Day 6 - Magnificent New England

Sunset at dinner in New London, CT

This turned out to be the best riding day - sunny, but relatively cool. We first crossed the long bridge over the Thames River and then hugged the coastline. We went through Mystic, CT where they were having a very large art and crafts show. Apparently this is one of the biggest in the country. The police lady said the road was closed, but we were able to gain her permission to ride slowly through. We also learned that the police lady’s grandfather had MS. The number of people who have come up to us and indicated that had a family member or knew someone with MS has been exactly what we had hoped for in creating awareness and getting support.

We went through several coastal towns, past beaches and vacationers and some magnificent homes in Westerly, RI. We completed 65 miles and needed to be transported over the 2 bridges going into Newport, RI as cyclists were not allowed.

Our dinner was Italian family style. Several of us had an opportunity to talk about why we ride and MS. David Bethel spoke about those who were close to him that had MS, Howie (driver of transport truck) and  Doug (bike mechanic) then spoke passionately about  the special friendships they had developed over the past few days and their admiration for the cyclists and learning more about MS. Then all the riders were presented with small biking gear prizes, roasting how we have come to know each other.