Lake Champlain for a ferry ride.  While waiting we talked to a number of families who seemed really interested in our bike trip.  It is kind of fun to get so much attention from nice folks. You know what’s next… Our 13th state!  It’ hard to describe, but right away Vermont was different than

Rest day in Ticonderoga NY – 2.6 miles Late night last night watching those great old movies, so late rise this morning.  Super 8’s super breakfast was a humorous attempt, but I did enjoy the coffee.  The team, including Jesse but minus Roger, convened in the breakfast nook and yucked it up for more than an hour.  It really felt good to be taking a day off. A roll to downtown Ticonderoga to the laundromat.  We put our clothes in and strolled over to the Corner Café for a more proper breakfast.  Unfortunately, our order for French toast and burrito

Newcomb NY (Lake Harris campground) to Ticonderoga NY – 49.3 miles There was lots of hushed and urgent talk last night and this morning about our transgression of tenting in the edge of the next site, talk of being fined or of being thrown out of the park.  Jack and I were glad no one called the National Guard.  We packed up and departed without incident, punitive or otherwise. The longer I am on the road and in a camping mode, the less and less I see a need for finding an organized campground.  We pass by dozens of signs

Thendara NY (Singing Waters RV Park) to Newcomb NY (Lake Harris campground) – 72.5 miles Nice evening of sleep last night. There was no grass at our campsite, so I learned that when you pitch your tent on the dirt in the rain, its floor is not only hard, but the tent bottom is really muddy when you go to roll it up.  Ah the little things we learn. First thing out this morning a doe came prancing right in front of us across the highway.  Just like ten feet away! We just stopped and admired her – it didn’t

Sodus Point NY to Port Ontario, NY – 64.4 miles In Sodus Point NY Jack and I hit a place called the Hot Spot for breakfast, which may have been the only place in town serving.   Decent food – the grits were my favorite.  We then took off on the quiet streets and took in the beautiful coastal scenery created by the marina and Sodus Bay. As expected, we encountered much of the same rolling terrain as yesterday afternoon.  Nothing overly steep or long but it kept the derailleur action lively.   Jack says the landscape here is one he is

Holley NY to Sodus Point NY – 88.6 miles Out of the beautiful Holly NY campsite and back onto the AC route.  Jack and I’d planned to meet up with the guys at the next town but, as usual, we rose slower and were about an hour behind them.  In Brockport, we caught them just leaving Colleen’s Café (Jesse’s find) and raving about it, especially the French toast special.   Jack and I both ended up ordering it.  Great stuff, with 100% maple syrup from somewhere in New York.  Add in excellent coffee.  Colleen’s is a place with good atmosphere that