Day 79 Broken Chain & Into Maine

Ford's chain broke and then my chain tool broke but there were 3 bike shops in town so we were able to fix the chain. 

Had our 1st very steep hill with a grade of 25% today. Rode thru towns of Sweden & Norway. Left NH and entered Maine and 51 miles to a campsite where we will spend Labor Day weekend (3 days) Campsites here are a little pricy as this one is $50 per night for 2 tents.  Plan to see some of the area around Oxford and Norway during our two rest days. 3,543 miles so far with about 50 to go. 

Day 78 Rest Day in North Conway NH

Rode in the car to the top of Mt Washington at 6288' feet above sea level a 4500' climb over 7.5 miles. They allow bicycles on the road once per year but don't think I want to try the climb as most of the climb is 14% with spots at a 20% grade. Bikes are not allowed to go down the hill as it is too steep.  They recorded the highest wind speed in the word there back in 1934 of 231 mph. 

Day 77 Kancamagus

Nice state roads. Had Lunch at the top of the mountain   Did only 41 miles. Hill averaged about 6% with one area at an 8% grade. Taking another rest day tomorrow and will explore the area around North Conway, New Hampshire.  Six more days to go will finish on Tuesday 9/4/18.

Day 76 8/28/2018

24 miles with a couple of hills. The big hill is tomorrow as shown on the attached picture. We have decided to end in Portland Maine instead of Bar Harbor because of traffic and Labor Day.  Crossed the Appalachian Trail and met 6 hikers heading north. Gloria gave 2 of them a ride into town to pick up groceries. 

Day 75 into New Hampshire

What a difference from out west where it took 2+ weeks to get across Montana - but only 2 days for Vermont. Did 48 miles & got in a 14-15% grade climb and saw many farms and the countryside. Drivers were courteous and not much traffic for most of the ride but very narrow shoulders, rough roads and lots of trash/litter along the highways. Had some Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream for lunch. 

Day 74 8/26/18 into Bethel Vermont

Got to ride the ferry into Vermont. Had a Long climb of 1,450' at a 12% grade for most of the climb. (Good thing we had fresh legs from our rest day yesterday) Then got to go downhill for 1,050'.  Went across the Green Mountain National Forest. Went 66 miles to Bethel Vermont and are staying at B&B there - The Nestled Inn. Doing Warm Showers tomorrow in New Hampshire.  We saw some wildlife today 1st time in a good while- 1 deer and a dozen turkeys.