Today we awoke quite late in Darien, met with a breakfast spread by the Joneses. We had a leisurely breakfast around the patio table, enjoying each other’s company. We eventually realized it was time to get moving and slowly got our gear together. We were part enjoying our morning and partly fearing the bike ride ahead.
But we got our team photo and said our thank yous and goodbyes, and finally departed. Unlike southeast CT, southwest CT is not flat, so the beginning of our miles were hilly. We broke for lunch at Whole Foods in Fairfield, spreading ourselves and lunches everywhere on the sidewalk. We finally got on the road and made the final 17 mile push.
We big major climbs today but our strength is really starting to shine through. We did a climb today that would have sidelined us (temporarily) at the beginning this trip. We now hit hills with confidence and speed we did not set out with. As our future mileage decreases, I find myself sad as we are really coming into our stride. We really crushed it today.
The day brought us from Darien to Bridgeport where we then made our way northward to Steven D’Ascanio’s in Shelton. Steven lives on the Housatonic River, which is where we found him! We found him on his boat with fellow classmates Alaina and Nick. Though we were all ready to hop on the boat and get the sweat and road gunk off, Steven had the foresight to feed us. We sat and ate snacks and caprese salad and went back to the boast for tubing!
And, boy, am I going to regret my many turns on the tube as my upper body is going to be quite sore tomorrow. But we had a great time being towed by the Steven, some he was gentler for than others (he really did his best to fling me off – which he did). Shout out to my Jolyn swimsuit for staying on!
After tubing, we all lingered around the deep fryer as we had friend green tomatoes and beans. Steven also stuffed giant pink Mexican squash blossoms with crab, old bay, marscapone, which also got deep fried. They were incredible! I’ve never had anything like it before. And all the veggies came from Steven’s garden. Our final course was homemade sweet potato gnocchi. He could not have impressed us more. Following dinner, we roasted s’mores by the riverside where I sit now.
It’s been a great day.
— MK
Coast to Coast for a Cause 2020 