When you’re biking, the wind can be your best friend, or it can be your worst enemy. Today, it was the latter. I got a late start, knowing that I “only” had 25 miles to ride to get to New Holland. Again, I was off my route, relying solely on Google Map’s bike directions. They served me pretty well. I started out by returning to the bike shop where I asked for help yesterday. Rode a few blocks, and yay! Another bike path! The Struble Trail. I was only on this one for about 3 miles.
I followed Google’s directions, with only one hiccup, and made it to Route 322, which would take me first to Blue Ball (named for the Blue Ball Hotel) and then New Holland. Only problem is, as soon as I headed west on 322, the wind hit me in the face like a freight train. For 15 miles, I don’t think I went much faster than 3 or 4 mph. It was rough. And I’ll tell you what, a bakery truck pulled out of a side street onto the highway with a flat tire, and I get the feeling that happens a lot around here. The shoulder was full of sharp debris, which I miraculously managed to avoid. Unfortunately, I wasn’t so lucky with all the horse droppings, since I’m in Amish country now. Watching drivers try to get around those horses and buggies made me not feel so bad about making them get around me and my trailer!
Around 1:00, I stopped in Honey Brook for a hoagie (not a sub), wrapped half of it for later and continued on, battling the wind. Going downhill wasn’t as rewarding as it usually is, but I did have a few good runs. One lasted almost a mile and a half. Made it to New Holland, and then it was just a mile to the motel. Nice little place. The guy at the desk recommended the tuna melt at the cafe next door.
I went for a short walk first, to get some supplies. The weather was pretty wild, with dark clouds and that wind. The only place nearby was a drive-thru beer place, but I was able to get some bottled water (and a Coke from the machine for 50 cents!) I tried to engage the proprietor in a conversation about drive thru cocktails (something you could get in Vermont, years ago) but he wasn’t interested in that. Oh well - can’t have a good audience every time...
The tuna melt was yummy. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to watch the Red Sox shut out the Tigers, but I’m happy for them. Peace.
Comments
Post a Comment