Day 113 Bridgton to Scarborough 64km

The weather luck couldn't hold for the whole trip, so just 4 days from the finish line, we experienced the some of the worst weather of the trip. We woke up in the rain, but got in some breakfast and the very beginning of the ride in thick mist rather than rain, but the rain couldn't be denied. Slowly the mist turned into drizzle, then a light shower, then a heavy shower and finally drenching rain that would persist for the whole days riding. It was miserable! Luckily, the opportunities for smiles still presented themselves. We have seen plenty of wildlife crossing signs, warnings of potential deer, elk, moose, even bison, but today we were on the lookout for... golfers.


We also found plenty of reasons to smile at the traditionally simple Corner Store in Sebago Lake. Where the coffee was excellent, the homemade sandwiches and handcut fries deliciously perfect, and the chocolate cream pie absolutely exquisite.


The staff and customers did their best to help us find some shelter for the evening, and the B&B in Gorham seemed perfect, and only 7 miles off route, unfortunately 7 miles in the heavy rain made for some very soggy riding and sadly the B&B had no vacancy. We were directed a further 6 miles off route to Scarsborogh. At this point we were so wet that it made no difference to remain in the rain for another few miles. But the truck drivers along the route to shelter seem to have a different idea. Passing so close that we were repeatedly covered in dirty, misty road grit, and once passing too close, forcing us off the road and into the sand, and forcing me to a few tears of frustration and fear. The generosity of some Scarsborough locals, turned our attitudes around in the blink of an eye, with an invitation to shelter at their home offered from their car while we all waited at a red light. We felt we were far too wet and dirty to contaminate their home, but the generous offer and the subsequent friendly enthusiasm for our journey as we chatted was a balm to two weary travelers. Thank you so much Diane and Joel for turning our day into one to be remembered rather than forgotten!


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad