clamsanity
From the depths of my twisted pandemic brain came an idea. Biking. Beer. Bivalves. A combination of an eating challenge, un tour du velo, and a salty test of mental and emotional strength. A clam tour to rule all clam tours. Clamsanity!
The original vision board I used to entice my coworkers. We ended up reducing the mileage and increasing the clams.
Luckily, I work in an office chock full of type 2 fun folks. On a thankfully cool Saturday in June, we met up in Ipswich for an adventure. The first stop was Ipwsich Clam Bake, where we were the first customers of the day at 11 am sharp.
Steamers: it’s what’s for breakfast.
Next up was a 4 minute bike ride away: the iconic Ipswich Clam Box.
Our second course was very hot, very thick chowder. Great for exercise.
An onion ring: it doubles as an itchy and smelly bracelet.
From there, we took back roads to Ipswich Brewery where non-clam-fans had “some real food” (pfft). After sufficient stuffing it was time for the hardest part of the bike ride: a bunch of hills leading up to the crown jewel of the adventure, the Crane Estate. Hooray for physical activity at peak heat of the day when you’re full of seafood! (It wasn’t called Clamsanity for nothing, people).
I totally bailed on the hard part to shuttle some finish line supplies. We lost a few soldiers along the way, but those who persevered were rewarded with tophat glamour shots.
For me, the highlight of Clamsanity was the dessert course: clam-shaped macarons made especially for the occasion. (Thanks Rach!)
My Strava reported 9 miles ridden and 6-10 clams demolished. I declare the first annual Clamsanity a success. Congrats to the six brave souls who took on this nautical challenge!
where: ipswich clam bake-ipswich clam box-ipswich brewery-crane estate//ipswich, ma
when: a saturday in june
how: on bicycles!
