Rain

Conditions were lousy this morning. Rain. Not the cool, refreshing South Texas rains that serve as a relief from the heat. These were the cold, harsh New England rains that soak a body to the bone. And it wasn't just that it was cold and rainy. The roads between Andover and Fitchburg were awful, poorly marked, winding, and often uphill. And as a testament to how complicated the route was, consider that the cue sheet was a page long. Basically, it was the worst New England had to offer. It was a miserable ride.

But in a way I liked it. It was like New England was saying, "Well look at what we got here, little Mexican boy from Texas thinks he can handle my roads. I'll cut him down to size." And instead of getting discouraged I was just like "You want a piece of this, New England? Come get some!"

Despite the conditions, things went more or less smoothly for me. I cannot say the same for everyone, though. I passed several riders on the side of the road, kneeling next to their bikes. I heard that the grand total for flats on the day was 13. I also heard that Kay-Rud and Julia both got two.

Actually my group got lost for a bit and ended up doing about 5 extra miles. I started feeling that sharp pain in my side after we had been out there for a few hours, the same one that I feel when I run. I think it goes back to that damn neck injury from football. Just as it was becoming excruciating, we pulled up to an ice cream place on the side of the road where some B&B alums had laid out a feast for us. I helped myself to some fresh fruit, nature's candy. Our riders trickled into the stop a few at a time. It was always exciting to see who would be next and cheer them on as they pulled into the stop.

I headed out with a few from my original group after a while. I was glad to. I was getting antsy just standing around. We stuck together for a while, then I believe Jane, Lenny, and Oliver pulled ahead while I stayed with Jess Robertson and Amol fell back. Now I knew there were a few cycling black belts in our group, but beyond that, I did not have much of an idea of anyone's prowess. Black belts aside, I fancied myself one of the better riders. Now just looking at Jess, I would not have placed her at the same level as myself, but after today's ride I know that she may even be better. I could not believe how hard I was working to keep up with this girl. I kept thinking to myself, Where is she getting all this energy? Hats of to you, Jess.


So here we are in Fitchburg. This time our host is the First Church Parish. After most of us had arrived, Sophie led another 8 minute abs. Most of the group participated. I imagine that this occurrence will become so commonplace in the future that it will not be worth noting. Sophie also wanted to go for a run, apparently she is interested in competing in a triathlon in the fall. Dave, Jane and I went with her.

Our hosts cooked dinner for us: pasta, meatballs, sausage, baked ziti, salad, ice cream... Once again our hosts have proven to be kind, caring people who show us the same warmth that they would their own family. I can only hope that we are lucky enough to have hosts this wonderful at every town we stop.