Two States of Rain

Activity Date: April 18, 2024

Ann began working at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Hospital in Hanover, New Hampshire mid April so I took a few days off to see her new place and explore the area on two wheels. There was rain in the forecast but it was supposed to be later in the day. 

I rode through Dartmouth College and then over the Connecticut River where rowing practice was currently taking place. 

It was chilly today and the thought of being in or near that water gave the chills just looking at it. 

Crossing into Norwich, Vermont, this is the first time I am riding a road bike in the Green Mountain State. 

Riding up Union Village Road there’s a great view of Holt’s Ledge in New Hampshire. 

Not many paved roads but lots of dirt

Need to bring the gravel bike next time!

Nice to see some bike friendly signage

It started sprinkling when I got to Sayre Covered Bridge

and on the other side of the river is this unique looking house

with some bike parts decorating the garage.

Then I had to climb out of the Ompompanoosuc River valley up to Thetford Center and the sprinkles turned to full on rain. 

I stopped at a school with a nice overhang to get out of the rain for a bit and put on my fender. Then it was a chilly and wet 2 mile descent to East Thetford. 

I stopped at the Baker Grocery Store for a hot cup of coffee

and drank it standing on a heater grate in one for the aisles. 

Once I had warmed up I headed back out. My route was supposed to take me back into New Hampshire via the East Thetford Steel Bridge but it was closed for repairs. So, I headed down the Vermont side of the Connecticut River on Route 5. 

It was surprisingly bucolic

with some great views of the Connecticut River

and it wouldn’t be Vermont without some cows. 

I was just riding a long when I heard a ping and then my back wheel started wobbling. 

I stopped and found a broken spoke so I twisted it around a good spoke and continued back to the hotel while it rained on and off. 

Back at the hotel I called around to all the bike shops to see if I could get same day service spoke repair but no one could accommodate me

until the last shop I called, Omer & Bob’s, told me to bring my bike over. Incidentally, I met one of the owners the later that year at a University of New Hampshire football tailgate and he told me the next time I visit the shop I could get some free swag. 

While I was waiting I had lunch at a nearby pub called Salt hill. 

This beer was amazing but I forgot the name. 

Had the best wrap with sweet potato fries and did a little studying. 

Halfway through my meal the shop called and said the bike was ready. I picked up a pair of red Crankbrothers Candy III pedals, too. 

Activity Date: April 18, 2024