Day 14- Barrington to Westerly, miles 412-467

Today was hot. You probably experienced it and kvetched. So did we. The sun was cooking us, the road was hot, and shade was sparse. At times, a headwind cooled us off, but also added to the list of things going against us. I found myself eyeing lawn sprinklers and random muddy puddles, wondering how appropriate it would be to splash through them.

We started the morning early with high hopes. Kathleen sent us off with homemade waffles and eggs, and Providence was our first stop. The route there was on the East Bay Bike Path.

I got to bring the team through Brown, my alma mater. My favorite ridiculous statue is still there. But, the student buzz that gives the campus life was nowhere to be seen. It felt apocalyptic.

The rest of the day was a slog. In the end, we made it. We owe it to roadside stops to lay and be still, and naps on rocks. It was a long day and I’m having a hard time piecing the details together. As MK just put it “today felt a hair dryer. All day”.

I know this: dried fruit, water, and frequent sunscreen slaps kept us going. We got lost in a state Forest after our navigation app thought we were mountain bikes. When we thought we couldn’t go further, an ice cream stop gave us the last push we needed for the 20 miles we had left. Shout out also to Darrell, the friend we made at “Next to Nowhere” ice cream, for donating and cheering us on. Also, if you’re one of the folks who are finding this blog because you saw us biking and asked us “where are you going?” and I threw a business card at you and shouted a cardinal direction—- thanks for stopping by. It has been great to see familiar faces on the end of each day, but the generosity and excitement of strangers has been keeping us going during the day.

We crossed the whole state of RI today, and travelled on varied terrain. We began the day on the East Bay Bike Path. The trail is for pedestrians and bikers and the views and the breeze fooled us into thinking coastal biking would be a treat all day. Aside from one other stretch on another rail trail, most of the roads that followed were not made for bikes. Some had narrow shoulders and we have to pretend like we belong (Don’t worry, grandma, we are also wearing reflective gear, have blinking lights everywhere and of course helmets!). Others routes have signs that say “cycle route” or “bikers may use full lane”. Here we are less bashful to ride in the middle of the lane. But even then, there is a difference between good signage and actual accessibility. Pot holes rattle our handlebars and cars often are stalled in our way.

It stinks to think you’re welcome on the road and then face challenges that tell you otherwise. Or cars that honk to tell you otherwise (Seriously, what is that about??) This is a reminder to share the road and watch out for bikers, and also has been a teaching point in accessibility. We’re embarking on this journey to raise money for the Hospital for Special Care’s Adaptive Sports Program. They help their participants and athletes achieve the highest level of independence, success, and joy through sports and recreation. Our days on the road thus far have deepened my empathy for those trying to get around and be active in a world not built to their needs. Even on the hottest day of the summer, I bike with their dreams in mind.

We’ve since cooled down in the Westerly waves, and showered off. Our classmates Anne and Katie and Anne’s family in Westerly greeted us with lemonade and a beautiful dinner. All is well that ends well. But I’m glad it’s over.

Tomorrow will be a hotter day but a shorter one.

Stay hydrated y’all!

-Sarah