Transcon 2020

After years of dreams, Mike made plans to spend April and May riding 3500 solo miles across the USA, using the effort to raise money for cancer research at Dana-Farber as a supplement to his regular Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC) fundraising. Donations, large and small, are welcomed and can be made via this link.

Then -- COVID. Rather than scrap the plan, a "virtual transcon" -- 3500 New England day trip miles, carrying all supplies for the day. The first 2000 miles will cover all 343 mainland Mass. cities and towns, the rest will add adjacent states. If you would like to be added to the blog d-list, use this email link.

Wachusett. "Mountain Place" in the native Wampanoag language. I can just imagine some stupid Pilgrim saying, "Hey chief, what do you call that big mountain?" "Mountain". Duh!

At the base of the mountain is the Wachusett Dam and Reservoir, built to help supply the water needs of metro Boston in 1905. The combined loop of the reservoir and mountain climb is a ride I have enjoyed before, and enjoyed again today. I took the time for a quick detour to Redemption Rock. In the 1670's the Wampanoags revolted against Pilgrim incursion in King Philip's War -- raiding, killing, taking prisoners. Redemption Rock was used as a rendezvous point to ransom prisoners out of captivity. I celebrated a successful day with a War Castle IPA from Worcester's Redemption Rock Brewery.

Day 19 was a return to the Charles River (named for King Charles I, aka "Charles the Beheaded") -- always an enjoyable place to ride. Sunshine, turtles, swans -- lovely afternoon. I am guessing that it will not be a 300+ year break before we enjoy Charles III :)

Today -- Central Mass towns that have lost their industries. "Chair City". "Toy Town". And -- Orange -- fruit? color? surprise Family Feud answer? and the ??? -- let's just say I wanted to Photoshop No TRES ASSING against our final picture. I will let you form a word image.

1380 miles down -- 2120 to go! Still in Texas, but 25 miles from the Oklahoma line -- Sooner State here we come!