day 13

I knew today wasn’t going to be a day to see the sights nor enjoy the scenery.  I was going from southern Maine to central Connecticut, cutting through the heart of Massachusetts, just west of Boston.  The first part of the ride should have been interesting; however, with the rain and early morning traffic, it took me one and one-half hours to go 30 miles.  Thankfully, the Maine Turnpike (tollway) ended at about the same time as my patience, so I was able to get on the highway to get some miles completed.

I stayed on the highway all of the way through Massachusetts and into Connecticut before hitting the back roads again.  The roads open up through the rolling terrain for about an hour before I had to ride through Hartford, CT.  Luckily I was passing through well before the Friday afternoon rush.

By the time I rolled up to my friend Mike’s (met in Chicago while playing hockey) place, it was already sunny and in the 80s.  After some tense moments with the dog introduction, I was finally able to relax knowing I’d be here for a few days.  After unloading my gear, Mike helped me wash off the two weeks worth of accumulated road grime, especially the heavy stuff picked up during the last few days while riding through he wet construction zones and campgrounds.

Afterwards, I joined Mike and his mother for nice dinner to celebrate her birthday before calling it a night.