Day Seven -- Pottstown, PA to Lancaster, PA

Our dousing as we ran into Pottstown yesterday was a warm up for a lengthier bit of rain this morning. We got out in between rain bands, but got pretty wellsoaked within the first hour. I could tell from looking at the relief map that we were rolling through some pretty little hollows, but between the rain and fog, I didn't see much of it. We did get a chance to see a characteristic east Pennsylvania barn before we got too soaked.

The rain made it hard to follow the cue sheet directions along with all the other distractions, and I just about blew past a turn, but fortunately was alerted by riders just behind me. I was able to return the favor a few moments later as they nearly led me past another turn off, but I called them back. There are some definite advantages to riding in a group.

The rain finally let up just as we got to the first SAG stop. We wound around the Maple Grove Raceway where traffic was backed up for drag races, which were likely cancelled due to the rain. Just after that, I came around the corner and found half a dozen wild turkeys crossing the road. I was recovering from a bit of a climb and didn't get a picture, but the contrast in less than a mile from the frenetic bustle of the raceway to wildlife was remarkable.

The countryside abruptly opened up to open farmlands,
and we spent the afternoon riding through cornfields with corn over 8 feet tall surrounding us. We were in Amish and Mennonite country, and saw a couple of horse drawn buggies and carts on the road. The weather was still iffy, so the pictures weren't great, but this gives you an idea of the terrain.

Today's ride was relatively short, and we were all pretty well soaked from the morning's rain, so most of us pushed ahead to the motel in Lancaster and arrived before lunch. We spent a good hour cleaning the day's grime off our bikes and then ourselves and our clothes. As sticky and dirty as I felt after cleaning the bike, a little water and soap left me feeling great. Chris and I ate at the hotel restaurant, which was remarkably good, and I had a terrific burger and a decent glass of wine.

Here's today:s route: 65.6 miles and 2,425 feet of climbing.