Rochester, VT

Another early wake up, I was anxious but excited for the first big climing day. Out of New Hampshire and into Vermont brought the Green Mountains and two big climbs. Down the first hill, I was rolling in around 40mph when Nate and Will passed on the left and Jaye passed on the right. I took advantage and tucked behind Jaye, or the J train as the suitable nickname was later decided, and picked up an amazing draft that pulled me around him for the top speed 48.6mph. Awesome! After lunch we had a little discrepancy about the Q sheet--tells the directions--and Wade and I took a different turn and split from the group. After talking to the Sheriff driving by and a helpful local woman, we found Bethel Mountain and started the climb. A few stops but never walking, Wade and I nearly reached the top when Nate caught up--turns out our way was quicker. The 4 mile descent made the 5 mile climb well worth it into the the little Vermont town of Rochester. Straight for a little cafe, I pounded an amazing bowl of Vermont cheddar potato soup and a delicious VT maple milkshake. Down the street we discovered an awesome bike shop--Green Mountain Bikes. We tried their "tall bikes" which had two bike frames welded together. Pretty cool. An ex-church, ex-hostel, present home of a generous cyclist friendly family cooked us a great dinner and provided floor space. A quick bathing in the river and a good night's sleep ended one great night in Vermont.