Up Highway 9
Elliot and I went up the Saratoga side of Highway 9 today. Not too much distance, but I’d estimate that it was the same amount of work that we would typically put in on a touring day. We will see no such hills on our actual trip – at least, I don’t think so. I used to ride this road just about every weekend when I was in my twenties. It’s 7 miles to the top, and an average 6% grade. When I was young, my best time was a little under 40 minutes. We took double that this time. I don’t feel bad about it. Slow and steady.
There’s a hot dog stand at Saratoga Gap (the top). This stand has been there for over 25 years. I remember it from my earlier days. The same guy is still selling hot dogs. Before him, there was an actual truck that parked in the lot, run by two hot girls. I don’t know what ever happened to them.
The hot dogs weren’t ready yet when we got there, so we waited 15 minutes for them to boil. Elliot had two hot dogs and two drinks I had one hot link and one drink. Total for everything was just $10
It was a fast descent, and then another 5 or 6 miles home. My allergies were bothering me a little, but it wasn’t too bad. My legs were tired when I got home. Elliot did not seem tired at all.
