Day 1- And so it begins!

Day 1: New Milford, CT to Monticello, NY. 86 Miles

I left at 7:35 AM on June 1, 2008. The temperature was supposed to get to 76° F today. Last night I had a dream that I was going down Wingdale Ridge on Duchess Country RD 21 and the tail bag was over-stuffed and not balanced. In the dream I saw the back wheel start to “wag” due to being unbalanced and saw myself crash. I woke up at 4:00 AM and I grabbed my backpack and moved some stuff from the Arkel Tail Rider ( http://www.arkel-od.com) bag to the backpack.

Most of this first day was uneventful. I ate bananas and Power Bars and drank water and Gatorade. I was surprised at the strength of the wind on this first day. I expected the plains states to have some windy days, but not the first day in the NY hills.

I stopped at a gas station to get something to drink when I noticed classical music blasting over the outdoor speakers and inside the convenience store. I thought that was strange and yet nice all at the same time. . Usually a “Top 40” radio station or “gangsta” rap is playing.

Today Hills + Wind = Tough Day! I climbed one hill that reminded me of the long hill on CT RT 118 that goes from Harwinton, CT to Litchfield, CT. I used “Chamois Butt'r" for the first time. Although it felt weird when I put on the shorts after applying the cream, it seemed to ease any saddle sores that I might get. I did realize that my “seat points” were sore at the end of the day. Yes, this is only the first day.

I ended up staying at a Best Western Hotel in Monticello, NY at the end of the first day’s ride. The approximate distance at the end of the first day was 86 miles. I went to the small Italian restaurant called Colloseo next to the hotel and had a plate of spaghetti and meatballs, salad, garlic bread and ice tea. Total bill with the tip was $12.00! The hotel offers a Continental Breakfast so tomorrow I’ll eat, slather up my shorts with more chamois butt’r and then be on my way. I’m hoping the weather will be good for tomorrow’s ride. I’m about 20 miles behind of where I would have liked to have landed for the day. That’s ok. I need to get used to the “rhythm of the ride” before knocking down some big miles.

One of the last things my Dad mentioned to me before the ride was to not start off too aggressively. Steady is the way to get to the finish on a ride like this. As I lay down to sleep after the first day’s ride I couldn’t help but think this whole trip is a big mistake.