Hello, New York

Troy, New York -- 38.7 miles, 9.8 mph, 2800 ft

One state down, nine to go! Our original plan was to make it passed Schenectady today. We adjusted the plan this morning due to having been on the bikes passed 6 p.m. (starting at 7:30) each of the last two days and still not making it all the way to our intended destinations. Instead of going all the way Schenectady, we chose to split the trip into two days, stopping tonight in Troy. With only forty miles, this would (supposedly) give our knees and muscles a rest, while also giving us a chance to visit the Mass MOCA art museum. Glenn, Terry, and John had all raved about it. In particular, it is known for huge wall sized works of art housed in the old brick buildings of what use to be the electric company.

North Adams, Massachusetts

As the result of our visit to the museum, we didn't actually start biking until after lunch at 2:00. Since our average speed, with hills, seems to be solidly around 9 mph -- way worse if we start taking breaks -- we are no speed demons and had no time to waste. The museum was fun and interesting. I admit, though, sometimes I have a problem with contemporary art. I'm less impressed when I’m pretty sure I could achieve the same result with no training.

As we were walking back to the hotel after our lunch at Subway, I told Meg to remind me in the future not to start biking in New England in May. Although we did see the sun briefly today, temps were only in the high forties, the wind was frigid, and we were once again subjected to brief showers. The thrill of our first descent was somewhat nullified by our numb fingers.

Welcome to New York!

On the plus side, there was more down than up. When we got to Troy around 6:30, we plotted a course to a Best Western, piled into the room, and no one but me was willing to brave the outside world for dinner.  Our good friend Jed had just texted today that we should look out for one of his favorite restaurants, Dinosaur BBQ. As luck would have it, there was one cross the street... and they serve meals to go.