Day 6, Sunday, August 6, 2006

Brattleboro, VT to Manchester, NH
(88 miles/13.0 mph avg.) 6h 43m 55sec
Max speed 38.1 mph

Up at 5:15, 6:00 load luggage, 6:20 continental breakfast at hotel - ( scrambled eggs, waffles, cold cereal, orange juice and coffee, 7:00 on the road.

It was really cold this morning. It seemed like 40F, but it was probably around 50F. Weather forecast was for mostly sunny with temps around 80F. I really was efficient this morning but as I was cycling out of the hotel, everyone in front of me turned to the right. My route sheet said to turn to the left but I followed them for a short way and looked at the top of my sheet - I had yesterday's route sheet - oops! I turned around and went back to get the correct one for today. Oh Well!!! There were 9 climbs today with grades 5% to 12% grade. However, I think a couple of them were closer to 16%. I mentioned in yesterday's journal a concern of whether my 1,300 training miles were sufficient for todays climbing. The answer is YES! I climbed all the hills and have some muscle fatigue but not pain.

Our roads were shaded by trees most of the time, so there were few scenic views. I arrived at the hotel, Comfort Inn at 2:30, checked in and went across the street for lunch at Appleby's. I answered some emails and started my journal. Dinner and RAP was at 6:00 here at the hotel and it was followed by a ride banquet. Doug Torosian President of ABB was here also. Prizes and gifts were given out and everyone had an opportunity to express their thoughts about the ride and what the experience meant to them. It was a very nice evening.

Tomorrow we will 62 mile ride to Rye Jr. High School in Rye NH and we will have a police escort to Wills Sands Beach. There will be a ceremonial wheel dip in the Atlantic Ocean. It will be a fun time and unfortunately cyclists will then be heading home.

Waiting for breakfast	Scenic view
Keene, NH. Main Street	Scenic view
Scenic view	Scenic view
Scenic view	Doug Torosian, ABB President
ABB cyclists banquet	ABB cyclists banquet
ABB Ride staff