5/18/23 New London to North Scituate, Rhode Island

This very crisp morning required an extra layer of clothing. The sky was clear; temperatures in the 30 when we woke up  and in the 40’s when we began our ride. 

 

A 10 minute ride to a designated bike path over the Thames River resulted in a change of plans. The bike bridge lane was closed due to a tanker explosion last month that compromised the bridge and especially the bike bridge.  Fortunately there is a shuttle bus that delivered us to the other side (about a mile), but  we had to wait over an hour. That wait time allowed temperatures to warm up. 

Once back on the road we enjoyed nice roads with good bike lanes. We shocked be the amount of traffic going the opposite direction on the  2 lane highway. 

When the 11:11 alarm sounded we captured these 4 photos. 

We had our breakfast at lunchtime at Little Man’s Cafe. Tasty! 

About 6 miles later we crossed our 12th state line.  There was no signage and no Google  Map announcement, but it was confirmed be a passing cyclist. He took our photo and told us that Rhode Island roads aren’t as good as Connecticut. 

The climbing seemed to continue…we did our best to enjoy the roads, sunshine and forested neighborhoods.

We are staying in a little motel, walking distance from Biship Hill Tavern. We got an appetizer called  Rhode Island Stuffies to go with our local IPAs prior to our dinner.  Fun seeing the locals and hearing their distinct Boston accent. 

Today’s stats: 63 miles. 3333’ of  climbing and one state crossing. State #12 of our East Coast journey. 

5/17/23 Milford to New London

It was fun experiencing the positive energy of kids in the morning. Laughter is a good thing any time of day. We participated in the daily ritual of going to the bus stop.  There we said our good byes to Jaime, Jax and Zoie (and Lola).  

Forecast was for cooler temperatures and a northerly wind at 12-18 mph all day. We had a breakfast stop at 10ish, but beyond that we had short breaks as needed. One such stop was to lube my squeaky chain. Shortly afterward we were directed to a dirt path. 😣  

We rode along the waterfront more often today. Nice views with cool breezes. 

11:11 shot of the day. 

Some random photo opps

The roads we traveled on were cyclist friendly, but some of the hills were a struggle.  “Break Neck Hill Road” had a particularly challenging climb. 

By the time we rolled into New London we were pooped out . The wind, hills, and mileage took its toll. Laundry day, (last time since we only have 4 more days of riding!!!) a short stroll to a local tap room to share a flight and a dinner at our hopping  hotel restaurant bar was an easy ending. 

Todays stats. 73 miles,  2740’ climbing   High temp of 61 and winds NNW at 16mph

5/16/23 Stamford to Milford CT

We are loving Connecticut! Again we have great weather, mostly smooth roads through beautiful  neighborhoods and some tranquil beach/water views. 

We just had to stop at this 50’s looking diner for breakfast. Fun place with good food and friendly staff. The mural on an adjacent wall commemorated the drive in that used to be there and staff of the diner that have passed. 

At 11:11 Tim was removing a layer… namely his knee warmers and his socks. (Yes, he wears socks with his sandals!)

Random photos along the way…. 

The Stratford Avenue Bridge has a bridge section that raises up horizontally … not hinged. 

This afternoon we stopped off at Dockside Brewery in Milford. It was fun being welcomed and served by a great staff.  The flight of IPA’s and crab dip we perfect on their busy patio seating by the dock. 

We enjoyed everything …including chatting with the owner Bob who shared some great background about the opening of the brewery and plans for next steps.  We can highly recommend Dockside Brewery.  We left with a four pack to share with Tor and Jaime. 

 A 25 minute ride through neighborhoods with well kept lawns blooming azalea, rhododendrons, clematis and a wonderful pride of ownership  brought us to the home of Jaime  Bud’s daughter and Tor.  They moved to this friendly neighborhood 3 years ago with her 2 kids Jaxin (6) and Zoie (4) and their dog (Lola) .

We were almost taken back by Lola’s resemblance to our beloved Jamie. 

It was fun being entertained by and then playing pickle ball with the kids. It was the adults vs the kids. Zoie was stating “rules” and keeping “score” while Jax was showing his moves. Great evening entertainment for all. 

Ice cream for dessert. 😋

Todays stats… only 42 miles and 1450’ of climbing, 1 brewery and 1 fun and special family stay.

5/15/23 NYC to Stamford, Connecticut

Caroline layed out quite a spread for us this morning including NY bagels.. Mark freshly grinded the coffee for the French press.  We were  grateful for their hospitality.

Dua their friendly dog. 

We started off heading south to visit Central Park and Time Square. Yesterday was good practice for the nonstop crazy commute we saw and experienced today. 

We were riding on streets with bike lanes, but it was insane how vehicles would be  parked in the lane and then double and triple “parked”  while delivering or chatting or whatever. Often times their car was running, but no one was in it. We learned quickly how to drive like a New Yorker. People gave way and we carried on like that through Harlem and the Bronx. 

When going through Central Park, there were specific lanes designed  for “slow 🚲” and 🚲 as well as an additional lane for horse drawn carriages (and park utility vehicles). 

Time square was just a short jaunt from the Park. 

Of course Tim couldn’t resist a World’s Best Hotdog 🌭 from a Time Square vendor. 

Navigating the streets okay, sometimes it was finding and getting to the bike lane that was a challenge. 

11:11 shot of the day! 

It was amazing how just a couple of miles out of the Bronx we were in quiet neighborhoods with big homes and golf courses nearby.

We snacked on some of Mark’s homemade banana berry bread earlier in the day, so our lunch stop was around 2:30 in Port Chester. Yes, that is a breakfast pizza… bacon and eggs… beer 🍺. 

We crossed a small bridge over the Byram River to enter Connecticut,  11th state on our journey.

 

We did a lot of zigzagging through neighborhoods and less busy roads for about an hour to our hotel. 

It was a short mileage day, but it felt pretty exhausting. 

Stats: 47 miles, 1920’ climbing, beautiful weather and one state crossing into Connecticut.