Professor Nelson left New Haven Friday morning, September 25th, riding 51 miles over 5 hours before spending the night in Simsbury.  The next day, it was back on the trail for another 54 miles and another 5 hours.  He was joined for the ride by musician David Bell, an experienced hiker who has completed much of the Appalachian Trail solo.  The two arrived in Amherst just in time for Professor Nelson's 51st birthday.  "It was the perfect way to spend my birthday," said Nelson.  The two bikers are planning next to bike from Burlington, Vermont to Montreal, Canada.