Last night in East Windsor, Peter Murphy, brother of Nancy I., treated us to wine and cheese – it was a perfect evening for this treat after such a cold day on the road. (Sorry the photo is less than perfect.)

Our ride start today was delayed until 10 am, hoping for some relief from the rain forecast.  In fact, we never rode in a downpour, though we did experience periodic drizzles.  And it was cold, certainly not higher than 50 degrees.  You can keep warm pedaling up the hills, but the downhills will freeze your bones.  Luckily, it was only a 40 mile day.

Lots of backroads on this route, very little traffic, and plenty of hills.  Don had warned me about the downhills to the creeks, then the steep uphills – today was the worst example so far.

Super sag Nancy B. had hot chocolate for us at the 20 mile sag, and I added rain pants (thanks to Nancy H.) and dry gloves (thanks to Nancy H. and Nancy B.).  Can’t say I was warm, but also wasn’t freezing.  At mile 38, the cue/clue sheet indicated a steep hill – and I confess I walked – just too steep and late in the ride to try to struggle to pedal up.

We have a rest day tomorrow here in Sturbridge – can’t get excited about Old Sturbridge Village, may just relax, do laundry, read, eat and relax some more.

Mileage today: 40.6; ascent 2400+ feet.  Total mileage since Fort Lauderdale: 2296.4 miles; since Key West: 2523.88 miles.