Bike At Peterborough Town House
It was a no pressure Saturday morning and I awoke to find the air outside an honest-to-goodness, don’t-even-need-to-think about the temperature warm! This alone would satisfy my yearnings for the day. I haven’t been hot outside of the shower since before Halloween and two days ago it was snowing! Amazingly, much more was in store.
I ate way too much 10 grain cereal, practiced my 2010 campfire songs, packed up my bike in/on my car, stopped by the gym, and arrived at the carpool location in Bedford, NH around 2:15pm. In a few minutes, I got geared up, reminded myself that sunblock had been preapplied, and rolled out of the parking lot. For the few miles, as far as I can determine, I was propelled the sheer glory of sunshine. It’s 35 miles from Bedford to Peterborough, hardly a noteworthy distance, I might have to ride around town a few times to be satisfied I thought. Then again, I did remember some hills on the road going out there…
The ride to Peterborough doesn’t effectively start until two thirds of the distance has been traveled. This occurs as you pass the Milford Irving at the intersection of 31 and 101. The landmark should be notable even to motorists because this fully stocked gas station is the only establishment for miles around that is still servicing weary drifters as late as midnight on a Saturday. A majority of the more than 1500′ of climbing in this ride will keep one occupied fully from here until the two mile coast into the center of town. The total relief was expressed at a low of 150′ at the outset to a peak of 1500′ where the road crests the ridge of Pack Monadnock. I can’t imagine a better training grounds. I felt heavy, but somehow still made about 16mph average pace over the entire trip.
Now, it didn’t help that I had packed generously. Let’s review the my cargo: 
– Devon (somewhat clothed)
– Three full water bottles
– Two panniers
– A change of clothes for the dance.
– Dance shoes
– An extra layer of warm riding clothes (just in case the sun failed)
– A roll of TP
– A loaf of fresh homemade honey wheat bread.
– 5 homemade oatmeal bars
– Bike lock
– Wallet
– Keys
- View From Nap Site
For some reason, I always plan epic rides followed by a light snack. It is the only scenario in my life where I have been know to underestimate appropriate feeding. I was carrying enough calories to meet my needs and a reasonable nutritional balance, but the body just won’t allow it’s owner to skimp on recovery after such a thrashing. With plenty of time to spare I stopped at a little pub called Harlow’s. I’ve always noticed it busy when passing through town and it was time to satisfy the curiosity. Decor that crosses Woodstock, NY mysticism with Burlington, VT brew pub captures in Harlow’s the spirit of Peterborough I find so alluring. Pub food that measured up fairly to my standards didn’t hurt either. Completing the experience as I worked through the chicken breast on my salad two acoustic guitarists and an upright bassist appeared on stage before my eyes to pick up the summer afternoon restaurant atmosphere. Full, tired, and with a little time to kill before the dance, I used the rest of the afternoon hours for 2010’s first nap in the grass.
Sounds joyous, and excellent choice of bread to pack!