Yes, There Are Mountains in New England...

[SheFly]

how did you get that leg shot?
sounds like a pretty tough climb!

DH took that shot while riding - it's his leg in the photo

Bikehubby and I went on our first rideon our cyclocross bikes this last Friday, so we could go on both dirt roads and tar roads and it was so much fun! The gearing was hard to get used to after having a triple on my road bike, but they are so great for multi-use!

Gearing wasn't my issue on the 'cross bike (although I was looking for a few lower gears...) since I have a double on my road bike also. My gearing is 42/34 x 11-28.

The real issue for me was the different geometry - caused some sore neck and shoulder muscles for sure! The other difference was in my confidence - my road bike is much more stable than my 'cross bike, so I took it a little easier on the descents than I normally would have.

Are there no original town names in New England?

I grew up in Hollis, ME. Robyn mentioned a Hollis, NH (I think.) We did our groceries in Gorham, ME and your ride started in Gorham, NH.

We're only spending a week in Maine this summer and family visiting will suck up most of our days. I keep telling myself we need to go back for longer sometime and really ride.

What size tires do you have on your cross bike SheFly?

Definitely no unique names here . Have you and Thom decided whether you are brining the tandem this summer? We are organizing a tandem adventure for July 7th in Bethel - would be great if you could join us (even if you are on your single bikes).

Tires on the 'cross bike are 700c x 30 kenda kwick cross tires, and I had about 80 psi in them (a little too much for the dirt climbs/descents, but not really enough for the road...).

Robyn - I will have to figure out where that ride you were supposed to do went - sounds interesting!

SheFly

[Veronica]

Bummer, my sister (the one with tongue cancer) is planning a gathering at her house on the 7th.

Our tandem won't be done until the end of the summer. Our current one is just too uncomfortable now. Funny how once you know what a bike is supposed to fit like, you won't tolerate being uncomfortable.

Anyway, I'm hoping to talk Thom into bringing something, maybe our mountain bikes, maybe road with some beefier tires, since I'm intrigued by this ride. I can only take so much of our families.

V.

[SheFly]

Bummer, my sister (the one with tongue cancer) is planning a gathering at her house on the 7th.

Our tandem won't be done until the end of the summer. Our current one is just too uncomfortable now. Funny how once you know what a bike is supposed to fit like, you won't tolerate being uncomfortable.

Anyway, I'm hoping to talk Thom into bringing something, maybe our mountain bikes, maybe road with some beefier tires, since I'm intrigued by this ride. I can only take so much of our families.

V.

I think we are going to be in Bethel the entire week of the 4th, so if you are looking to ride, let me know! We will also be doing a ride on the 8th with our friends, but I think that is when you are heading back out west... I'll PM you my direct contact info, and if you are interested in getting together during the week, just let me know - we'd be glad to show you some good riding!

SheFly

[HappyAnika]

Great job on an awesome ride. Thanks for sharing the pictures. I will admit my first impulse is to chuckle when I see "Elevation 3009" like its a high point. I live in the "low" "valley" at 4980 ft., most of the area is 5200 - 5500. I grew up thinking Denver, the Mile High city, was low at 5280 because we lived in the mountains at 9500. BUT, its all relative. 0 - 3009 is still a 3009 ft. climb, and 4500 ft. in 70 miles is an awesome accomplishment.

PS. I forgot to add that I love your jersey!

[short cut sally]

Great job and you should be proud! Its always fun when you can include a friend in the ride. Nice pics, I especially like the one taken from the riding view with you, your friend and the leg. Thats clever and talent!