I pushed myself to the limit today. I left Exeter with hopes of making it to Massachusetts by the end of the day. Thunderstorms were predicted for later in the day, so I got an early start. I had a yummy do-it-yourself waffle at the hotel, and packed up the trailer. I rode into town and ended up on the wrong road, but luckily I figured it out before I went too far. I took the opportunity to change clothes. It’s been chilly every morning so far, so I was bundled up with my Turtle Fur, but it was HOT today. No fur needed.
I made it to Kingston, which was a very pretty ride. I love it when the lilacs are out, and I can smell them as I ride by. One thing has changed in my riding that I’ve noticed: now that my legs are getting stronger, I’m using my momentum and powering myself up the hills more than ever. It makes it all so much easier and faster! I rode into Danville and found the convenience store where Becca and I stopped, years ago. I went in, not sure what I was looking for, and left empty handed. I was kind of craving one of those little Baby Bel cheeses, but they didn’t have them.
Riding from Danville to Derry was quite picturesque. I was getting hungry, so I stopped at another convenience store for a small sub. Some construction workers were sitting outside, eating pizza, so I asked if I could join them. They were so nice and we chatted about my ride and the storm that was coming. They recommended a motel in Derry, but I rode all over town and couldn’t find it. I called the town clerk’s office and they had never heard of it. I did end up on a very pretty bike path, and I entertained the notion of stringing up my hammock tent, but I really didn’t want to be in my tent during a thunderstorm. The sky grew dark and it started spitting rain on me, but it didn’t last long. I made it to the restaurant at Windham Junction, and went in, hoping for some ice cream to cool me down, but I couldn’t find any.
I made up my mind to get to Nashua, so I made a hotel reservation. Oy vay, the hotels get expensive when you get close to Boston! I found my way to Route 111, with the help of some nice folks with a beautiful dog at the restaurant. They beeped and waved when they drove by me (the people, not the dog). Riding along 111 to Nashua was HOT. Really hot. There was no opportunity for shade, and I had been piling on the miles. I stopped at a 7-11 for a Klondike bar and a cold water, which both made me feel so much better. I got back on the road, but that’s when the storm hit. There I was in Nashua, trying to find the hotel and it was pouring rain and lightning was flashing around me. It was scary. I made it to the hotel, took a hot shower and had a lovely evening.
I’m going to try to figure out how to connect three different bike trails today, so I can get to Alewife station. I’ll be taking a few days off in Boston, so if anyone would like to hang out, just let me know! 45 miles today. As Ellen says, “Please be kind to each other.” XOXO
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