Ride Report: Pomfret Loop

Fellow Cyclists-

Today we asked, and Pomfret delivered. The perfect summer ride.

Jed bailed in the early afternoon due to the arrival of an old friend. Ride plans wavered as I walked home in the thick humidity of the late afternoon. Plans were revitalized with the last minute RSVP of Elle Anderson. I arrived with far too much fender and far too little water bottle cage on my cyclocross bicycle. Anticipating the "large hail" forecasted by NOAA, I figured that the rain bicycle was the solid choice.

The ever-so-Euro Michael Rea joined us for much of the climb up Jericho, but said goodbye before we touched the first dirt. The backside of Jericho provided previews of the views and sketchy descents to come in Pomfret. Pomfret road provided its usual soothing tempo climb with its sweet, sweet reward at the top. As we hit dirt again and then turned onto Cloudland Rd, it became clear that the weather was going to hold. The thunderheads served only to bounce perfect, golden light against the blue sky. We recklessly stirred dirt as we descended to River Rd, where others were enjoying the summer light with a different weapon: the rope swing. We cruised into Quechee, and it was clear: we had to stop at Shepherd's Pie. Baklava and Raspberry-Chocolate muffins were consumed. Conversation was enjoyed. No summer ride would be complete without a jump in the river. And so it was. Glorious. Simply glorious.

Again, if there was a winner today, it was not me. Elle can ride with the boys, and today she beat the boy. As before, I could make excuses all day, but I'll refrain. And certainly nothing beats coming home to fresh carbon bicycle parts on your doorstep. A celebration with Gloria Estefan was in order.

~Ben