5/31/16 East Windsor, CT to Sturbridge, MA 41 miles

We left East Windsor on 10 miles comfortable roads. Soon the hills began, some nice rollers, others a challenging climb.  We rode through farmlands and wooded areas, even roads that cut through a lake!  We are all getting stronger, but everyone is happy for our two-night stay in Sturbridge.  Seven days in a row of hills has been a bit tiring!

5/30/16 Lakeville, CT to East Windsor, CT 55 miles 3,000 ft climb Memorial Day

As predicted, today started out rainy and cooler than this past week.  With 3,000 ft of climb, rain, some extreme hills, and rough-pavement downhills there were only 11 who chose to ride today.  Perhaps the past 5 days of heat and hills contributed to the decision to take a bump for so many of us.  From the van we saw one particular long hill that looked like a wall!  Those that went, however, can be proud they made it the 6th of our 7-day run!  The ride ended with a cloudy day, temps in the 70's and those that rode said it was a great day!

5/29/16 New Paltz, NY to Lakeville, CT 54 miles 2,625 Elevation gain

Although we rode only 54 miles, beginning and ending with bike paths, we had 2,625 elevation gain within 32 miles, maximum grade 10%.  Temps maxed out in the low 90's, cooler than yesterday.  There was a detour on the route with a bridge out, so we ended up with some bonus miles. We crossed the Hudson River Bridge, a very high bridge with a spectacular view!

5/28/16 Matamoras, PA to New Paltz, NY 51 miles

Today was another hot and muggy day. There was some fog for the first hour or so. Temps got to 96 degrees. The roads were smooth and not as hilly as yesterday ~ many were Ragbrai rollers, the kind where you can pedal downhill and be most of the way up the next one before gearing down.

Tomorrow will be the fourth day out of seven days in a row.

5/27/16 Easton PA to Matamoras, PA 78 hilly miles 4,000 ft climb

Today was a day filled with humidity, heat, extreme hills, and lots of hanging inchworms!  Eww-w-w!
There was a particularly steep hill with a corresponding downhill that had very rough road with lots of shade and hidden pot holes.  Needless to say, I did not want a repeat of the fall I had last year on the Southern Tier ride, so at the second Sag stop I took the van.  Better safe than sorry, right?

Below are some of the scenery we rode through along the way.