Civilian Cyclists and the Airman
Day 38 - Odenton, MD to Wilmington, DE - 82 Miles
"Paul? When will we ever see you again?"
"Guys, I'm going to be with you in New York."
"Oh. Right."
Leaving Paul was much easier when we realized a reunion would soon take place during our week of celebration and success at the Big Apple.
Riding 82 miles, however, was never more difficult. The inspiration was flowing - after all, we only had 2 and 1/2 days of riding - but our muscles seemed to believe that no more riding was going to be required of them this summer. Sorry glutes, we're not in New York just yet.
Haha. Seriously, I want to be in this club!
Looks like a nice, innocent, ride-able bridge...
Wrong!Riding through Baltimore to Wilmington, Delaware was strangely familiar. The roads started to resemble those back in California. The onslaught of advertising returned in full force, the 'my way or the highway' drivers are just as generous with the roads, and the weather settled at a sweat-greedy 95 degrees.
But we pushed on, and before we knew it we were done. We had a contact, Tom Gears, a local high-school shop teacher and bicycle enthusiast, just like ourselves! He lived in Wilmington, and from the moment that we pulled up in front of his place we received incredible hospitality, conversation, sleep arrangements, food, etc.! Tom and his finance Diane were quite the hosts and, seriously, thank you both!
Les in Delaware...Aaron still in Maryland
Tom and Diane informed us from the beginning that their friends would be stopping by to go swimming (their's is the coveted pool out of the circle of friends), so we got to meet them, which was really fun, and we got to talk cycling, education, and life around some great apple pie and ice cream (seriously, Don, good call on the peanut butter ice cream!).
Tom was very excited to show us his incredible model train set. He LOVES trains! His is one of a hundred different homes in Wilmington with model trains that people can bring their kids to come and see. Of course, Tom's was probably far more awesome than anyone else's...
"It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood..."
Tom even had a full-sized locomotive in his backyard!
(ok fine, not really...)
ooooh...pooooool!
Don't ask how Aaron and Les both fit on this comfy couch.
After a decent day's ride we were quite ready for bed. Aaron snaked the couch in the basement (seen here) and Les enjoyed the upstairs one.
Just two more days!
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2 comments:
- 250 W. 77th St. NY, NY 10024
Hotel Bellaclaire (SW corner of 77th and Broadway. Take the "1" or "2" red line Metro to 79th, walk south on Broadway, turn right on 77th. Hotel is on the left. use google street view for reference.)
- Enter the hotel lobby, pass the registration desk (on the right)
- There is a staircase on the left all the way back in the room (obvious when you're in there)
- Go up to the second floor
walk down the hallway and look for a Window that opens to an enclosed "shaft" looking space
- Open the window and step inside
- Opposite the window on the right side should be some pipes/plumbing
- Look behind the pipes for the easter egg we left almost a year ago :)
Loved reading your blog. it was a pleasure having you guys. Godspeed to you both. Tommy
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