Riding with the Squid

Burnt out as I was from yesterday's 2-3 hours of surf, and too much sun, a long ride with the Squid at 2:30 was just too good to pass up with perfect riding conditions.

One of Brookville-Muttontown's many horse farms,
and great bike riding vistas.

Being a pair of cyclists, we were well overdue for a ride together, despite the difference in our talents.

It had been years since we last took on the road together, and with Lenny's knee back in fine shape after surgery, the time was now.

So we swooped down hills and clawed our way up Long Island's nastiest slope...and it was as bad as I expected and as good.

len proves it's ok to wear a helmet.

Lots of speed. Lots of climbing and lots of potholes and some stretches of smooth ashphalt inbetween.

But the views, where Cleft Rd opened on to Beaver Lake on the south side and Oak Neck Creek on the north, were breathtaking with the September sun glistening through these always-surprising tree shrouded lakes. It looks like a mini paradise for waterfowl and a few wise fish.

A fast causeway splits them before the hills and trees close in again.

We dropped by Stehli for a visit and a little sun, before skirting Bayville and Oyster Bay.

The the Squid had a surprise up his sleeve for me: Mill Hill. Nooooo. A vertical wall of pain and torment. It did not end well, but rather on two feet. This hill is unthinkable and will require a lot more work on my part, before I conquer it. But the rest of the ride was fast and fine. A good few out of the saddle sprints sprinkled in and one more tough climb. Before we cruised down to Young's Farm.

Pick up a Pumpkin or more, if you visit the farm, and a loaf of their excellent bread. But get there between 11 and 4 on Sunday, or you'll miss the goodies on offer.