Today’s Route:
Today: 54 miles. Total miles: 4205 Riding time: 5 hrs 2 min
Elevations: Royalton VTL 492‘ N. Haverhill NH:
Total ascent: 4193’ Total descent: 4045’
Calories: 3557 Avg speed 10.72 mph Max speed 33 mph
Today’s ride was on 2-lane, narrow roads, most without shoulder. Shoulders that did exist often had crumbling pavement. I’m finding the roads in New England are both dangerous and in poor condition with drivers less willing to move over and often driving beyond reasonable speed limits for the road condition and terrain. The Adventure Cycling map routed me onto Route 132 in VT which was a dirt road, climbing up to 8% grade for six miles.
The town of Strafford is a bucolic New England community with beautiful buildings. Found myself stopping too often to photographic the handsome churches, town halls, and homes.
Climbing today was more than I anticipated and tended to be steep on narrow, shoulder-less roads. Granny gear came in very handy on some of the steeper climbs!
Folks I met along the way were friendly and helpful. Leaves are just beginning to turn here in New England – a little early according to the locals. Colors are muted, mostly brown, at this point in the process.
Camped at River Meadow Campground on the Connecticut River in North Haverhill NH. They gave us $10 off the $47 rate! Beautiful setting on the river.
Great gift shop in Fairlee VT!
"I can't believe she locked her keys in here with me! Good thing the windows are down a couple inches and it isn't too hot!"
"Ah! Chief Kilmer, Orford NH PD, to the rescue with his handy door opening gadget!"
Interesting historical marker - deeded as common land and can never be built upon!
Another beautiful New England church!
Sign in Orford Post Office - opened when JFK was president!
New England Church
Beautiful New England setting. . .
Strafford Town House info. . .see next pic
Strafford Town House - Town meeting held here every March since 1801!
My Shadow in the Pavement!
Birthplace of Justin Smith Morrill - Senator for 43 years - author of the Morrill Acts, signed by Abraham Lincoln in 1862, establishing our land-grant colleges and universities!
The Morrill homestead.
Horses along the way. . .
Covered bridge. . .
Another beautiful New England building!
Quote for the Day: “Wisdom: the art of knowing what to overlook.” William James