Norfolk, CT to Union, CT:

May 26, 2012

They imported some WV hills to Connecticut

We had a late start this morning because Rhona wanted to stay for the gourmet breakfast at the B&B. Actually, it was pretty good. The host gave us a short history about the house. It was built by a farmer who first brought telephone and electric service to the community 14 years after the invention of the telephone. And I guessed correctly, the guest house we stayed in was originally the horse stables. Angel Riders cyclists were riding from our area along our route to raise money for Paul Newman'S Knothole Gang charity which supports children who have cancer. We started along after them but never did see a single rider. A pretty part of the ride was a section along the Farmington River.

Willie the Welcoming Bear was a good reason to stop along the river. The lady from the house was so glad we stopped to take a picture.

Rhona climbed the bank to take a picture downstream from Burkhamsted Reservoir. I thought she looked good standing there.

Rhona points out the hill we just climbed. I think we headed to the withers next.

This is a "Ghost Bike" at a site where a cyclist was killed. I've read about them but this is my first encounter. Rather sobering.

Some serious geriatric horsepower on display on this hill. The tractors were impressive too.

Much of the day it seemed we were climbing up and down West Virginia's hills. It was hot and humid, with temperatures on a bank sign reading 90 at lunchtime. Many Connecticut roads are poor quality with patches and narrow or nonexistent shoulders. It's a bad combination with holiday traffic. Just like yesterday we finished with a long hot climb to our destination in Union. After our stay last night in $200 B&B accomodations our $45 motel is "adequate" to quote Rhona. We've stayed in much worse places which cost much more. Our long-time friend Bob Miller comes from someplace in Connecticut, but we don't remember where. Each time we enter a town we look for a "Birthplace of Bob Miller" sign, but so far, no luck

Today's ride: 68 miles (109 km)
Total: 718 miles (1,156 km)

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