Brattleboro Vermont, July 4th

Brattleboro Vermont and I’m as baffled as you to where it is until found it on the map and along a major highway, just on the Vermont and New Hampshire border. New Hampshire where I was hoping to make it for the night, but the other side of it – and was sure happy to find this place cuz otherwise though was going to be stuck in the back woods of Vermont. Didn’t get rained on, but had nothing but road spray once entered the mountains on the east side of New York so the rest of the ride was a wet one, well from the knee down….reminder to self, when the roads are wet, put on the Gators to keep the boots and bottom part of pants dry. Only put on the chaps and of course those got soak just like my boots – now I know why I packed an extra pair of boots although I haven’t had to use them along the way. We’ll see whether these boots dry out by the morning.

Got a later start than usual, but I think the last few late nights and riding have finally caught up to me that I didn’t wake up until almost 9:30 and then it was time to repack the bike since had to tear it apart the night before because of the rain. Oh, well, should still be able to make it where I need to if ride a little more freeway than had planned so no problem…right, that’s why I’m here. Anyway on the way saw a sign for the Rock and Roll Hall of fame so that must have been why I shouldn’t hang around Indy for the track, I was meant to be here to see the museum and what’dya know, a home town boy, Bob Dylan is on display. Checked out part of the place but decided against paying another $20 to see the rest of it and wouldn’t have been able to share either, they were making people check in their cameras, no pictures allowed. Met Gary and Nancy on my way out, another Canada connection so talked to them for a bit before hitting the road and heading east, yep, still not there.

Can see by the clouds in most of the pictures that there was threat for rain and thunderstorms, but was pretty fortunate not getting rained on, just like the ride thru Nebraska dodging the rain along the way. Had a lot further to go than what I thought I did, but still made pretty good time, that was until I got pulled over. I thought I got a picture of that, but half way thru New York, yep it’s there, but just missed a picture of the state sign, was pulled over and thought for sure it was because I’ve been pushing the speed, but in this case, it was because this is a helmet state. Ok, just a warning and as long as I put it on the rest of the way is should be clear sailing…he must have known how fast I was going to say that, right? New York is a very pretty state as well as Vermont is, but because of the wet roads and dark, didn’t get any good pictures of the ride to Brattleboro. I could see this hwy 9 running thru the mountains must be a fun ride when it’s light out and dry, but after riding for so long in the wet and after having seen a bad accident which had already taken place along the road, am just looking for someplace to eat and crash for the night…hitting this road during the day, and hopefully a dry day will be a better idea.

Finally came along to a little larger town and stopped at a restaurant with a number of vehicles, so must be good, but the lady told me they had just closed. Asked whether there was another place open and a place to crash for the night and she said Brattleboro was just up the road a couple of miles and how to get to the freeway, great I can handle that and on the way got to see the cities fireworks…ok, so my 4th wasn’t lost, just spent it by myself, but oh well, once found the Marina to eat at, met Radar, Joel, Sandy and a number of other people. They suggested some places I could stay for the night so got on the phone calling and could also use a high speed internet connect to get caught up. After a number or calls, came upon Super 8 and although the rate was $65, Jane gave me the coupon rate of $40, so hey, sign me up. Ok, this was another great room and gave me a chance to get caught up, also on a little sleep since figure I’m a couple of hours from my destination went ahead and slept in, an so far it’s sunny out so I better hit the road soon, I mean with the shinny side up to get to where I need to before more rain. Almost there and can hardly wait for a little R&R. Rock & Roll pictures.