Rutland VT to Rut-Land ME, then Kennebunk Port

The days are so full and run upon each other so quickly I don’t have time to give proper treatment to them. There just isn’t enough time to write, and then internet connections are usually sketchy, so just getting them out is a chore. Still, way back…what, three days ago we were in Rutland VT, where I left off writing last...it seems so distant.

I must say more about Rutland, and Vermont in general. Vermont is cool. Way more cool than I remember as a youth. Since I arrived at our church so late from my personal journey via Greenwich I missed the showers FCBA provided, and I was on my own. I was directed to the Yellow Deli, a local hostel that provides services to Appalachian Trail hikers. I asked the owner if I could “buy a shower” and he exclaimed “why buy a shower when they are free?” What a relief. After cleaning up I went downstairs to the rather rustic and eclectic restaurant where a group was playing dulcimer, flute, and drum for the diners. I restrain using the word “hip” or any variation of it, but for economy I add it to clear the picture. The food was economically priced, while all other services, including the Trail shuttle were free other than taking donations offered.

The next morning we set out for what was planned as a 92 mile ride, but I broke a spoke in my rear wheel before 20. I rode in the van the rest of the day. That is an interesting perspective; it’s much more relaxing, and at each 20 mile stop one sees how the riders fare. It was a mountainous day with marginal roads from Vermont into New Hampshire. Many missed turns added miles. The first stop was near White Raven Drum Works. They offer locally made musical instruments, including didgeridoos (or “didjeridus” as his sign read). It wasn’t open, but we saw the owner taking care of chores outside so he let us in. I was amazed at his work, and he let me try a couple out, so I demonstrated my talents for other members who were thoroughly impressed. Hell, it’s the most primitive and easiest instrument to play, not requiring much talent, but kids are easily entertained.

The day wore on, and along the road some riders found a rope swing into the river. Potential calamity is all I saw in this, but all had fun and nobody got hurt.

Exhausted, everyone eventually arrived in Franklin NH. A small town, without a bike shop and I was in dire need of a wheel repair, as was another rider. Our shower shuttle dropped us off miles away at an old ski resort that has been converted to the Highland Mountain Bike Park. They don’t normally accommodate road bikes, but managed to find a spoke for me and make the repairs. The manager then gave us a ride back to the church. A great dinner was waiting, laundry was done, and then sleep.

We always get up too early. Off the floor, roll up the bedding, pack our stuff, load the trailer, have breakfast, clean up, circle for devotion and prayer, and we were off on today’s ride from NH to ME. We are in the Port of Kennebunk (ok, Kennebunkport).

Rut-land

It was a 76 mile ride that included craters and ruts not fit for road bikes; it was a good thing I had that new off-road spoke in my wheel. All agreed these were the worst roads in the entire 4000 miles. Glad I could experience it. Don’t take these roads, ever, with anything but a bulldozer.

Before realizing we were so close there was a blast of cool air, and I immediately knew we were near the ocean. We reached the coastal highway in Wells ME, and headed north to our destination. We are guests of Village Baptist Church, who arranged a shuttle to showers at Bentley’s Saloon and Campground not far away. They provide that shuttle, and offered to shuttle riders back later to enjoy this biker paradise. Ok, a different kind of biker joint, but that’s where the bus goes. I have no business in a saloon other than getting thrown out, so will just rest here. But really, how cool is it that a church partners with a saloon toward a common cause? I think I’ve slept in 100 churches over the past three years while participating in these rides, and this is a first.

Spirits and emotions are high, especially for the whole way riders who have participated for the past ten weeks. Being a “veteran” of these rides I know the feeling. It seems almost unimaginable that in just 30 miles, at this time tomorrow, many will be leaving, and by Monday all will be going to their respective lives. I had an incredibly difficult time adjusting a couple years ago, but not last year, and will be fine this year. I just hope that sharing my experience with others will help them.