Today was our third day of biking. We rode a 30 mile loop starting & ending at the Exchange – near UConn Health. Unlike the previous two days, where we witnessed lightening and rode through rain, today’s overcast was calm and cooling. At 9 am we, and two friends, were waived off on our trip by three buddies and an extremely fluffy pup ❤ Tuna, we love you ❤
Our first destination took us up to Weatogue via the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail; a picturesque escape from real roads. Upon arrival to Dr. Epstein’s home, we were greeted by a most bountiful snack table; with every fruit under the sun, home-raised hard-boiled eggs, and a personal favorite: Newman’s lemonade!
Although, none of us have had Dr. Epstein before, we were delighted to talk at length with him about his research, athleticism, and this crazy COVID world. He then led our team, now seven members large, to another professors home in Avon.
The ride from one professor’s home to the other’s was quite hilly (unlike the nice flat trail we started out on) and we were in a bit of a rush to make it before Dr. Natarajan headed off to the Health Center. Despite the hills and the time crunch, Dr. Epstein did a terrific job leading! As we crawled up their hilly street, we were welcomed by Dr. Natarajan’s two sons and were lucky enough to catch him before he left.
Shortly after leaving Dr. Natarajan’s, we parted ways with Dr. Epstein. But before doing so, he told us of his plans to swim the English Channel. Best of luck! We hope you get the chance to do so!!
We rode our way back down the Canal Trail to our classmate’s house in Farmington. We survived our most treacherous incline, thus far, on Mountain Hill Road (RIP my quads). The shortness of breath was worth it to see our friends awaiting our arrival with even more snacks! (I hear snacking is a great coping mechanism… 🙃) It was so wonderful to see them not on Collaborate, but in real life.
At our second to last stop, we were welcomed with freshly cut mango and two more friends.
We expanded our tour back up to seven members as Sri followed us to the Exchange. We rode through Talcott Forest and came upon several more classmates. The day ended with pints of Ben & Jerry’s and so many good laughs.
Today, I ate my weight in food; learned just how quickly I can de-ski from pedals after dropping my chain; biked with, made, and saw some pretty great friends; and laughed to the point of tears. With a full belly and a warmed heart, I look forward to the many more miles with my girls.
– Kelly
Coast to Coast for a Cause 2020 