Things That are Not Waterproof

Today was our wettest, longest, and probably hilliest day yet. We were warned by a number of P2S riders from previous years that this would be the hardest day of the trip. "All days were compared to Hunter Road from Poughkeepsie to Roscoe." In fact previous leader, Joe made sure that I did not also lead the riders over Hunter Road by showing up in Kent and also by riding with us from Poughkeepsie.



So this was my first entirely my own cue sheet between the two towns because we threw last year's out. Needless to say, there is no way to get from Poughkeepsie to Roscoe without going through the mountains. I sat down with Kristie's dad beforehand and we decided on a route that basically took route 299 to 44/55 to 209 to 55 over to 17.



I set out a little late and got lost before I even left Poughkeepsie, but I quickly got back on track. Beth, Isabel, and I trucked through the first mountain to meet the van at the top for hot chocolate (donated by Burger King). The downhills were cold and scary in the rain and I found myself pedaling to keep warm while feathering the breaks to keep from skidding out of control down the opposite side of the mountain.



We climbed about 2400 ft and traveled about 70 miles all in a lot of rain, but the team was all smiles when we reached a very warm welcome in the church. Fran had towels, a drier, snacks, and high fives all ready. It seemed like the whole town came out to greet us and we got some great questions during our dinner presentation. I am sure P2S will continue to visit in years to come.



Highlights:

My cue sheet worked and people got to where they were going.

Riders had a great attitude and attacked the day at full force.

Warm clothes at the end of a wet day.

A great dinner

Isabel shared her Tonka truck fruit snacks

We saw the NY City water supply reservoirs - very pretty



Lowlights

A windbreaker is for wind not for water.

I had to break on the downhills.

I lost an arm warmer

I forgot to carry food immediately after telling riders they needed to - remedied by Tonka snacks