A vehicle is has been rented and the bike tires are replaced—this trip is going to happen. Jane returns home from being up north on Sunday and we need some time together, so I’ve delayed leaving by another day. I should be riding on Thursday, 23 August, 2018.
I’ve checked out the tent, the cold weather gear, new riding shoes, the new rear panniers and the ham radio station and everything is as ready as it can be. I’ll start out a bit slowly because I am about five pounds (two kg+) over what I like to be.
The good news is the terrain, at least until I reach Vermont, should be reasonably flat. Vermont, NH, and MA are at the right side of the map:
https://goo.gl/maps/CaAqKuDQsLP2
To see the entire route map, click here.
The bike weighs about the same as before, around 85 pounds (39 kg), fully loaded. By the time I hit Vermont, I should be back in shape for those climbs. My daughter, Áine, warned me that the biggest climbs of the entire trip, from Oregon to Massachusetts are in Vermont. Who knew? One would think the Rockies would be the issue. She accomplished this ride just after graduating from high school. She makes me feel like a wimp.
As usual, I will operate the ham radio station in the evenings, when camped. I also get on the air when staying at hotels by going out to nearby parks and setting up at picnic tables or the like. Sometimes hotels have a convenient place to do so. If I have WiFi, I will send out a Tweet from @K1YPP to let the ham radio world know where to find me.
I recall one time in Vermont, I was out in the back of the hostel on a deck. I had the radio on, talking with a fellow in Pennsylvania. I was wearing headphones and it was very dark. It was then I realized that I was sitting right next to the gas grill that had been used to cook salmon and steaks just a few hours earlier. I was deep in bear country. Maybe that wasn’t such a good idea.
Follow along and let’s see where this next adventure leads.
Dennis “K1” Blanchard
17 August 2018
Looking forward to working you. A cross country bike trip has always been something I’d like to try, but the thought of camping out all the time is a little more than I’m in the mood for! Look at my blog for the kind of trip I enjoy… http://www.steveandgeorgia.net … 73’s de K0GUZ
I hope you have a joyous and safe ride to Newburyport. I see your final destination is Atkinson St. Amazing. My parents were living one street west of there, Russia St., in 1954 when I was born at Anna Jacques Hospital. You might want to have lunch at Park Lunch. You’ll be passing there on your way. They’ve been there since 1953. Good home cookin’. I was just there last Monday.
I’ll actually finish at Plum Island beach, where I’ll dip my wheel into the ocean to complete an ocean-to-ocean ride, albeit on a different bike, since I totalled the other one in Minnesota. Newburyport is a really nice place. My daughter lives there and we visit often. Her kids were born in Anna Jacques. Sounds like I’ll have to add Park Lunch to the list, I’ll be hungry when I get there!
Dennis, When you hit Bennington Vermont I recomend you just continue east on RT-9 to Brattelboro. It’s paved all the way with a nice place to eat in Wilmington at Dot’s on RT 9. Say hi to Heather from me. You can resupply at Shaw’s. There are 2 state parks along the way to tent. I don’t understand why you are going north to Stratton Arlington Road. That road is all rocks, ruts and with all the rain this summer it’s a mess, I was on it a few weeks ago. Wardsboro road is no better. it will be hard on the bike, and you. It is about 20 miles of wilderness with no cell service. Remember this area has been my stomping grounds for 30+ years.
George N2SQ
I’ve been to Brattleboro and Bennington many, many times over the years. That map on Google is just an approximation, it picked out a route that I don’t always follow. I’m certain I will stop at Dot’s, I can hardly pass any place that has something to eat, Hi Hi.
Thanks for the concern.
Dennis, K1YPP
looking forward to your awesome trip and shared words