First day on the road into a stiff head wind

 Up at 7:00, had a street side cafe breakfast next door to the Freehand Hostel (about double what it costs in New London). My ride down to slip 5 for my 10:50 ferry ride to Highlands, New Jersey was a breeze.  Once on board the boat jetted along at about twenty knots as it passed Lady Liberty, Ellis Island and under the Verrazano Bridge.  Once on terra firma around twelve noon I found the coastal road and stayed on it for most of the day.  The problem being is that I bicycled into a strong headwind the whole time. Gearing down to make it tolerable, my speed dropped from an average of ten mph to just over seven mph.  

Mile after mile the shoreline was packed with houses many of which were lavish displays of one’s wealth.  Many were of respectable taste but many were, as I liked to refer, high tacky.  It mystifies me why people pack large opulent trophy houses onto tiny lots surrounded by other tightly packed houses.  

I packed it around 5:45 when I arrived at Seaside Heights and found several motels.  With the pandemic I am skeptical of airbnb accommodations which only offer a private room. Warmshowers.org had no one in the area so I settled for a no star motel. The first thing I did upon entering the room was sanitize everything I might touch.  Next a hot show and a trek to a convenience store to round up something health to eat. No restaurants were open.   The town is a classic New Jersey seaside town and with it being late September in the midst of a pandemic, the place is a near ghost town.  This means less traffic and a safer ride. Let’s pray tomorrow is free of any serious rain and no head winds.