Ride Days 2 and 3

With day three of riding finished, the adventure has continued. I apologize for not posting last night about ride day two, but due to some changes in schedule and events our day ran quite late. Because of this, I have chosen to post days two and three together.

Both days were absolutely incredible riding. New England is beautiful and we have been able to see quite a lot of it. Over the past three days we have pedaled about 260 miles. During this time we have met EMS people from all over the US and Canada. It has given us the opportunity to tell people about David and for them to tell us about those that they have lost.

We have been blessed with gorgeous weather during days two and three. The mornings begin very chilly (temps have begun each day in the mid to upper 40’s) and we need to layer up, but within an hour or so we are warm enough to begin removing layers. The Canadians and Americans from colder climates tease us “Florida Guys” about still wearing our “winter clothes.” They ride in only shorts and jerseys even during the cold mornings.

The main reason we warm up so quickly is the amazing climbs we have been doing over the past 160 miles. We traveled from Nashua, New Hampshire to Hartford, Connecticut on Sunday (day 2), and from Hartford, Connecticut to Somers, New York today (day 3). During this time we have traversed city and country roads with continuous climbs and descents. These climbs have made Sugarloaf Mountain look like a speed bump. Today we climbed one particular area that had a 9% grade that lasted for over two miles. These incredibly challenging climbs do have their rewards. Aside from the accomplishment of the climb, we pass through beautiful areas and then when we reach the top we are rewarded by descents that cover miles at speeds of 40+ mph on roads that spiral down the country side. The adrenaline rush is unimaginable.

We are all a little tired and sore but it has been worth every minute. Tomorrow promises to be an exciting day. We will ride from Tarry Town, New York to New York City. Once we enter the city we will be escorted through by NYPD and FDNY. We have been told that we will be riding down Broadway, through Times Square, and past the World Trade Center site. We were also told that the ride was mentioned on Regis and Kelly, and that it may possibly be covered by CNN, so be sure to look for us.

John