Since leaving the coast of Maine last weekend, we've found ourselves in a stop-and-go routine. We're still trying to find the balance between enjoying areas as much as possible, while also getting to the West in less than a couple years. Bottom line, we're on this trip to see more of our country and interact with the people within it. Sometimes these experiences may soak up a few minutes, some may involve days or even a week. Creating a balance will simply come in the form of solid days in the saddle.
After Camden, we spent three days simply spinning it out in the saddle. Fully loaded and not broken into touring fitness yet, days can feel longer than the miles which went into them. This however, is what makes being a Surly Snail so great. We don't push it. Nobody wants to push a 42lbs bicycle with 50+lbs of gear. The days cruise by slowly, pedaling onward while also taking time to smell the pines, lobstahs, porcupine road kill or fresh bread stands. You know what they say...slowly but surly!
Days in the saddle provide us with some gorgeous country roads, encounters with the random happenings which occur off a highway, stiff hamstrings, honks from fellow cyclists with racks on their cars and highways of equal splendor. Stops at gas stations for water refills and $1 bags of potato chips are common. Drafting is extremely beneficial while touring and we pass the hammering on with a underhand wave forwards. Anybody who rides road bikes knows the advantage of drafting, but it seems even more effective on a touring bike. Drafting somebody who is riding in an upright touring position, with stuffed panniers, knocks down on a ridiculous amount of wind. All the added focus of the latter rider goes to avoiding the potholes which pop up at the last second!
We've been riding on, followed by periods of riding off. A few days ago, we did a full 40-mile, and hilly, ride under a never ending rain cloud. Threw swim trunks on, shirt off, Chacos on, and became a part of the wetness. Through pure coincidence and impeccable timing, Wes found out his childhood friend, Corey, was visiting his cabin near the end of our ride! Corey, his girlfriend Mya, and friends Lexi and Gabe were on a three day escape into the beauty of Maine. Warm hospitality shined through once again and we were provided with shelter, delicious meals, and great company. It took our clothes and shoes a full day to dry out, in which we enjoyed their beach on the lake, drank delicious banana and blueberry milk, devoured some pickled eggs, shared a few drinks, went to a local farm, fished from their canoe, and relaxed. It was a great day off the saddle. Corey is an amazing cook and both nights prepared possibly the best haddock and tenderloin I've ever had. Lexi and Gabe offered us a place to stay if we would like once we go through NY and we're very grateful.
Wes and I are both feeling a bit stuffy. We rode for a bit today and crossed into New Hampshire. I can already see NH will be quite the contrast from Maine. More people, tourism, and cars. It's absolutely gorgeous though too. We've found ourselves in the White Mountains and I'm now nestled in my hammock at camp. This is surely the most beautiful place we've camped thus far. Right off the Kancamagus Highway and merely feet from a river with extremely clear water, thousands of precious little bugs scattering around the surface at sunset, and a rock we'll jump off tomorrow morning. Definitely the coldest night so far, but we're prepared!
Wanna follow our tour visually on a map? Click this to check it out.
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