Dear Mark,
I assume you’re not passed out in a ditch somewhere after whatever may have transpired last night to celebrate the end of 2L. I’m hoping you can read this through the haze of your hangover.
Remember yesterday when I ran into you again after our rescheduled exams? And you told me not to take that route to Natick and I should go to Dover instead? And you said that this one route would be good and I’d like it because it’s sort of hilly and quiet and nice?
Well, I was really excited about it, and got all changed and jersey-fied for this ride. And then like 5 miles in, I hit a highway.
I actually tried to ride on it, and then I figured maybe I shouldn’t, and I tried to see if it was just a sort-of highway that ends but it was kind of scary and I couldn’t imagine how I would get back. So, instead, I ended up taking the usual 12 mile loop home and then passed out when I got to my apartment. Dover, fail, apparently.
But today, I managed to make it to Arlington via Lexington. And let me tell you, it’s like a whole different world. There are trees and little traffic and even bodies of water were involved! I was totally channeling Rapha Continental [but maybe without the speed, style, and grace]. I mean, this does not look like Massachusetts. Or at least the Massachusetts I’m used to.
The people are incredibly nice too, at least if you’re a girl and sweating buckets on some isolated private way with no clue where she’s going. Oh, yeah, I did get spit on by some kids on the way back, but I guess that comes with the territory [don’t worry, I showered].
And I got lost about five times, but that goes without saying. It made the 35 mile-ish ride into something like 40, and other than a 10 minute break in Arlington, I hardly stopped. Progress, right?
I think I’ve found my daily route. It even has some legit hills, and twisty roads. If you weren’t leaving tomorrow for New York City, I’d drag you and Obersheimer there tomorrow morning. Even though with your respective gears, you’d both dust me. But come August, when you’re back, I plan on being at least a little bit stronger.
Time to sink my face into some food. Then a nap maybe, and gym time. Yeah, running starts today. I have difficulty walking, so this will be interesting. Anyway, I’m hungry. See you next week in the city, yeah?
oxox,
k
Tags: arlington · lexington · lost · rapha · ride · running10 Comments
10 responses so far ↓
West of Lexington (and really, west of 95) lies a lot of waaaay nicer roads and loops, as you’re finding out.
I actually moved to arlington so I wouldnt have to ride through the city for 10 miles before getting to the good stuff.
Have fun in the newfound playground!
If you want to try and tackle Dover again, I’d suggest trying to hit South Street which goes through a little preserve called Broadmoor. This has been my favorite route near Boston as of late. It sits between Dover and Natick (South Natick?). Pretty rural and maybe even pastoral in parts and can be linked to Lake and Forest Roads (sounds nice, right?) near Farm Pond and then to Farm Road back towards Dover. Check it here for reference, but note that mileage is off because I didn’t route it all the way back to Boston.
http://www.mapmyride.com/route/us/ma/boston/728124224541920514
Glad you’ve been enjoying the Conti project!
I discovered the MA road-turns-to-highway syndrome last year biking west on Rt. 9.
tristan — thanks! it’s so much nicer…i’ll be doing a lot of exploring this summer!
pvb — first of all, it is an HONOR. i’ve heard a lot about you…and to think you read my blog?! and thank you for the directions – i can finally maybe go to dover! and yes, i’ve been stalking you rapha gentlemen, quite diligently, too.
huffypuffy — yeah…it sort of sucks because you end up standing there, with a bike, caught up in indecision, while people stare at you like “get off the road, psycho.” it’s a little awkward.
me and my future roommate are riding to concord wednesday next week you wanna come?
i spy your ride in coolidge corner today 5:15? a ride to jp licks? some top secret training food stop?
Be sure to let me know about some of these rides of yours kiddo. I want to try and get some distance in this summer too, and it’s always more fun riding with folks (IMHO).
dan — i’ll be down if i’m back from nyc in time!
scott — yup, that was me. jp licks?! i WISH! i was at the gym, running. and hurting.
eric — i’m doing this every day…so feel free to join whenever!
I am having this problem coming from Chelsea. I can’t quite get down into the tunnels and there is a small stretch of “highyway” like road that I’m debating to just haul ass down before the sidewalk appears.
boston knucklehead — it’s scary! but if it’s not too bad, i say just go for it? but um i can also be foolishly reckless. although trying to go around/avoid highways adds up more miles which is always good, i guess. good luck!