No Service to Warm Welcome

Over the last two nights in the White Mountains had no phone service...hence the multi-part catch up.

Today - Day 5 - was our toughest yet.  We rode 72 miles with some really grueling climbs (Kangamangus anyone???)  and had some amazing descents - I had a blast racing down the side of a mountain with Molly.

Sony had three flats and we changed her tire and tube on the third flat.  She is now back to riding with confidence on the descents.  She kicked my butt when riding on her flat rim...now I will be chasing her for sure!

At the end of our long day we rolled into East, Thetford, VT.  There were cute signs along the road telling us how far we needed to go...giving words of encouragement and reminding us that we were riding for a cause.  One sign in particular caught my eye : 'What goes up must come down' - OK, clearly another climb was in our future before dinner... Actually, there were several...and I began to wonder when this down would actually happen.  At the bottom of the 4th climb..I has no gas in the tank and was draining my last water bottle.  Sony rolled up and said..."I know it's late...I know you're weary' I looked at her and we sang...'I know your plans...didn't include this hill... Still here were are...both of us <insert explicative here> hungry...longing for shelter...from all that we see' Seriously, there is nothing like some impromptu karaoke to inspire for the last climb...hello 80's???

At the bottom of the last hill...we were greeted by the warm folks of East Thetford, VT.  They cheered as we came in and gave us wet towels to clean up with before heading into the community center for a potluck assortment that was unbelievable.  I way praying for pasta but they had lasagna and ribs and brocoli casserole and salads and desserts and so  many yummy things!!!  The hospitality event was organized by Meg who was diagnosed with MS in 1996.  She thanked us for our work and said she wished she could ride with us, but she can no longer do so.     It really hit home that after such a hard day where we were all sooo exhausted, that we had our health and could do something like Bike the US .  I feel so fortunate to be participating and look forward to continuing to raise funds and volunteer along the way.  As we stood there, a couple of the guys commented that this was kind of emotional and a little overwhelming. I agreed and was a bit teary myself.

Several families from the town joined us for dinner, did laundry for us and invited us into their homes for a warm shower.  A few of us were lucky enough to chat with Mark and his wife - and sit on their porch and chat while waiting for showers.  They were so welcoming and even took our resident Irishman, Kenny to ride a horse.

It is amazing and moving to rely on the kindness of strangers. I love this town and the wonderful and generous people who visited with us - certainly a highlight of the trip.

Tonight, we were told that they are also serving us breakfast before we leave in the morning - provided by the people of the town.

We are camping in a large lush field next to the community center in Main Street.  Several of the kids who greeted us this evening helped set up our tents - loved it!!!

As I finish this post, I look up to see a clear sky with stars twinkling brightly and the Church and houses line the street of this Norman Rockwell town - paradise on earth!