Looking at the topographic maps provided to us by our trusty Director this morning, we never thought we?_Td make it through today?_Ts ride. But after a morning of steady climbing in beautiful weather, we found ourselves on the shores of Lake Mascoma, munching on Bologna and Canadian Ham. On the way back down, one cyclist was rumored to have hit 46 miles an hour.


When we arrived in Lebanon, NH in the early afternoon, we were able to wander and relax. Groups set off to the local bike shop, Hanover and a one-dollar store to replenish supplies. Other lucky cyclists washed hundreds of smelly garments at the local laundromat.


As we came back to the United Methodist Church, we were treated to a delicious dinner by the members of the church and Upper Valley Habitat for Humanity. At a presentation after dinner we listened to representatives from COVER, a group which helps repair homes, the Upper Valley Housing Coalition, which is championing the cause in the region, and Dartmouth Habitat for Humanity, our ride?_Ts beneficiary. We were able to donate $100 to both COVER and the UVHC, as well as $10,000!!! to Dartmouth Habitat, bringing our total donation thus far to $20,000.


Afterwards, members of the group chose to wind down by shaving each other?_Ts heads, getting ice cream at the nearby Dairy Twirl, walking the rock labyrinth outside the church and learning to play bridge. We?_Tre all hoping for the good weather to continue and for another good day of riding.


Scott Bulua