“Ride #11: New Route, Land Speed Record, Funky Weather”

I took the weekend off to recover, so today's was the first ride since Friday. It's also the first time I've ridden Route 117 past Ledyard into Norwich. This is a very hilly road. It was time for a hill ride, and I felt like something new, so it seemed like a good idea.

When I left the house, it was completely cloudy and the temps were in the lower 60's. I took the back way into Ledyard, and turned North onto 117. It was a little warmer, maybe 65°.

A couple miles later the clouds were breaking up, the temperature was closer to 70°, and I was starting down the steepest, longest hill in the area. (Yes, this is why I took this route!) A dump truck was approaching me from behind as I reached the top, and I wasn't sure if I should go for it or let him pass me first. The road curves hard to the left, and the last thing I wanted was this truck passing me as I'm going around the corner.

On the other hand, I didn't think he'd have a chance to pass me on this hill. The speed limit on this road is only 45mph, and when I drive this road with my Blazer I have to ride the brakes. Surely a dump truck would have to go slower...

I hit 51.7 mph (83.2 kph) going down that hill. That's the fastest I've ever gone, at least since I first bought a bike computer. Zooom.

A few miles later, and I was at the intersection of 117 and 12 on the outskirts of Norwich. There wasn't a cloud in the sky, and the temps were in the low 70's. Perfect cycling weather!

I turned around and headed South on 117 again. By the time I reached the top of that mammoth hill (at about 6 mph!) it was partly cloudy again and the temperature had gone down a little. I stayed on 117 all the way to 184 (near my house), and the temps were down in the low 60's and it was fully cloudy. I kept going, all the way to Route 1 in Groton. Upper 50's now, and getting foggy.

Went East on 1 just to the top of the first big hill, then made a right to head South again towards Groton Long Point and Noank. A couple miles later I made a right onto 215. The temps were only in the low-to-mid 50's, and it was raining!

Route 215 into Mystic, then River Road into Old Mystic, then 184 back home. By the time I got home, the weather was back where it started: low 60's and cloudy.

The weather may seem weird, but it can be explained. This is life near the ocean! Riding North is away from the Atlantic, so I was riding away from the "Ocean Effect."

How's that for over-explaining? I'm sure Brian is proud of me. ;-)

Stats: 34.23 miles (55.11 km) in 2h 8' 27" for an average speed of 15.98 mph (25.74 kph).