An auspicious start turned quickly as 5.7 miles into the ride our tour leader, Joyce, called me to ask if I was missing anything. Upon check of pockets for keys, wallet and phone I said: No.

Then she said don’t you feel lighter? And I immediately realized I left my backpack in camp. Not only was Joyce thorough in checking the campsite and finding the backpack on a far bench in camp, she was also willing toneide with it out to me about a mile and a half. 

Which for me resulted in bonus miles and pushed my riding miles above 80.

Too tired to say more—or even think straight—enjoy the pictures of crossing from Massachusetts in to Rhode Island…

I rode with Steven most of the day.

The group is staying at the Providence Guest House and Hostel tonight.

Day 82
Start: Rochester, MA
End: Providence, RI
Miles: 81.12 / 1,324

Today was only a 72 mile day on the mapped route, but my back and forth to retrieve my back pack added 9 miles to my day.

No one in their right mind plans an 81 mile day, they happen as a result of desperation or stupidity.

What I’m Reading:

Political and religious polarisation, which appeared to be on the wane for parts of the 20th century, has increased alarmingly in the past decade . . . The world feels to me more like the 1930s and 40s at present than it has in the intervening 80 years.

— Margaret Atwood / from a speech at the British Book Awards