Bicycle Trip: Lincoln NH to Phoenixville PA – Day 8: Granby, Connecticut

Much better ride today. First day since the beginning of the trip that I actually felt like there were more downhills than uphills. Also, just a lot of level riding. Probably the easiest day so far, but we deserved it after yesterday’s torture.

The cabin last night was cold, but still better than a wet tent. Mark got up in the middle of the night to investigate “bear noises” which turned out to be snores from Sidekick Sue (who rarely snores). Something in the spring air is aggravating a little allergies and causing some mouth breathing. LOL.

Rain today was predicted at 2 PM, so once again, we started early to try to beat the rain. Beautiful countryside in CT. Miles of well-kept houses and farms. Rolling hills, but few really tough grades. Rode past Crystal Lake and Ellington, before crossing the Connecticut River into Windsor Locks.

Stopped at a NAPA to get oil for our chain that has spent too much time in the rain, and adjust the brakes that took some abuse in the rain yesterday. Mark cleaned the chain and the gears to get out miles of road gunk. Rode into Granby and had a hearty meal at the Farmer’s Kitchen.

Still racing the rain, we had another 3 miles to the only accommodations around….. the Granby Motel. It’s a little roadside dive motel that looks exactly like the motel in your average horror film. We arrived shortly after 2 PM and the rain started shortly afterward. Supposed to rain until 3 AM. Any port in a storm.