It is amazing low many different styles there are in attacking a mountain. There are at least three that we saw today as we crossed the Appalachians via the Brandon pass. Jake’s style is to attack it head on by getting a up a huge head of steam and then pedal as hard as he can until he comes to a complete stop . . . a fine style if you make it to the top but it can be problematic on the longer climbs. Zach’s style is much more methodical using the granny gears from the beginning and staying in the saddle for the majority of the climb. This makes for a longer climb but as they say slow and steady often wins the race. Dad and Maggie share a similar style using as full a range of gears as possible and a combination of seated and standing climbs. I am sure we will all continue to refine our styles as the trip continues.
We had perfect weather today and with the boys short hair they are all now sporting stripes on the top of their heads from sunburns through the vents in their helmets. We enjoyed the best of Vermont as we traveled from Rochester Vermont following route 73 through the Green Mountain National Forest and along the shore of Lake Champlain. This was a change from our original plan based on a recommendation from Dan at the bike store in Quechee. Thanks again Dan!
After crossing the Brandon Pass we enjoyed the decent (may have broken the 35 mph speed limit) into town where we stopped for lunch. The sun came out after lunch and we headed for NY. The afternoon was full or gorgeous farm lands and rolling hills, in addition to some pretty steep climbs as well. With 6 miles to go until the ferry we saw a sign indicating that the last trip was at 5:45 and we picked up the pace to ensure we made that crossing. We got there with plenty of time to spare and met someone else loaded up and headed to California. After we crossed lake Champlain we continued into Ticonderoga were we found a motel for the night. We had hoped to camp because of the nice weather, but found nowhere to do so…but, we won’t complain about another night in a motel.
Dad says he needs to redo the food budget as we are all consuming ENORMOUS quantities at every opportunity. Both Zach and Jake are starting to order two entrees as one doesn’t quite do it. Our waitress tonight just watched in disbelief.
Tomorrow we start to explore New York.
Click on the map to track us real time!
Somewhere On a Bike . com 
Hey Guys
Fun to track your progress. Amazing progress. Keep pedeling and stay safe and healthy. What a awesome adventure.
Brian, Jim has gradualted to the top of the class. He has been swiming in the fast lane. Go Jim. It has been really busy 5 and 6 to each lane. I must say I am still the weakest link but hey Someone needs to hold that posistion.
Take care and God Bless each of you in your tour.
Jacci
Hi Guys! Looking good out there. Watching your progress daily. Thanks for the updates. Take care and be safe. Love Lo
Hi guys! The pictures are great. It’s like being with you without the fatigue factor. If your route passes Lake Oneida, there is a nice state park campground on the eastern shore. A few days away I expect. Best wishes and safe journey.
The park will be beautiful I’m sure. happy camping. Love MP
Congrats to the Woodward Family, Brian this is truely going to be an amazing experience, I should have followed you until NY to give you some treats along the way. I know if Lindsay and I tried this we would be in the hotel everynight. Bike Safe and have fun, take lots of pictures.
Brian – great writing! Keep that level of detail for us armchair riders.