LOCALadk Magazine

Summer 2016 LOCALadk Magazine 52 LOCALadk salty: a bagel with peanut butter - and more watermelon. Every- one seemed in a good mood. The section after Speculator was a series of short ups and downs. We rode Route 30 past Mason Lake and Lewey Lake. I stopped once just past the Indian Lake boat launch to shake out a leg cramp and to check the distance to the third rest stop. I chatted with locals, visitors, and first-time riders. We all commented on how beautiful this route was and how well organized everything seemed to be. At about 50 miles, we rolled into the village of Indian Lake to enjoy a break at the third rest stop. This stop had been set up next door to a very nice older couple who did not seem to mind that dozens of bikers were enjoying some shade and a seat on the green grass of their freshly-mowed lawn. They were happy to share and enjoyed hearing the riders' stories. Admittedly, it was a little hard to get up from that cool spot and get back on the bike. The last 25 miles from Indian Lake back to North Creek was a series of small elevation gains and losses followed by a huge downhill section to North River. That descent was no doubt the most exciting part of the ride - for its sheer speed. It is a wind in the hair and hands on the brakes, ready to squeeze if needed, kind of hill. The last five miles into North Creek Ski Bowl were the hardest for me, even though it was pretty flat. Perhaps it is both the relief and the let down that you are near the end. My husband and I crossed the finish line together. We walked to the car with the bikes, while chatting excitedly about the highlights of the ride. Then we were off to enjoy the excellent post-ride BBQ and a complimentary beer from the local David- son Brothers Brewing Company. As we chatted with the other friendly riders at our picnic table, we both vowed to do it again the next year. ADK Mountain Club

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