Well, it doesn't look like I'm going to be doing the 60-mile charity ride next weekend after all. Instead of being on a bike Sunday morning, I'll be on a plane.
NOTE: Updated.
One of my coworkers was scheduled and paid to go to a conference in Boston, but then he had some health issues and decided not to go. So, we're in the process of switching the registration to my name. It's short notice and everything, but I'm kind of excited about it. I've never been to Boston, and going for a conference is almost like being a tourist. I just need to go to some seminars (some of which even look like they'll be good for my job), and souvenirs will be 90% corporate swag. And everything's free! Well, to me, anyway. :)
So, since my plane leaves at 7:00 am, the metric in Hempstead is off. The charity still gets my registration fee, which is fine, and I think I'm going to try to do a longer ride after/around my club ride Saturday morning to make up the lost miles. Anything over 45 miles still wipes me out, so I seriously need to work on my distances if I intend to do the "real" century in July.
UPDATE: Oh, and does anyone have any suggestions for things to check out while I'm in Boston? I have a full day of sessions planned for Thursday, but the rest of the week has big chunks of free time between/after sessions. Some of that time will be spent hoarding swag, but you can only fill so many hours (and bags) with that stuff.
My hotel is half a mile from Boston Common, so I thought I might walk the Freedom Trail one day if it's not raining and reasonably safe for a woman traveling alone. The conference has a thing at Fenway Park on Thursday night, but I'm not sure I'll go. Anywhere else within safe walking distance, or a short/cheap ride away? Dinner restaurant ideas are also appreciated. :)
Posted by Joy at June 5, 2006 10:18 AMI always loved the Boston Museum of Science when I was a kid. But then again, I'm a science nerd. If you like those complicated machines where billiard balls fall down chutes and land on levers and tip other balls into a funnel etc, it's got a huge one of those.
The Museum of Fine Arts is also excellent.
The Bunker Hill Memorial is nice and historical, and has a nice view of Boston Harbor if you walk to the top. I think this is on the Freedom Trail.
Durgin Park Restaurant is cool, as is Mike's Pastry (mmm... cannolis).
One of my good friends worked at the Ben and Jerry's on Newbury Street for a while, so I like that area. It's got some posh shopping -- I never bought anything, but it's fun to window-shop there.
Anyway, hope this helps. I haven't been there in a long time, but I liked these things when I was there. :)
Posted by: Eleanor on June 5, 2006 09:45 PM
Filene's Basement at Downtown Crossing (walkable if you're that close to the Common.) Crazy atmosphere but great deals.
Chowder at Legal Seafoods (there are locations at Copley Plaza & the Prudential- both great shopping venues).
Early morning walk through the Common, very pretty and serene! Have a great time!