May 30, what I thought was a thirty-two mile ride to New Hampton turned out to be forty-five. The Winnie rail to trail for twenty-three miles took me on a big loop; avoiding the hills was worth it. Peak season left me no other option but to make a run for New Hampton. Bristol was my original destination, knowing the school was not ready for any alums. Peak season rates squashed that option. 16:00 hours I rolled onto the school’s front lawn, 213 miles, four days on the road. Covered with sweat, I parked bike against the school sign, took some pictures and walked into the main building to announce myself. Predictably, Cindy Buck was a unyielding hardass. Facing down the new head of school, Joe Williams, I got his permission to camp out in back of the new hockey rink. Cindy loaded me up with bottled water, granola bars and trail mix, making sure the gym locker room was open so I could shower. I doubt any one my age has ever showed up on a bike and pitched a tent. Someone needs to set the example of what a fifty year alum should aspire to in this age of the soft American.
The mattress wouldn’t stay inflated making for a tough night on the ground. Quit the bitching and suck it up. Let the reunion commence.
No comments:
Post a Comment