Day 25: Island Pond to Wells River

89 km (55 miles) – Total so far: 2,301 km (1,430 miles)

Heavy rain last night but it didn’t put me off walking the 25 metres to the Pond’s Edge Pub. That gave way to a fine morning though, and cool with highs of only early 20s.

After a great breakfast at the Common Sense Cafe it was a day on the north east Appalachians, and ffollowing the Connecticut River downstream through the northeast Kingdom as the area is known. A few hills of course, but otherwise excellent cycling, great scenery, good roads and an easy day. It was Route 114 to Lyndonville, and then joined the slightly busier Route 5 and follow the river south. This is the lower right section of the Adventure Cycling Network’s Green Mountain Loop (although today I did not see it signposted anywhere).

I had said yesterday that I was aiming for St Johnsbury, and I have ended up another 90 minutes south of it. Plans were loose really. Two reasons to keep going, firstly that St Johnsbury was bigger than I had thought and didn’t look a very good place to stay, and secondly that I was enjoying the riding so much I wanted to continue. I can always ride some circles in a few days time.

I think I’ve got a good deal at the only motel here in Wells River. It’s very quiet here, and I will be surprised if there will be anyone other than a few business people here. It is run by an Indian guy and the rooms have a heavy Buddhist theme, with a shrine in each. Also there are some plastic birds’ nests, several small wooden cabins and plastic gardens. It was very cheap. May all be at peace.

Distance 89 kilometres Max Speed 55.1 km / hr, Ride Time 4 hrs 20 mins Average Speed 20.7 km / hr Departed 9:45 am Arrived 2:45 pm

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