Day 9: Kent, CT to Tolland, CT

This was just one of those days and you, my friends, will provide the emotional catharsis necessary for my full recovery. I started riding a little before 8:00 A.M. in a slight drizzle and then it began to rain. It was one of those rains I was sure would let up within the next week.

The optimism in me was quickly dashed when in the first couple of miles I was detoured off my route. What's a few extra miles in the rain. As I returned to my planned route, it was time to ride uphill in the rain with morning traffic. Could this day start off any better? The hill was significant by southwest Virginia standards and could hold its own with any I've climbed.

I made it to Litchfield, CT without any serious problems. It should be noted that people come from all over the world to see this quaint New England village. Naturally, my ten feet of visibility through fog and rain in amber sunglasses gave me a unique perspective.

It was on to Torrington for my first scheduled break. I was looking for anything that said, "warm and friendly" and had a caffeine kick. Look quick to the right and Dunkin Donuts is waiting. Turn quick to the right and cross the very murky water running in the gutter. Fall quickly to the pavement as my front wheel disappears into a hidden water hole. I picked myself up and walked back to the water hole. I carefully placed my foot into what I could not see and only my calf remained above water level. I'm pretty sure this concealed crater once held the lost city of Atlantis!

After a short recovery, it was time to peddle on toward Hartford. At this point, I was becoming a little less optimistic about the day. Wouldn't you know it that Route 44 into Hartford was one of the most harrowing rides ever! Let me repeat it was raining, it was uphill for over one and a half miles, commuter traffic, no shoulder, and an 8% downhill grade for two miles! I felt like I was on ice skates for the first time.

You might guess that by now I was wet, very wet and everything that I had with me was wet. This included my smartphone, which I refer to regularly for map information. The map screen developed ADHD and was impossible to control. I road several extra miles with a smile on my face as I tried to use my SOPG. Smartphones are not that smart when they get wet.

It was 81 joyous miles at a 12.2 mph pace. The road grime and grit embedded in my body will last a lifetime. Thanks for listening.

The amphibious cyclist.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry