To Lakeville

August 6, 2021

<<Snake alert!>>

I thought this was going to be a longer post, but it isn’t because now it’s the day after and we’ve ended the tour and are visiting Vance and Laurie. We don’t want to be aloof, remote guests, so this is a rush job. Riding-wise, the big story is the Harlem Valley Rail Trail, which is even better than the trail we biked down the Hoosic River two days back. Life-wise, the big story is that we finally got to meet up with CycleBlazer Bob Distelburg, whose we first came in touch with over on Cycle365 where he goes as BobinVT. We’ve been in communication for several years, but there’s no replacing meeting face to face. Bob biked up to meet us from Amenia, where he’s been staying for the last week. We rode together for several miles and then stopped in at an outdoor cafe in Millerton for a relaxed, extended visit. A real highlight of the tour!

Leaving Great Barrington, heading west toward the New York border.

A last look at the Berkshires before we go.

Beautiful country near the Massachusetts/Connecticut/New York border.

Crossing the divide. The New York border is just around the bend.

I have no idea what this place on the outskirts of Hillsdale is. Impressive though. It’s at the end of School Road, so perhaps there’s a hint.

Southbound at the northern entrance to the Harlem Valley Rail Trail (HVRT).

On the HVRT, a trail with striking diversity. Some stretches are your classic tunnel of green. That’s Rocky making her break way out there, btw.

This section bridges across a broad marshy wetland, an expansion of Webatuck Creek.

Snake! This one is just sunning on the path, waiting either to get crushed or be scooted out of harm’s way.

Yes, I know they’re an invasive species. Still pretty though.

I can’t stand it! Rachael got to see a snapping turtle just walking on the path. I got to see two snakes on the path though, and she didn’t. Snakes are cool too.

The HVRT is full of surprises today. It’s BobinVT!

Second breakfast in Millerton, with Bob Distelberg. Actually most of the second breakfasts have already been dispensed with and we’ve moved on to the hops and malt course.

Bob is riding his new Salsa Fargo today. A beautiful bike.

Ready to roll, outside the old Millerton train depot.

Video sound track: The Best is Yet to Come, by Grover Washington, Jr.

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Ride stats today: 33 miles, 1,000’; for the tour: 2,536 miles, 80,900’

Today's ride: 33 miles (53 km)
Total: 2,536 miles (4,081 km)

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Suzanne GibsonLove both videos! It's been an inspiring trip so far, you have covered so much ground, can you really believe you are where you are now? And if really the best is yet to come, that's going to be fantastic.
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3 years ago

Rachael AndersonTo Suzanne GibsonThanks! If COVID isn’t an issue, I’m sure it will be the best and we get to meet the 2 of you!
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3 years ago