The Kindness of Strangers

So over the last few days I have begun to experience the warmth of the American people. This includes general advice and recomendations, as well as fairly accurate directions, to lifts and help. Turns out that the route was not nearly as easy as it could have been. Well, actually, the route was fine, it was the bridges that were a problem.
Heres the Gold Star memorial bridge, one of the bridges I actually managed to cycle over! (with help from Steff!).




So route 1 is actually fairly easy to follow, the difficulty is when it merges witht the main motorway, which your not allowed to, and wouldn't want to cycle on. So a few days ago, I managed to get a bus (with a bike rack on the front, see pic)

Then the second bridge, which I was told by the locals I could cycle I wasn't allowed to (too many people throwing themselves off it!) so very luckily I bumped into 'Cat-scan Carol' who gave me a lift over the bridge. That was a tiring day. And the next, which at least I got over most of the bridges.

30th June

Today I new I had to put my head down, after staying the night at a far too overpriced campground ($30!!!), because I was neither a conneticut resident and had to register on arrival!

But it was good to have a wash of my clothes and to have a shower, and got a chance to pitch the hammock like a tent (kindof) didn't get any pics, but felt odd surrounded by RV's! Most of them, at least were the ones you have to tow.

So after the night in the campground, had a massive push, and must've just got on the zone. Was listening to my Ghanaian music to give me some energy. Managed to get to New Haven by 11, having set off at 8 from Niantic (will find a way to put in google maps).

So had a massive burger at this Italian Diner and got talking to the waitress. Very kindly she gave me some muffins and biscuits! Then I talked to another customer, who arranged for me to have a free pizza and beer at Colony Pizza (very swanky place) in Fairfield. So fueled by good weather, its was only about 75 through the day, and good food, the burger was great (pics to come) and the pizza which was lovelly, and great advice, I managed to do 76 miles in about 6.15 hours. Was quite happy with that, mainly cos now I know what I need for the big days. It also meant that I only had to cycle 16 miles today!

Have managed to get into a library in Stamford, not too far away from the place I'm going to stay, pretty hungry now, so going to munch on some food, and treat myself to some ice cream.

Funny thing I saw the other day, before I forget; happily cycling along when I hear this strange noise, sounds like a nail gun, or building work. I turn to my right and there are two guys in helmets and padding about 15ft from eachother hidden behind trees shooting paintballs at each other. The funniest thing is that this was only a few metres from the side of the road, and they were doing it on their front lawn!!!

More Soon

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