Around Boston

Boston, Massachusetts -- Wednesday, May 18 - Sunday, May 22, 2016

Upon landing in Boston on Wednesday afternoon, we were immediately met at baggage claim by fellow Tandem riders, Glenn and Terry.  We had originally met the bike riding duo during the Cycle Oregon ride in September.  They became quick friends with Dex and Kylie while riding through the countryside, often discussing their favorite Myth Buster episodes.  When saying goodbye at the end of the week ride, they graciously invited us to visit if we were ever in the area -- our journey eastward provided the perfect opportunity.  They were excited to show us around town, so we crammed our four bike suitcases and two duffles in their two Priuses at the airport and took the water taxi across the harbor.

What a fantastic way to view the city and get to the heart of Boston.  We had a wonderful meal at Quincy Market before walking to the North Church (where Paul Revere started his ride) followed by an overindulgent dessert at Mike’s Pastry shop -- fresh cannoli, ice cream, and cookies!  Glenn and Terry were the perfect tour guides patiently explaining the city's geography and historic sites to the kids.

The next morning we awoke to another beautiful day at their rural Sudbury home.  

I enjoyed a short run along the winding, wooded roads before we left for the DeCordova museum and sculpture garden.  We never actually made it into the museum but instead enjoyed walking around the grounds and nearby trails.  

Next was a quick history lesson at the Minute Man Visitors Center on the Battle Road Trail between Lexington and Concord.  We watched an excellent, multi-media presentation describing the events of April 19th, 1775 that led to the start of the Revolutionary War. I, for one, appreciated the history refresher.

The North Bridge

The day was capped off with a hike through the wooded trails and marshland behind Terry and Glenn’s house.  Kylie took notes on the flora and fauna while Glenn explained the geology of the area and how glacial kettles are formed.  Meg and team made an excellent Alfredo sauce, paired with Glenn’s excellent vegetarian marinara for dinner.  We finished the night with a rousing game of Snake Oil (kind of like Apples to Apples) along with fresh baked cookies and peanut butter cup ice cream.

Our time with Glenn and Terry went incredibly fast.  Since we are contemplating a possible bike ride across some or all of the US during the summer of 2017, Glenn and Terry once again offered to help us out agreeing to store our bikes for us on the East Coast after we’re done with them in Sweden this summer.  As a bonus, they may even accompany us on the first little way of the ride.

Next stop was Milton, MA.  Meg’s good friend, Geraldine, picked us up in her minivan for the ride south of Boston.  Meg originally met Geraldine and her hubby, Jed, back in 1998 on the GTE “Big Ride” from Seattle to Washington DC -- an 800 person, supported bike ride.  It was because of that ride that Meg and I ultimately met through mutual friends.  Along those lines, our very first Hoornaert family, multi-day bike ride, way back in 2010, started in Hartford, CT and ended at Geraldine and Jed’s doorstep.  

First item up for business was picking up Geraldine's twin boys, David and Cole (10) from school and a stop at Fresser’s, home of the best Rueben in New England.  I’m not a big fan of messy, condiment-laden sandwiches (and got a dirty look from the shop owner when I asked for my chicken sandwich without onions and peppers), but Meg took one for the team and ordered the Ruben, which she claimed she really enjoyed. We walked off the sandwiches with a hike at the Blue Hills Reservation.

Later in the day, we tagged along with David for his track team practice.  As it was “bring-a-friend-Friday,” Dex and Kylie were able to join in.  Kylie’s 200 m race was less competitive than Dex’s heat, and she came in well ahead of the pack with a smile on her face.  Apparently, the “Girls on the Run” practice at home is paying off.  If I'm not careful, she may soon outpace me.

Saturday too was an action-packed day; we stopped at “The Lawn on D” Street for some family activities which, in particular, were perfect for the Sutter’s two-year-old foster child.  

An early dinner at the Blue Dragon put us into a nice food coma. Though, you’d have thought we hadn’t eaten for a month when the giant chocolate chip cookies came out.  

Dex and Cole

Kylie and David

Wow, that was amazing. We capped off the evening with a fun-filled game of Balderdash with the kids.  I now know that Madonna was born on August 16, 1958.

Sunday was a lazy day.  The “girls” went out to get their nails done, while Jed and I held down the fort with the kids.  In fact, Jed’s talent for woodworking has literally resulted in a kids’ fort in the backyard.  

After a mini soccer game and bubble blowing contest, we decided to get down to business and fill the driveway with chalk.