Wednesday, October 15, 2014

Yeah We would Ride 65 miles (again) for that Italian Meal

Tuesday, October 14.  Gorham to Wilton

A pleasant and satisfying breakfast at Welsh’s restaurant, while Rob previewed for Diane the anticipated hills of the day.  And then we were off -- looking to leave New Hampshire and cross into Maine! 
 
It was a strong 65-mile ride, and yes, there were hills, but not the horrid kind we had been riding -- although there were a few crawlers.  The vistas were beautiful as was the scenic Androscoggin River, which we followed eastward a good portion of the way.  There were lots of vacant, and ostensibly abandoned, homes along the highway.  We did not see any moose.  Diane thought for moment that she spied one, but quickly realized she was looking at a rather regal portion of a fallen tree. 
 
In the middle of the day, Rob's bike seemed to "get in the Halloween spirit" by beginning to give off a low eerie howling sound that was at first infrequent but became more persistent. When the problem did not become evident with an inspection, Rob resorted to the classic approach - spray the hell out of every possible candidate with WD-40.  This did seem to mostly quiet the sound so we pressed on.  Later Rob ferreted out the source of the sound.  The back panniers were pressing the tool kit bag which in turn was pressing the rear brake cable causing the rear brakes pads on occasion to graze along the rear wheel causing the low pitched howling.
 
It was just getting dark when we reached Wilton, and the lovely Bass Hill Bed and Breakfast where we were warmly greeted by the owner, Anita. She recommended we dine at the Calzolaio Pasta Co. that was an easy walk, just down the hill from her home.  So glad we did – lots of gluten-free options for Diane.  Another night of gluttony, joined in by Diane this time.  But she had the good sense to take a portion of it back to the B&B to transport the next day and have for lunch.  Yummy!
 
The Halloween bike in front of the Top Notch Inn.
 
The last New Hampshire stream before ...........
 

.... we enter Maine!
 
 The White Mountain Forest.


Racing sundown to end the day's ride in Wilton, Maine.

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