: I guess I would say more recreational -- touring and sport-training, but I
: don't compete or anything. I'm not hard-core enough to shave my legs, so I
: can still give you crap about that, you girlie freak! I've drifted away
: from cycling a bit over the last couple of years, thanks to the kayaking,
: but this summer I'd like to do a self-supported ride somewhere in New
: England for a week or so. Three summers ago here in Michigan I did an
: 8-day, 650-mile solo trip pulling a 60-pound BOB trailer full of camping
: gear. I'd like to do the same sort of thing in maybe New Hampshire or
: Vermont, because I've never been out east. Anyone have any good links to
: bike touring in that area? All I've been able to find is fairly lazy
: inn-to-inn trips -- I need info on camping and good backroads to travel.

: It's been in the low 50's here in Holland, MI the last few days, and my
: titanium Eddy Merckx is still in pieces getting an overhaul, so no riding
: for me. My 'salt bike' is a Mongoose Zuma -- kind of a retro cruiser
: commuter bike with a 7-speed Nexus hub. I have a Schwinn Moab 1 mountain
: bike, too, but that's seen almost no use in the last couple years.

: Happy riding (and paddling, too, since that's supposed to be the topic of
: this board... )

: Dean

Dean, If you get out to the Mass. or New Hamp. area make sure to bring your climbing legs. I have been living in new york for the last 9 years and I did a Brevet that started in mass and went up into NH. It was one roller after another. Ten years ago I would have laughed at the terrain, Being a native Californian, But alas ten years and no mountains have made me soft. Yhe ride was only 125 miles but they do have a series, 125,180,250,400,600 milers. They attract a bit of an eccentric crowd as you have to qualify by doing them in the alotted time. if you are interested just look up Boston Brevet series on the web and you will find their web site. I belive the criteria for a course is 3000 ft of climbing for every 100K. I believe the first stage has 6000 feet of climb. not alot but steady in your face. Oh and the country is absolutely beautiful!
As for shaving my legs, My wife loves it. She has a thing about guys with rippin quads. I guess thats why she likes Mark Macguire so much. I wonder if he shaves?not.
Cheers Elliott