The Last Hard Ride!

Thursday, October 16.  Waterville to Bangor

 The day was supposed to be an easy 52 miles.  That changed when rain threatened to inundate us, and we altered our route (as recommended by Google Map's bicycle function), adding 8 miles hoping for a quicker ride because of less hills.  Google Map's route was a total fail.  The route proved to be much hillier, including a packed dirt road that was wet but not yet too slippery to ride.  And to add insult, we rode a stretch of road covered with manure slurry (thank goodness for fenders).

 

AND, We biked in rain anyway, although not a downpour.  We came to a service station/convenience store/deli that was also having troubles.  It was colder inside than out,  so we had a quick hot chocolate, and Diane changed out of her wet jersey and gloves to a dry set, and off we went again. 

 

We grinded our way into late afternoon -- finally, we saw the sign “Bangor” and took our classic end-of-ride picture as we crossed the bridge from Bangor to Brewer.  Not too much further, but up a final hill, we reached our destination, Vacationland Inn.  We chose this hotel due to its proximity to Pat’s Bikeshop and a U.S. Post Office, so we could easily ship bikes and gear home.  Although we did not realize it until registering, it’s also close to great Italian and Japanese restaurants.  Fortunately we got settled in before the rains hit again.  By morning we awoke to a heavy downpour.  In the end we did beat the really heavy rain into Bangor.

 

Early in the day, the route change seemed to be paying off. We flew down the road with the wind.

Rob remained vigilant for moose - especially as we traveled the Moosehead Trail. But no luck.

(Your fall color photo of the day.)

 

Diane, the conqueror....... beating the

 ......evening rain in Bangor.