May 21 - Rest n Nest to Middlebury, Vt

 We did the 70 mile ride (5k feet ascent) today.  The scenery did not disappoint.  I drove the rental car from the start point to South Royalton, which was about 21 miles, then unloaded my bike and started to backtrack on bike to join the group.  After returning to South Royalton, we bought snacks at the Cooperative Market and sandwiches at an adjacent delicatessen.  

I learned that South Royalton is believed to be the birthplace of Joseph Smith.  Later in our journey we ride through Palmira, NY which is another prominent site marking early origins of his church.

Anyhow, much of the ride ran adjacent to the White River.  It's so pleasant to have the sound of the river as a background during the ride.  Jake and I traded off and he drove the rental to the base of Middlebury Gap.  We all did the climb together to the gap, which was a very steep ascent, especially the last 3/4 mile. My cycling computer was hitting up to 15% pitch.  

We are staying at the Marriot Middlebury.  Bonnie's parents, Jill and Steve Powell drove into town from Ithaca NY and joined us after dinner.  Steve will ride with us until mid-NY where he will break off along with Bonnie and Alex.  They go to Ithaca and Jake and I move onward toward Buffalo on the Erie Canal trail.