Day 50 – Latham NY to Brattleboro, VT crossing Green Mountains on VT 9, 20 Jul 2014

Map and Pics:  Click Here for Map and Pics.

Miles 3618 to 3697, 79 miles, 5050 feet of climb, max speed 44 mph, avg speed 13 mph, four major extended climbs.



The white Green Mountains



Steve was way out in front, already crossing the Hudson River, when Claire finally caught up to him. After taking her picture, she was off to the races. She is great at flats and down hills, but the Flying Dutchmen can catch her on hills. She did not want that to happen! Today Claire was first to the hotel, Bill my roommate was second, and Frans was third. Claire mentioned to Frans his third place finish, maybe even several times. There were three different Green Mountain descents today where most riders were going in the 40’s. Our fastest rider hit the bottom of the mountains at 53 mph each time. I rode at vehicle traffic pace for over eight miles on the last descent; five cars in front, five cars behind. We were squished pretty tight, but there was nothing I could do about that.

Hogback Harley Heaven

At the top of Hogback mountain I only had to ask one question to the group of Harley Riders parked at the overlook: “May I take a picture of your sweet machines?” Those hog-masters were doing the same trip as us, but on their muffler modified polished steeds. What a great bunch of guys and their passion for their motorcycles came out with very little coaxing. The view from up there (overlooking the Connecticut River Valley) was quite breathtaking. There are ski lifts up there too, but not in use today. Except for a slight headwind the weather was perfect.

There are some things that are helped by ‘committee decisions’ such as making sure we are following the clue sheet. Changing a tire is not one of them. For that to be successful, you need a head surgeon and all others supporting physicians whose entire role is to have the tweezers, pump, extra tubes, and tire wrenches ready for the doctor in charge. Similar case is with carrying bags out to trailer in the morning – nobody is helped by helping another; but unloading the trailer in the evening is where many hands make light work out of a big project. Now that we only have two days left it is such a shame that we do all these tasks so well.

Hemmings

The gem of the day belongs to museum curator at Hemming’s Motor News Store in Bennington. Norm and I really enjoyed looking at the high end old cars, like a 1910 Buick. The whole place was a gem. Norm even broke his own rule about T-Shirts (he has hundreds of them already from his rides) and got one from the store. He looks great in it, wearing it tonight after dinner. I am going to wear my new Alzheimer’s jersey on tomorrow's ride.

Bottom Line: We all did well today. Tomorrow will be tougher.