It rained last night and rain is expected tonight. Fortunately dry cycling today. The weather and difficulty finding motels online made for a shorter ride today.

I saw a variety of road conditions yesterday afternoon and today. Coming into Barre/Montpelier yesterday the roads were badly rutted and shoulders occasionally had big holes. That makes for careful riding in traffic when I move left to avoid obstacles. Fortunately, Vermont drivers seem well behaved (compared to say aggressive New York Long Island drivers).

There was one driver who tried to be obnoxious today but mostly came across as a mix of pathetic and comical. He honked, yelled something unintelligible as he passed and raised a one finger salute out the window driving away. However, I really couldn’t figure what that was all about so it seemed more pathetic than anything else.

Leaving Montpelier I had newly paved very smooth roads. Coming through Richmond was an area in between – in the middle of construction with a few smooth areas and an ugly gravel section I mostly walked.

There is a railroad to the left, interstate highway to the right and river to the far left. In between is US 2 as the local route. All followed the valley to the west.

Skeleton riding a motorcycle.

I think the church steeple is higher than either width or depth dimensions.

The Bolton store was closed, but still a good stop for a short break.

Last bit of pavement for a bit. The gravel started ok, but became loose enough it was easier to walk for a bit. After that grooved pavement. I was happy when I came through the construction zone.

Coming into Williston on US 2 was a medium sized hill. I noticed a gravel road to the right with one of these Cross Vermont bicycle route signs. Decided to follow it.

Came to an even smaller road closed November 1st to May 1st.

It went through a forest path and up a steep hill (more climbing than the original one I’d avoided on US 2). However, it was a great little path to follow up and over the hill.

After this, I was on some of the back roads of Williston. My parents lived there between 1990 and 1998. I went and found the house and talked with current owners who were gracious and friendly.

Took this photo of the subdivision sign. From 1993 to 1997 I lived in Massachusetts but never got the chance to cycle up to my parents place, so nice to come past now.

Otherwise a somewhat early finish and easier day. Strava tells me: 38.56 miles cycled in 4:20:27 for an average of 8.9 miles/hour. 1470 feet climbed and 3165 calories burned.

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