We sat down in our corner booth eating our burger Worthy of its name. They commanded a hefty price, but once we took our first bite we realized the Worthy Burger was worth the wait and knew why they were still busy well past normal lunch hour and too early for dinner. But what do I know of the local eating conventions in South Royalton VT.
We left Billy’s house around 9:30. A bit later start than normal. The plan called for a short day. 30 miles and following the River downstream. We had said goodbye to Steve LNU (last name unknown) earlier. We had such a great time last night. He will never trust my weather forecasting but we got some dinner and never really got all that wet. I wish Steve LNU well on his tour. He has overcome illness and battles on. He lives and rides in the moment. I hope we cross paths soon.
Billy has stories to tell. He’s even written a book about some. Quite the eclectic life. Living in Hancock reminds me all to well of my days in Yellow Pine. They are fond memories. Thanks Billy for giving us the run of your home.
The Vermont roads, at least the paved ones we’ve been on, give me reason to understand why gravel bikes and riding are so popular here in the Green Mountain State. We pedaled precariously along limited or no shoulders and traffic heavier than I expected. Yet we stay safe. God is good.
Second breakfast was in Rochester, VT. A great cafe. Rhonda’s blueberry pancakes and local maple syrup filled her up. My standard breakfast was highlighted by some mighty fine tasting multi grain bread.
Prior to breakfast we stopped at the Green Mountain Bike shop. We did not require anything, just looking around. The owner gave us the nickel tour and let us explore his inventory, spare parts, one off creations and his bike crank and chain operated draw bridge door. Where was this shop when I needed it in Erie, PA?
Further on down the road we met Nick and Carrie from Reno. They are on a two week bike tour of Vermont. They met Steve LNU a little earlier. Next month Nick will be racing the Idaho Smoke and Fire, a 400+ mile dirt adventure starting and finishing in Boise. We won’t be home the day he starts but he may park his car at our place and four days later after he finishes we will take him in and give him a warm shower and good night’s sleep before he goes home
After a couple of hours of white knuckle riding we found ourselves sitting in the Worthy Burger just relaxing. A couple of tables down a father and his son sat down. I’ve seen the look in a father’s eyes on the day he drops his oldest son off to college. The younger brother was there to support him whether he knew it or not. You could tell this dad loves his son by the way he engages life with him. The dad, we’ll call him Thomas, because that’s his name, looked over and said “nice day for a ride. How far you ride?” “It’s been over 60 days of nice riding from Anacortes, WA, heading to Maine”. “I live in Maine, and operate Madeleine Point Oyster Farms. You are welcome to stay at our place if your route takes you close”. And so it goes throughout this journey. Unknown people inviting other unknown people into their lives and homes. Thomas is a former pro continental bike racer. A sprinter and crit racer. Now he just likes to take his boys on adventure. We exchanged contact information and before you know it, I’m receiving texts about all the best places to visit and eat between here and Bar Harbor. He and Zack, the younger son, wanted to check out our bikes. We were discussing the pros and cons of tubeless set up when I mentioned my issues with my original tire brand when around the corner a voice said, “I used to use that unnamed brand and I switched to Rene Hearse. You ever heard of them?” Of course I have. I get their weekly emails and I do look forward to testing out their tire when I get home.
Michael is in town awaiting the Vermont Overland gravel race. I can tell he’s serious, about performance riding. But He has this infectious smile that makes you open up. Next thing you know we are following each other on Strava and Gram. He was so excited to hear of our adventure. He too loves adventure and is even more serious about sharing it with his two kids. They just returned from some hiking in the Adirondacks. He would be fun to hang out with. I just couldn’t keep up. We gave each other hardy handshakes and promised to follow each other’s progress; his Overland finish and our tour completion.
Then it was off to the Over Pass tasting room. Over Pass is one of many Vermont breweries and one that was featured on a documentary with former pro Ted Kind about biking, Vermont and breweries. Since watching this last winter and learning it is on our route, I’ve been waiting for this. We walked in and I explained to the brewmaster that I’ve pedaled 3200 miles to be here. I ordered a sample of his lager and a hazy IPA. Both enjoyable. I’m also sporting a new cap. Next thing I see, Michael shows up and offers to buy a round. Now these rounds are only 4 oz tastings for those counting. I couldn’t believe it. He saw our bikes parked out front and just wanted to say hi one more time. His smile is infectious. So encouraging.
Now we are resting comfortably in a local B&B. It’s an old farm house built in 1840. The upstairs bedroom reminds me of grandpa and grandma Heggen’s when we stayed there. Just not quite that old. The temps are cooler and the humidity is down. I think we’ll sleep tonight. In fact Rhonda is already making sleepy noises as she lays next to me.
Just rubbing shoulders with reality. Stuff that only happens when you travel by bike.
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