25 May 2011 Fast America Day 32

25 May 2011

Fast America Day 32

Amsterdam, NY to Keene, NH

Mileage:                     125.49 miles

Riding Time:              9:00     Riding Speed 13.9 mph

Total Time:                 9:45

Climbing:                    7510 ft.

Flats:                           0

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/88051411

http://app.strava.com/rides/621773

Another beautiful day with lots of miles and lots of climbing ahead of us. Three of the slower climbers (myself included) left about 20 minutes early. The day started with a 9% climb right out of the hotel and I found myself in the lead on the road; and I was the first one in to the first SAG stop 40+ miles later. This was before the two long sustained 9% climbs through Vermont’s Green Mountains as we traversed Vermont from Bennington to Brattleboro.

We hit more climbing at mile 110 and I handled all of this without a problem. The 7500 feet of climbing was the most in about 3 weeks and it is clear that I am a different cyclist than 3 weeks ago. After 9 hours in the saddle, I sailed the last three miles downhill into Keene ready to do it all over again.

I met Mary in Keene, along with her cousin Barbara and family and my cousin Claire. Mary had reservations at a great restaurant (thank you for the recommendation, Katie!) and we all had a great time. Keene is far and away the nicest town that we have stayed in since Palm Springs and a good place to prepare to reenter civilization.

Tomorrow the beach. The day starts with some serious climbing (let’s see if I can do it two days in a row) and then it is mostly downhill after mile 40 or so. The day ends in a logistical whirlwind, as everyone tries to get their bikes all packed up for shipment and get ready for the banquet at 7:00 PM. Although the riding has been pretty much as I had expected, the emotions have been much more overwhelming than I had expected. I hope that the readjustment goes OK; I know that it will be difficult.