Long Haul - Day 15 (8/31/21) Stratford CT. To New Rochelle NY 53 miles.
This was one of those days when we figured that with reduced miles it would be easy peasy. I’m not sure why, but it just felt like we were both dragging today. Thankfully most of the route was on less traveled streets, well at least till we got closer to the big city. The bad news was that there were lots of turns and quite a few hills so we didn’t make the best time and by the time we arrived we were pretty bushed. We are currently about 25 miles north of downtown New York City, in a city named New Rochelle. We found an Airbnb which was a lot cheaper than a hotel and a human gets the money instead of a corporation. That always makes me happy. We arrived and followed check in instructions. (Buzz 3k and I will buzz you in, take elevator to third floor, last apartment to the right, enter code for apartment). This feels big city for us small citified bumpkins. :). We showered, napped, and got situated, then started looking for restaurants, supermarket etc. We will be spending 3 nights here because the remnants of hurricane Ida will be passing through this evening and rain is expected for the next two days. So we will sit tight until Friday when we hope to head south through NY and on to Philly. Well not all in one day.
The last several days we both noticed how we repeatedly passed through communities of the obviously privileged wealthy and then through communities of the struggling poor. Since we are raising funds for @treesforgoshen it was a stark contrast between the two communities. The wealthy areas had lots of trees and lots of green foliage while the poorer neighborhoods were primarily concrete and asphalt. It was a bit sad to see the difference. Everyone deserves the shade and comfort of a big old tree. I have so many fond memories of climbing trees, sitting under a tree, and collecting sap from the massive maples in our yard. Everyone deserves their own tree! Yup, I’ll stick with that.
https://www.treesforgoshen.org/biking-for-bucks-expand-goshens-tree-canopy/
Today’s Ride Ratings
Weather 8 (it was cool and over cast most of the morning)
Temperature 75 at start and 82 at finish
Scenery 7
Riding Surface 9
Terrain 8 (it was a bit hilly but not bad)
No bears :(
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