3 States, 1 Day

Yesterday was diverse.  I started in downtown Newark.  Said goodbye to Robert and Sarah (we slept in Roberts' friend's apartment in a Catholic boy's school dorm).  Rode out of Newark somehow.  There are a few bridges between Newark and the GW bridge, and they are exceptional.  By that I mean exceptionally in disrepair (at least for pedestrians).  I was, at times, wading through weeds higher than me.  At other times, I was riding or pushing the bike on a sidewalk made almost entirely of broken glass.  But it worked, and i was ready to get out of Jersey.   The NYC skyline came into view, I rested for a minute, and then went to the GW into the city.

Almost.  Before that I stopped at Wonder Bagels in Jersey City.  They make handmade bagels and breakfasts.  YES! do it next time you're there.  in Jersey City.  likely, i'm sure.

Got to the George Washington Bridge, helped some guy fix his front derailleur, and crossed the bridge.  You're not supposed to stop and take pictures.  Oops.  I couldn't find the Welcome to New York sign, so these will have to do.This is for Shaun.  It's in the Bronx, and says "Diplo. Radio Dispatcher. First Class."

The Bronx is amazing.  I had only ever driven through.  Didn't expect quite the level of chaos that I experienced (though I wouldn't say that I had prethought anything about the Bronx other than what J-Lo told me).  It was basically a continual fight for survival.  another day, another near-death experience. (mom, i'm fine :)

This is the best cookie. It's an almond macaroon dipped in chocolate.  I started freaking out when I was eating it because it was so good.  Passed through the Bronx, got on Route 1.  Not the best road, but passable and sometimes pleasant.  But all day yesterday was a series of stoplights and dodging serious potholes next to rush-hour traffic.  I only did a total of 68 miles, but it felt like 90.  I almost missed the blue ridge and its serenity.  Then I reached Connecticut.

My friend Daniel, who lives in Boston, totally hooked me up with his great friends Brian and Sarah in Norwalk, CT.  As soon as I pulled in, Brian says "I was thinking about riding 3 miles down to the ocean and swimming."  Of course, I said yes.  Not quite a 5k, but felt the same.  So I unloaded most of my gear, threw my shorts on, and we jumped in the perfect water.  Not sure of the temp, but it was almost 80 outside and the water might have been in the 60s.  ooh my. I was content.

After the swim we grabbed a beer at the Sunset Grill, which as you can see overlooks the water at sunset (and probably at other points of the day as well, but I wouldn't know). We rode back just before dark, chopped up a bunch of veggies and made burritos.  

It was a great day.  I ended up on the vintage pullout couch.  I slept well. 

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Today (July 1, 2010)

I woke up this morning at 7.  Ate the extra bagels I bought in Jersey.  

Then I rode down to the yoga studio where Sarah works (http://www.sarasyogajoint.com/).  I haven't taken a yoga class in about 2 years, but I practice sometimes on my own.  I was really looking forward to it.

And it was incredible.  I took the class with Mitchel Bleier.  About half the poses I had never done before, but they were great.  I felt like I found my body again after riding (it's changed just slightly since the start of the trip). And I sweated about a gallon.  it was delicious.  Nice people there, too. 

 

So, now I'm sitting on Brian and Sarah's porch, watching their dogs and enjoying the weather.  Tonight I'll cook them a pasta dish.  We went to the farmer's market and got some supplies.  Dinner = fresh tomato sauce, fresh tomatoes, zucchini, feta, rigatoni.  mixed local salad.  local 3 gain bread with local FRESH SHEEP RICOTTA!!!!  you would not believe how happy this makes me.  Sheep cheese is the best, ricotta is the best.  I might freak out even more than I did with the cookie (which I'm actually finishing right now OMG).  If you've ever seen me eat or drink something I love, you probably know what I'm talking about.  We got a pint and I don't think that will be nearly enough for me. much less brian and sarah :)