Beauty and the Beast, part 2

10/1 84 miles from North Hudson NY to Bethel VT (Paul and Paulete Shriver’s house in Braintree VT). 34* at the start

OK, Ok I’m pushing now.  That many miles with this many mountains, but I wanted to see Paul’s pretty place.  Incredible food, beautiful place and outstanding company.

Saviors of the Day Paul and Paulete Shriver 

One of the prettiest rides with outstanding weather.  Crossing Lake Champlain on the ferry to get to Vermont was great.

As soon as we were riding in Vermont it seemed greener and much more to see.  Within 3 miles we saw the sign for Orwell VT, which is where Sarah has a bunch of relatives that run the smallest bank in the State of Vermont. Unfortunately that family had the gall to all go on Vacation in Germany while we happen to ride through. 

Beauty everywhere.

Now for the beast. 

An eight mile climb that looks like a wall and kind of rides like one.  We have been dreading this for a few days but we did it.  I thought I was done a 1/2 mile past bread loaf but the very last part almost killed me. When I stopped at the parking lot at the top a blue chevy cavilier looked like it was expanding and contracting even though it was standing still. The ride down to Bethel, where Paul picked us up, was hairy at first (12% grade), but then was just a breeze through lovely Vermont.