Day 67: North Kingstown, RI - Home (Revised)

Day 67: North Kingstown, RI  - Home

August 18, 2016

Miles: 58

Average Speed: 10.5 mph

Maximum Speed: 42.5 mph

Mansfield, CT to North Kingstown, RI


The night before yesterday, the last night away from home, we stayed in Mansfield, CT at the Fitch House B & B, a place that had recently reopened after a change of ownership.  Although, we didn't really plan to stay in Mansfield CT that night, it was the only place available almost halfway between Beth and Chris' house and home. Ironically, on the first night of our tour, we stayed in Mansfield, MA at our friends, Marianne, Ed and Ally's home.  A wonderful first day and experience!  Funny how these things happen. Normally, we would have chosen a hotel with quality accommodations such as the Hampton Inn, Holiday Inn or Best Western with good reviews, and known services for our final day. However, the only available lodging other than the Fitch House was the Best Western, but it was completely full.  And since it wasn't a Friday or Saturday night this was very unusual.   As it turns out, there was a church event going on and a wedding that booked solid the only hotel in the area.  I tell you all this because the last time we stayed at a B & B that didn't provide any recent reviews online and had just reopened, you may remember, we had to sleep with the windows open all night and in our sleeping bags on top of the bed linens. So, we had a fair amount of scepticism as we navigated our way to this B & B.  Well, perhaps the stars, moon and the sun aligned for us once again, as it did with Leroy Bailey, because this B & B was just fabulous and the inkeeper and owner Mia was the best!

The Fitch House, an estate house built and owned by Edwin Fitch in 1836 where he and his wife Alice lived.  It changed hands another 5 times before being bought by Mia and her husband.  This historical house has been maintained over the years to preserve it's history and identity, such as Edwin Fitch's portrait that still remains on the wall in the dinning room.

Mia welcomed us with a tray of goodies - roasted almonds, homemade assortment of three different kinds of cookie's, including gluten free cranberry and pecan cookies, and fresh, delicious well water.  We knew then we had picked the right place.  Morning breakfast was prepared with the same level of detail.  A wonderful, gluten free quiche (two different types!), one with fresh picked berries and the other with cheese that Mia bought from the local farm.

The Beautiful Conservatory

Breakfast is served.

Same room, but in the section with all the oxygen

GF quiche and fresh fruit on side; we were served french pressed coffee as well.  Now how did she know we love our coffee this way!

We were the only guests in the B & B that night and at breakfast just the way we like it! 

We had a wonderful stay at the Fitch House and Mia was a fabulous host.  Now, this is a place we would frequent again!  We had such a great morning that it was 10:30a before we were ready to leave despite out breakfast start at 7:45a.  As we were leaving, Mia asked if she could take our picture; later she shared with us the pictures via email.

Finally ready to go home

Montage of images at the Fitch House

As we rode out of town, we navigated to the bike path that headed in the direction we were going.  This bike path was perfect.  It was paved, fairly flat, shaded and the wind hidden by the trees.

The way bike paths are supposed to be

We decided to route ourselves home via the Washington Secondary Trail Bike Path, which begins at the Connecticut/Rhode Island border and stretches to Providence.  We wanted to catch this trail at the border and then about the halfway mark, we would exit the bike path to route to North Kingstown - a known bike route that we have ridden in the past.  Unfortunately, it was 25 miles to the trail and and it was crazy hilly all the way there.  We climbed almost 3000 ft to get home yesterday, not an easy last day.

We climbed lots of hills, mostly between 10% and 14% grade

for 25 miles and

and for almost 3000 feet

As we headed toward the border, we connected with an old railroad dirt trail that was under development.  This railroad trail connected to the Washington Secondary Trail Bike Path at the border, so we had a choice to take it for a couple miles or to re-route on Rt117 that would take us almost 7 miles out of the way.  We decided to go for it!

Surface is thick sand

The way bike paths are not supposed to be

Walking an 85 pound bike through thick sand while wearing cleats is not pleasant

It was never ending; the surface was so soft that it was difficult to ride.  And at one point it was like riding a roller coaster with 3ft gullies one after the next.  We decided to abandon the trail at the first sight of an exit road.

Not what we had hoped

After about two miles, we saw our chance to leave the old rail-trail.  Even though this new road was dirt as well, it allowed us to ride safety to a paved surface road fairly quickly.  As it turned out, the paved road was just 1 mile out of our way, so it ended up faster all around because we flew on the paved road compared to on the dirt roads.

Acceptable dirt road

Dirt road changes to pavement

Finally, we made it to the beginning of the Washington Secondary Trail Bike Path, but before proceeding we needed to get something to eat and drink. At this point, we had about 24 miles remaining and it was 3:30p.  The good news is that the hills are behind us and we are certain this bike path is paved.

Steve has a turkey sandwich and me tuna, lettuce and tomato wrapped in provolone cheese.

Now this is a bike path

Riding side by side

We were lucky to see a family of wild turkey's along the bike path.

Matriarch of the family

and her kids

We flew home once we hit the bike path.  It was slightly downhill and the surface was perfect.  We were hauling at between 16 and 19 mph. Once off the path, we had 15 miles to go.  The last leg went really fast riding from Coventry to NK.  Maybe because we were on a known route or because the roads were easier to ride; perhaps we were just ready to be home.  Whatever the reason, we made it home by 5:30p.  Here we are below posing just as we did 67 days ago.

So we are home and pretty tired at this point, and as I leaked in the mini blog last night, we quickly took showers and left for the reunion.  We surprised my mom by picking her up and Nanny and Poppy by showing up for Thursday night dinner. Well, perhaps they were expecting us because oddly there were enough table settings for all of us.  That Nanny, she knows everything!

Andy and Poppy with harvested tomatoes from their vegetable garden.

Nanny made a great meal, as usual.  It was a wonderful reunion, and now that we are home safely, our mom's can rest soundly!

The Thursday night crowd, plus my mom!

It is time to say goodbye.  This will be our final blog entry.  We had another great adventure touring through Canada and through more of the US.  With the help of family and friends that we met along the way, it made the 67 days free from hassle and homesickness.  Thank you everyone for following our journey once again.  Thank you all who read our blog and to those who left comments and sent texts throughout our journey. Your blog comments inspired us to keep riding and writing everyday. The first thing we did each morning was to check for comments and we appreciate your committment, support and love!

Day 67: North Kingstown, RI - Home

Day 67: North Kingstown, RI  - Home

August 18, 2016

Miles: 58

Average Speed: 10.5 mph

Maximum Speed: 42.5 mph

Mansfield, CT to North Kingstown, RI



We made it home safely; although, it was a grueling day in more ways than one. I do have a lot to share about today's ride, but it will have to wait until tomorrow.  Shortly after we rolled into our driveway, instead of staying home to rest and to work on this blog entry, we went out to reunite with some family members.  I apologize for the delay, but if I attempt to write this entry now, it will surely disappoint.  If you feel inspired tomorrow, check in for the last day's adventure.  It will be worth it!

Day 66: Mansfield, CT

Day 66: Mansfield, CT

August 17, 2016

Miles: 47

Average Speed: 9.8 mph

Maximum Speed: 34 mph

South Hadley, MA to Mansfield, CT


I woke up a little after 7am this morning.  Di was still sleeping, so it must have been the aromas of coffee and blueberry corn muffins that woke me.  Beth had already been to the gym and was now starting to prepare our breakfast.  Chris joined Beth in the kitchen and soon they had prepared a superb breakfast of scrambled eggs, bacon and blueberry muffins.  And coffee, of course.  Beth and Chris are both fine conversationalists, so Di and I enjoyed our breakfast talk much as we did our dinner talk last night.

Di and our gracious hosts

Di and I were finally packed and at 10am we said our goodbyes to Beth and Chris.  I must admit that I felt sentimental as we rode away.  Beth and Chris warmly welcomed us into their home and made us feel so happy and relaxed to be there.  We were spoiled with great food and any comfort we needed.  We loved it!  I couldn't help but remember the "youngster" I used to tease about not yet having grown tall enough to touch the top of Nanny's refrigerator.  You've grown tall now, Beth.  And it made Di and I happy to see how you and Chris have bought a house and turned it into your home.  Thanks for letting us be a part of your home for a little while.

It was cool today despite the sun.  And today we had a tailwind!  This must be the third or fourth day out of 66 days that we have had a tailwind.  Not that I'm complaining about all those days with headwinds, but a little neutrality in the wind department would be appreciated.  We rode for 25 miles, stopping only once for a brief moment to snap the following picture:

Sometimes interesting nature ends up as a boring picture (I blame nature)

We stopped after 25 miles because I remembered Beth had packed some blueberry muffins for us and the thought of them made me think that stopping to eat them would be more fun than riding.  Besides, it had been hilly, so even with the tail wind we were working hard.

Di getting ready to pounce on a muffin

Close-up of Beth's famous gluten free blueberry corn muffin

We rode for 10 more miles before we stopped at a Subway to grab some lunch.  While there, I had an uncomfortable experience with a gentleman who insisted on talking to me about the bible.  I told him I wasn't religious, but that only made him want to talk more.  The  reason he started talking about the bible is because immediately after he introduced himself, he told a bawdy joke.  He then told me he was very religious, but he didn't consider a bawdy joke to be at odds with his religion because of all the bible references to things not usually talked about in polite company.  He then proceeded to quote a number of these bible references.  He then asked me why these parts of the bible are never discussed in church.  I don't know - because we're all prudes?

I was happy to leave the Subway and the man who knew all the bawdy parts of the bible by heart.  We had only 12 miles to go to get to the Fitch House Bed and Breakfast and because those miles we mostly downhill, they were very pleasant.

The Fitch House

The Fitch House is a grand old house with high ceilings, exquisite moldings and windows everywhere.  It would be nice to have shown you pictures of the house, but alas, there are none to show.  I usually take between 60 and 80 pictures a day, but today I snapped only 11 pictures.  I think it was just one of those days where we just wanted to ride and not stop.

One hour after checking into the Fitch House

After resting for a bit, we walked a mile to the Maharaja Indian Restaurant.  There were absolutely no cars in the parking lot, which usually doesn't bode well, but our meals turned out to be good (though not superb, like the food at Beth and Chris').

The lonely diner eats Indian food

No, really, it tasted much better than it looks

Our waiter took this shot (he had nothing else to do)

Thus endeth our penultimate day.  (I read the part of a writing book of Beth's last night that says never use long words when short ones will do and don't use archaic or rarely used words.  I shan't nevermore.)  Tomorrow we ride 56 miles to home!  I am very anxious to see Andy and Jen and the rest of my family, so even though it signifies the end of our trip, I'm hoping the ride goes by quickly.

Day 65: South Hadley, MA

Day 65: South Hadley, MA

August 16, 2016

Miles: 15

Northampton, MA to South Hadley, MA


We had a lazy morning; just as Beth predicted.  We only had 15 miles to ride to Beth and Chris' house, so we knew sleeping-in was definitely in the plan. When I woke, it was about 8:30a; continental breakfast ended at 9:00a, so time was of the essence if we wanted breakfast. Steve was awake but still relaxing, so I went downstairs to gather us some food to bring to the room.  It comprised of oatmeal, pineapples and muffins.  Coffee, of course, and a chocolate milk for Steve too. 

We finally got ourselves together and checked out at about 11:00a and we headed straight for the Northampton Cafe as Beth recommended.  We stayed there catching up.   This meant both of us having an iced coffee, and Steve doing some reading of the fourth installment of Anne of Green Gables and me doing the Garmin routes for the next two days.  After today, we only have two days left of riding, so sometime on Thursday we will be home.

Comfy with a book

Captivated by every page

We rode on the bike path for a few miles as we left Northampton.  A great way to navigate out of a busy city.  Since there was a lot of construction, traffic was thick so we welcomed being on the bike path. We left the cafe at 2:00ish to head to Beth and Chris'. We rode leisurely because today was our quasi-rest day, and because Beth and Chris weren't expecting us until about that time.

Bridge over the Connecticut River

We arrived at Beth and Chris' at about 4:00p as planned and both welcomed us with open arms.  It was so great seeing them after so long planning that we would almost end our journey at their house.  They showed us around their new home and all the work they have been doing with the renovations.  What a beautiful home and the detail put into colors and workmanship.  So beautiful.  And look at that fabulous chandelier. 

Then at about 6:00p, Sarah and Josh joined us for dinner, which was a wonderful surprise!  It is not often that we have a chance to visit with this crew and have them all to ourselves.  It was great spending quality time with them tonight.     

Enjoying some family time

Chris cooked us a fantastic meal, not good, but a superb rating.  Sausage, peppers and onions, mashed potatoes and Sarah brought a wonderful spinach and beet salad.

So much food and we loved every bit of it!

It doesn't get better than this!

For dessert peach cobbler pie and vanilla ice cream - yummy!

Fabulous!

I think I learned more about Beth, Chris, Sarah and Josh in this one night, then all of the many times visiting with them.  Beth's research topic for her dissertation, Chris' train models, Josh's production line challenges, and Sarah's patients, especially the one that thinks the Internet is a gimmick.  Thank you guys for a wonderful night.  Uncle Steve and I had a great time hanging with you!

Sarah giving some attitude, but Beth not too much!

We are off to Mansfield CT about 46 miles tomorrow.  It should be another difficult ride in terms of climbing, but after the royal treatment we got tonight, we are ready for it!

Day 64:Northampton, MA

Day 64: Northampton, MA

August 15, 2016

Miles: 45

Average Speed: 9.8 mph


North Adams to Northampton, MA



I woke up at 8am and Di was already up and ready to go for breakfast.  We went to the restaurant in the hotel because we were too lazy to look for anything better.  In retrospect, I realize that we never explored North Adams at all: we had dinner in our room last night and breakfast in the hotel.  We'll have to ask Bethany and Chris is we missed anything (I'm guessing no, but there could be a gem hidden somewhere in that city).

I ordered french toast and Di the oatmeal and a fried egg.  I forgot to take a picture of our breakfast, which is why I had to describe it.  We both were feeling rather sluggish this morning and that feeling pervaded to our mental as well as our physical abilities.  On our way back to our room, Di said we had a big climb almost immediately after we started our ride.  She said it was too bad we didn't have time to warm up before the climb, so I said she should go to the hotel gym and ride the stationary bike for a while.  Di didn't think that was a funny as I did, but it sure cracked me up.  We packed up and were ready to roll at 11am.  It had taken us three hours to eat and pack.  That's pretty bad, even for us.  I told you we were moving sluggishly.

The return of the lonely diner

Heading out of town we could see what was in store

We had ridden for seven miles and the big climb had not yet materialized, so that worked out well for Di.  I saw a sign that warned a museum was just ahead and I wondered what could be so frightening about a museum?

So you don't accidentally stop at it?

It turned out the museum was the birthplace of Susan B. Anthony, so that explains the sign.  Feminists can be frightening to some, I suppose.

Susan B. Anthony's childhood home in Adams, MA

I told Di we had to stop.  The reason we needed to stop is because I have a little obsession with the Susan B. Anthony dollar coin and I needed to see where it all started.  Just so you don't think this is a weird obsession, I will say that I have a lot of obsessions so in the scheme of obsession things, this is a rather small deal.

Di writes a postcard in the dining room

The Anthony's also sold goods from their house

Di was inspired reading of Susan B.

By the way, the 96th anniversary of the 19th amendment is August 18.  Go Susan B.!  We finally had to leave the eventual home of the first small dollar coin.  And it was now the climbing started.  We climbed pretty steadily until we were over 1900 feet in elevation.  It took a few miles to reach this height, so it really wasn't that steep.  We descended, a bit, then climbed, then repeated that pattern for the next nine miles.

The first climb of the day

Our first descent (much more fun)

Another climb

The crest is always a welcome view

Taking a break from climbing (with a drunk bear?)

Back to climbing

And more climbing (not as easy as those earlier climbs)

At the 36 mile mark, we stopped at a tavern in Williamsburg to grab a late lunch (it was already 4:30pm).  I ordered the shepherd's pie and Di a salad and something that I can't remember but do recall she enjoyed.  I would know what Di ate if I had remembered to take a picture or if Di were awake right now to tell me, but neither of those things are available.  But, I did take a picture after we had finished, so you can see the satisfied expression on Di's face.

Di relishing her gastronomical delight (whatever it was)

We had 9 miles to go to get to Northampton and we rode those miles with glee.  Why?  Because starting at the 30 mile mark, the ride was pretty much all downhill.  We hardly ever pedaled.  A long, gradual downhill like that doesn't happen often and we really enjoyed it.  We rode it in silence and when it was done all we could say was, "Nice!"

We are going to sleep as late as possible tomorrow and loll about the town before we head out to visit with Bethany and Chris.  We are a little tired and Beth and Chris are only 15 miles away, so if we ride easily then tomorrow will be a quasi-rest day (good call in your comment from last night, Beth!).  So, thanks for your recommendations Beth, we'll take advantage of them tomorrow before heading your way.