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When I rode it in 2021, the route included Middlebury Gap. The climb was hard (as you know), but there was very little traffic at that time - I was a couple of weeks ahead of you and the tourist season hadn't quite gotten underway. I'm enjoying your journal and remembering the ride.
1 week agoShould apply to all vehicles!
1 week agoHi Nancy - thanks for the message. If you’re referring to this outer layer it’s a Kuhl Dynawool Jacket
https://www.kuhl.com/kuhl/mens/jackets/ms-dynawool-jacket/?color=Copper
It is a bit heavy so when I got it I was thinking it might be too heavy. But, as it turns out it’s been colder than I anticipated so it’s worked well.
I’m glad you’re enjoying the blog!!
Take care,
Chuck
What a fantastic idea Susan. I love that.
1 week agoWeird question here. I have an IBEX outer layer jersey that I LOVE and it is beginning to wear out. It looks much like the one you are wearing. Can you tell me the “weight” or designation of the layer of your shirt.
Also, I am very much enjoying your journal and have just not found it! Thanks for the stories and photos.
Enjoy your well-deserved rest day!
1 week agoWelcome to Vermont! Yeah, unfortunately cold and rainy the next couple days.
1 week agoCongrats on the first big climb! For some cool history, the name "Balaclava" comes from the 1854 Battle of Balaclava during the Crimean War where British troops had to use locally sourced headgear (from towns such as Balaclava) to keep warm.
2 weeks agoFlats are a pain, made worse when it happens on the road, it's raining, and/or you have the wrong valve on your spare tube. Glad you were able to get it patched, even if after one false start.
2 weeks agoOrtlieb usually sell a full range of spare parts.
2 weeks agoI named my bicycle after my father so I feel he is always looking out for me. All best for your journey, I look forward to following along.
2 weeks agoOne additional comment. I have to give a big thank you to George “Bud” Hall who rode a very similar route several years ago. His blog entries were very valuable during my preparation. His videos and descriptions guided my itinerary and made me feel more comfortable in taking on this challenge. I look forward to trying to match what Bud and Doc accomplished.
3 weeks agoI'm looking forward to following along and reliving memories from my own Northern Tier adventure. I also rode east to west, and I think that's the best way to do it. While your route will deviate a bit in the middle from mine, you may find some beneficial info in my journal posts from ME-NH-VT-NY, and from ND-MT-ID-WA. Best of luck, https://www.cycleblaze.com/journals/warriordeath1/
3 weeks ago
You wrote; "These mountains are different, but just as, or even more, difficult than NH or VT. Maybe it was the low 40 temps or the persistent rain that complicates the comparison, but still…. I think Buddy and Doc may agree." Roger that, we do agree - especially the day you just had from Ti to Long Lake. (Bud here, and I'm sure Doc would agree!)
1 week ago