Start: Amherst, MA
Finish: Cambridge, MA
Weather: 85 degrees, sunny
Miles: 89
Distance to date: 3,050
Today was one of choice – do I bite the bullet and go all the way home or do I spread the trip out one more day just to savor it. Ultimately, I did a bit of both.
I slept late at Andy’s place and did not get on the road until nine. It was a clear morning, but the heat and humidity were rising. I travelled along Route 9 through Belchertown and along the fine stretch outside of Quabbin Reservoir, then dipped into Ware to have breakfast at the Ware Café. This is the same route I took last May when I pedaled to Amherst as a test ride before committing to the full run. It was amazing how much I recalled, this unusual house, that odd sign. (How about ‘Enjoy your drive through wedding here’, a sign in front of a house in Belchertown).
After breakfast I continued on Route 9, which is really wonderful through the Brookfields, (West Brookfield, Brookfield, East Brookfield) and into Spencer, where I took a McDonald’s Internet stop to check email and post yesterday’s
blog. I left there at two with 40 miles down and thought if I saw an interesting place I would stop. I didn’t find any vintage motels but I did see the entire world selling their wares on their lawn – I never saw so many yard sales in my life. I kept pedaling into Worcester where I discovered yet another of my all-time favorites –a Chinese buffet! I went in, had a sumptuous lunch, and by 4:30 was so energized by such great food I decided to push on home.
It was a lovely evening and once I hit Marlboro was mostly downhill through Sudbury and Weston. I was pushing 15-18
mph and knew that my body was ready for the home bed. I got home a little after 7:30 pm. First thing I did was shave the gruesome beard. Second thing was notice that when
I cycled the same route last spring I was exhausted when I returned. Today, it was just another ride. Guess I will have
to go somewhere on the bike tomorrow.
3,050 miles total from Denver to Cambridge – a very convoluted route!
The Awkward Pose 
Wow! Fabulous!!! I am going to miss these blogs soooo much. Can’t you go somewhere else? Love you, Sug
Congratulations on completing your journey. Great blogs. Time to get back to eating healthy.
Congrats on a safe and amazing trip, Shorty. I have to admit, when you were still in NY last week, I had my doubts about whether you would make it home by Labor Day. Silly me! Like Pat, I’m going to miss reading your blogs.
Paul,
CONGRATULATIONS! And welcome home.
Another Paul (there are so many of us, but none like Paul Fallon)
Congratulations, Shorty: thanks for taking us along on your odyssey. I echo those who look forward to sharing your next adventure. Many thanks for the beautiful journey.
Sherri
Hey, we wanted to see a photo of the gruesome beard!
Liz