Braintree to Middlesex - Day 6

It was solid overcast and the sky was gray as I left the parking lot at the start of the day's ride. Later the clouds would start to break up and let the sun peep through. Nice of them to give us earthbounds a break. They can enjoy the sun anytime they want, though they do tend to battle it frequently, especially on riding days it seems. Thankfully the power of a bazillion nuclear explosions was sufficient to blast at least part way through and yes I was California Dreaming. Not much in the way of heaters on my bike.

There were several miles of street riding before the first class 4 section, which thankfully was a good long one up and over the mountains around Northfield. The exertion of riding the rough and twisty cart path was warming and I thawed out only to go numb again along the straight and smooth streets of Warren. Out of Middlesex, there were several very rough sections where I got lost and long before I found a way out, I determined to find a better route for next year.

In Braintree, I came upon pickup blocking the road. The farmer had purposely parked his truck directly across the road and then put two cedar fence rails from the tailgate to the stone wall along the side to completely seal off any means for the cows to escape.

This sort of thing is Vermont and no one even thinks of getting impatient. Least of all the cows, who, even though I supposed were headed back to the barn for a good feed, seemed in no particular hurry. Indeed, I was astonished at how many stopped what must be their daily jostle to the chow hall and took time to check me out. They were always several at any one time who were giving me the once over so that I'm not sure who was more curious about who, me or them.

By the way, I was the only one waiting even after the time it takes for 300 or so cows to cross the road. Guess how long that is?? Actually I don't know either, but it was awhile. I asked the farmer afterwards how many cows and he wanted me to guess. I guessed about 200. Not bad, since they were already going when I got there. He asked me how I like to job of milking them, all 300, twice a day, every day, when you would rather be somewhere else, holidays, Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Easter. I said that would be quite a job. I think he liked it though, he seemed happy and we enjoyed a friendly chat, before he headed back toward the barn behind his charges.

I headed down the road where I came upon this early autumn scene.

It was a nice day. Even nicer knowing that, thanks to your generousity, more people will have healthy water to drink.