August 11, 2018 Star Lake to Lake Placid NY

The cater who was bringing breakfast to us this morning was late.  Breakfast was to be served at 7:00 Am and by 7:30 there was no sign of the cater.  So Bob and I decided to roll with the idea that we would pick something up along the way.   Then just as we kicked off the cater showed up. Apparently she had gotten a speeding ticket and was held up.  However the booster engines were already lit and it was too late.   About 10 miles down the road we found a gas station where a coffee and a large apple turn over became breakfast.

First water at the 20 mile mark was half way to picnic and I was starting to feel hungry.  My 6000 calorie a day diet needs a lot of shoveling to keep the fires burning.  However there was nothing along the way.  In addition the first half of the ride to picnic was relatively flat. There were still lots of large hills but the grade was low enough that you did not have to shift all the way to low gear to make it over them.  The second half to picnic had several large hills which were big grinders, where you just had to get into low gear and grind away. 

The wind was almost no existent and the temperature was low 70’s so it was perfect cycling weather.  The road surface was probably close to the best we have seen. There was at least 25 miles of brand new pavement with a 15-20 foot shoulder.  Then there was another section of 15 miles of very nice shoulder.  So sailing into Tupper Lake Park where picnic was pretty good going.

Picnic was interesting as Tom had made Frito pie for lunch.  Frito pie is you open a bag of Fritos and pour chili in, then eat with a spoon.  It was a great picnic food.  Crunchy warm and filling.  After a couple helpings my hunger was satisfied and then into the fresh fruit.  Huge purple plums, cherries, grapes, peaches and watermelon, what a bountiful feast.   I caught a few pictures around picnic; Dan feeding a few of his friends,  A few Canadians who have made the park their home, and a shot of the abandon factory across the lake which is waiting for someone to make it great again.

After picnic the hills started in earnest and there were a lot of them, and I mean big grinders where no matter how much speed you had coming down the other side you were in bottom gear and grinding at least half way up.  The shoulder and road deteriorated from the great surface we enjoyed earlier.  Huge long road snakes, some of which were filled with tar and some without, and some which ended in pot holes.  On one downhill I got caught in a huge road snake while doing about 30 mph. This one ended in pot holes and I thought for sure I was done for.  Luckily I had a firm grip on the handle bars and was able to maintain my balance.

The last ten miles from Sarnac Lake to Lake Placid was tremendously busy and the road surface had gone to heck as well.  There were huge holes around drainage grates and big collapse holes especially along the shoulder which was now only 18 inches wide.  At one point there was a car right beside me and I was forced into the collapse hole which had to be 16 inches deep.  Luckily the front wheel did not dig in or jerk sideways.  However the bike hit really hard and I took a terrible jolt. 

Bob and I arrived in Lake Placid in good time and rolled into Placid Planet Bike shop which is quite a famous place.  Fortunately I was able to get out without reaching for my wallet, although they did have a beautiful new Colnago bike with everything on it for only $7399.   On wards to Ben and Jerry’s ice cream shop in downtown Lake Placid for a huge cup of chocolate fudge brownie ice cream which was so rich I could barely finish it (not really). 

Today the ride was 71.5 miles and 3010 feet of climb.  It didn’t seem like that much climb but there were a lot of grinder hills.  

Today is also the end of week 8 and we now have only one week and 400 miles left on our 4300 mile nine week journey.  Bob, Ken and I are in a motel for the weekend and are going to celebrate tonight with a good meal.

Terry 

August 10, 2018 Adams Center to Star Lake NY

Last night it started to rain about 10:30 PM. I awoke briefly to ensure my ground sheet was totally under the rain fly and back to sleep.  About 12:30 Am the first of the big lightning and thunder claps woke me again.  Then the rain started in earnest. It was just pounding down on the tent so hard that it was a little scary.  However my tent is pretty close to bullet proof so I rolled over and was back asleep.  However the lightning and thunder continued on until at least 3:40 AM when the fire siren went.  It continued for quite a while after that but I was off to sleep. 

This morning the only remnant of the big storm was a 15 mph wind out of the north east.  This meant a bad head wind as today’s route was northeast to Star Lake.  The route was a 70.6 mile route with 2970 feet of climb following state highway 3 with a few detours to ride three sides of the square. 

Being Ed’s day to ride, Bob, Ed and I set off after an exceptionally fine breakfast.   As a side note last night’s supper was one of the top 2 or 3 suppers on the tour.  The best we could do headed into the wind was about 9-11 mph.  This meant a seven hour grind and I sure wasn’t looking forward to that.  Fortunately at mile 13 we turned off onto a rail to trails path and in the trees there was no wind.  The path was beautiful as it wound along the Black River.  Unfortunately it was only 4 miles and then we were back to grinding into the wind.  At mile 25 we came to a gas a convenience store and went in for coffee. It was a good stop as when we came out the wind had died down considerably. 

Picnic finally came up a mile 45.7.  Having battled into the headwind for so long I was totally winded.   I had spotted a short cut on the route sheet map and when queried about it Ed who had done the routeing agreed that continuing up highway 3 would save about 5 miles.   Ed was back to work but Ken was there so he joined Bob and I and we set off with now only 20 miles to go. 

It didn’t take us long to figure out why they put us on the back road where the pavement is crumbling and the hills steep.   About a half mile past the turn was brand new pavement with a 15 foot wide shoulder.  The routers just didn’t want us on it. 

Tomorrow is Lake Placid and a rest day.  The end of week 8.  The count down to the end is underway with only 7 more ride days. 

Terry

August 9, 2018 Oswego to Adams Center NY

After a lot of hard days with 80 + miles we finally got an easy day with only 68 miles and 2160 feet of climb.  It seemed like we were getting a day off.  

Breakfast was an on your own affair as Greg had given us some cash to go and find breakfast.  Auzzie Bob and I elected to keep it simple and we hit Mac D’s.  While not the big meals we have been eating, it was a nice change from egg Bake. 

When we got out on the road we were pleased to find a very nice steady wind out of the west at 15-20 mph.  This made the first 25 miles while we were going NE  just fly by.  We whizzed by first water and were up in a little town of Pulaski in no time flat.  So Bob and I rolled into a local diner and had a cup of coffee. 

From Pulaski we had to head about 6 miles NW and they were tough miles as the wind was almost full on head wind.   From there we turned north along Highway 3 which kind of follows the coast of Lake Ontario. The wind was almost a cross wind, at times a quartering tail wind and at times a quartering head wind.  Highway 3 was quite busy however we had a good shoulder which was in good condition.  This enabled us to travel along at around 15 mph. 

The nicest part was along the lake through Henderson’s Harbour.  Both sides of the road have summer cottages with beautiful views to the lake.  Being such a beautiful day it was easy to imagine oneself sitting in one of the rockers, sipping lemonade, and enjoying the view.  I told Bob it would be a perfect spot to spend Australian winters.  I would come every year.  He agreed and finally picked out this magnificent two story which had a five car garage. 

Picnic was in Westcott Beach State Park.  I remember this spot so well as it is so idyllic with huge trees and miles of sand beach.  For lunch Tom, our new picnic hand, had made gazpacho soup which was so cool and refreshing.   I finally had to stop after the third bowl.  I then went to work on the fresh fruit which was laid out.  Peaches, apricots, cherries, grapes and of course watermelon.   Getting back on the bike was a tough job as I could have just lay on one of the benches and had a nap.

With 12 miles to go to camp we rolled down 11 where there was the one and only place to stop in Adams Center.  It was called Spooky Hill Grill.  It was kind of a big garage affair with two garage doors which turned it into a patio kind of a place.  We had a quick beer and rolled into town. 

The school is a beauty with lots of places to camp and in the cafeteria they have laid out white linen table cloths and flowers on the tables.  We just are not use to such luxury.

What a great day it was today.  Temperatures in the mid 70’s with a nice smooth road and some beautiful sights. 

Time is ticking down fast as there are only 8 ride days left. 

Terry

August 8, 2018 Seneca Falls to Oswego NY

 

Today’s ride of 77 miles and 3190 ft of climb was primarily front end loaded for the climb. So when Ron came and said he and Graeme were going to take a straight shot down highway 20 which would bypass about 40% of the climbs and meet the route at mile 28 and save about 3 miles I at jumped at the chance to join them.  While missing three miles was no big deal cutting all the climbs was pretty good. 

The three of us set off and made good time.  They are stronger riders so I had to work hard to keep up and then my turn at the pull was a challenge. We got a little off course and pulled into look at maps. A car pulls up and a local rider jumps out of the car and gives us expert advice which was dead on.  Very cool!   In no time flat we were up the road to the route and in a little town called Skaneateles where we were going to have coffee but the shop was lined up out the door so we rode on.  Ron and Graeme dropped me on a hill and so I was on my own. 

At the 37 mile mark it was spitting rain so I pulled into a gas station for a cappuccino. The lady in the store said she recognized me from 4 years ago when I was though. After dusting off the cobwebs I did remember her as well. Another rider was looking at the weather on his phone and it looked like a huge storm was on its way.  Sure enough it really started down.  Then Ron and Graeme rode past as they had taken a wrong turn.   I drank the cappuccino and had a second and by then the storm had passed and I rode off to Picnic.

At one point I came around this corner a little fast and went down in some loose gravel. Unfortunately there was a giant tractor right there which ran over me.  Fortunately I escaped with no broken bones but it did hurt quite a bit.

Picnic was in a very pleasant park beside a lake in a little town called Baldwinsville.  The mayor was out greeting the riders.  Pretty interesting fellow and we had a good conversation.  The weather is really looking iffy and huge black skies are surrounding us.  The weather radar has a huge thunder storm descending on us so I rode off.

With 30 miles to go I had to hurray, but only got a couple of miles before the rain started and it just kept getting harder and harder.  With 20 miles to go the rain was just hammering down and the thunder was rolling over head.  Irish Mike and I rode together for a bit and I took a selfie of us.  With about 3 miles to go the rain stopped and the sun came out. 

In camp I got my tent set up and then one of the sectional riders came and set with 10 feet of me.  And this is in a field which is 500 feet on a side.  So I moved.  

We now have only 9 ride days and less than 650 miles to go.  Unbelievable!

Terry

August 7, 2018 Geneseo to Seneca Falls

Today’s ride was routed for 95 miles and 5000 feet of climb.  The route took the riders around the Finger Lakes. However I did not ride this route.  I took a short cut up hwy 39 to hwy 20 and followed hwy 20 straight in to Seneca Falls.  Along with myself as route cutters were Auzzie Bob, Graeme, Ron and the token America Ken.  The British brother and sister also took the short cut, although they didn’t ride with us.  They generally come in dead last but rumour is they are just a couple miles out which will put them in well in the top quartile of riders.

The forecast for the day sounded ominous with 80% chance of rain with hail and heavy wind warnings out for most of the area. As we left our camp this morning it was looking pretty black and rain was threatening but it held off.  There were a couple of kind of steep climbs but nothing terrible and they were all pretty short.  The further we got north the lower and less steep the hills.  It looked like we were headed in the right direction as the sky was much lighter to the north.  We could see nothing but black to the south which is where the route went. 

At about mile 10 I got a flat which is only my second flat this trip. The first flat being at mile 14 of day one.  Of course the Continental tire was a beast to get on but my new tire tool Ray sent me worked like a charm.  Three clicks and the tire was mounted.  I went to pump my tire and to my horror the retaining ferrule on the head of the connector where it hooks to the valve stem was gone.  Somewhere in the last 3000 miles of rough roads it had fallen off.   Luckily Ken was there with his pump and we got the tire pumped.   Great! No pump and so close to the end of the ride.

At mile 12 we turned east on highway 20.  Huge 15 foot wide shoulder with not a bump in it anywhere.  Wow!  This is deluxe.  At mile 17 we stopped for coffee and the waitress told us about her home made chocolate cake the place served.  It was absolutely heavenly. What a great treat to get a huge chunk of chocolate cake.

After coffee the sky has lightened considerably and the hills are easy long rollers.  There is hardly any traffic and what there is way over.  The shoulder continues to be spectacular and there is just a hint of a tail wind.  Just a beautiful ride.

It doesn’t take long and we are in Geneva which is only 10 miles from Seneca Falls and where we intersect the scheduled route. We roll in to a local diner.  Burgers and root beer for lunch.   As we are having lunch the much forecast rain opens up.  We finish and head to the bike shop which is right next door.  Geneva Bike Works.  Ron finds a great rain jacket on the sale rack for $20.  The owner digs though her parts bins and comes up with a new ferrule to fit my pump.  No charge it was in the junk bin.  Unbelievable luck as I now don’t have to buy a new pump.   

It is still dripping and the road is nothing but puddles so into the local bar where we enjoy a local wheat beer. 

We get out on the road and within a mile Ken gets a flat.  I get to work and again use the tire mounting tool.  This time I have experience with the tire mounting tool and one click the tire is mounted.

I had originally called the day at 63 miles and 1725 feet of climb based on the Google route.   My odometer made it 63.05 miles and 1760 feet of climb.  Probably more luck than anything. 

Missed the rain had a nice easy day down a very nice road and had fun with some good friends. It just doesn’t get any better.   

Terry hot biker

August 6, 2018 Niagara Falls ON to Geneseo NY

Today’s ride was routed for 83.6 miles with 2710 feet of climb; however there was a construction detour on the route which was not there yesterday when Ed and I routed it. This detour added an additional 1.4 miles making the day 85 miles.  The miles are not the story of the day though.  The story is really the heat, humidity and thunder storms.

Luggage loading was scheduled for 6:45 Am this morning as breakfast was not until 7:00 am.  I handed my luggage in at 6:32 am and was the very last to load luggage. I just don’t get it.  Anyways, I left the KOA where we were camped and rolled down to the Best Western where we were having breakfast and stood around with everyone else until breakfast was served at 7:00 AM.

 Auzzie Bob had his phone stolen yesterday in a café. He turned around to get a stir stick and in 10 seconds his phone was gone. So Bob had gone off to Walmart to get a new phone and I was on my own.  

From breakfast it was down to the falls to take the obligatory photo and then roll across the Rainbow Bridge to US Customs.  Being early morning the line was short and the US Customs officer was just scanning passports and waving cyclist through. 

The ride through Buffalo was interesting glimpse into a much grittier side of America than we have been seeing.  Pots holed streets, run down and abandon buildings, giving way to shuttered industries.   This was a short glimpse however as within 10 miles we were out in suburbia and beautiful country side.

Picnic came up at the 43.4 mile mark and I filled up on Jim’s cucumber salad which was great.  He says the secret is Japanese vinegar. He also had radishes in it which gave it an interesting tang. I am going to have to try this on my cucumber salad when I get home.

The heat and humidity had been building all day.  It had been in the 80’s since 10:00 am however by 12:00 am it was really hot. I was at about the 50 mile mark when a gas station came up and I knew that ¾ water was at around the 63 mile mark so I thought I should supplement my hydration with a coke.  The owners were really nice and we chatted while I drank my coke and cooled down in the AC.  They said that the temperature on their little weather station said 93 F but with the humidity the heat index was 104 F.   I don’t know how heat index is calculated but it sure was hot. 

I could see the thunder clouds building as I got closer in to Geneseo.  At about the 70 mile mark the first big rain drops were coming down so I ducked into a driveway which had a bunch of big trees.  Just got off my bike when the sky opened up and down came the rain.   After 5 minutes it had let up so back on my bike.  I could see that about 1 mile up the road was getting hammered and I could hear the thunder.  By time I got there it had moved on down the road.  The rain had taken a bunch of the heat out of the system but the black asphalt was steaming.  It was a very strange effect and I had caught Irish Mike and he had never seen anything like it either.  We followed the storm all the way into camp.  I grabbed my tent and put it up as fast as I could.  Just as I threw the last bag in the rain started again.    I was probably one of the few riders who never got soaked.  Everyone is coming telling horror stories of being caught. 

I guess I could have bragged about conquering todays hills but I will leave that for tomorrow when we have 5000 feet of climb and 94 miles.   

Terry

August 5, 2018 Rest Day Niagara Falls Ont

Today we had a rest day in Niagara Falls.  I had gotten busy yesterday and did my laundry and cleaned my bike on Friday so the chores list was pretty short.  Sleeping in was the number one thing on the list, however the KOA is really busy and there was a lot of noise so I was wide awake by 5:20 am and by 6:00 am the lying in bed was done.  I got up and went for a quick shower before they got lined up. 

When I got back to my tent Ed was just getting ready to go routing for the day over to Geneseo NY.  Hey why not jump in with a good friend and see the other side of the game and how our routes are created every day.   Having seen Niagara Falls twice and having no need to take the boat ride to base of the falls or endure the madness of downtown Niagara Falls on a civic holiday, this was a great opportunity.  Ed was happy to have me along so off we went.

The routes are laid down using the route sheet which has been used in prior years and up dated by Dan’s special computer software.  He produces these highly detailed maps which have no more than 4 miles per page.  The router car then drives the prescribed route putting down the arrows at every turn and at important intersections.  Detailed notes are made of every potential dangerous spot any construction site or railroad crossing.   Seeing how the process worked was very educational. 

We came to a construction zone and we walked it.  We came to potential bike path and walked it.  We drove a couple of alternative routes and selected the best one.  It was fun being the navigator on the route.

Once we reached Geneseeo where tomorrow’s camp is we went downtown and had a very nice lunch in a local diner. I had the liver and onions dinner which was absolutely excellent. 

I learned something about the tour and how it works.  Getting to spend the day in an air conditioned car was very relaxing.  It was a great day with visiting with my good friend. This evening we had an excellent meal in a very fancy restaurant, which was terrific.   The week coming up is only 469 miles so about 50 shorter although there are a couple of big climb days. 

Not much for pictures today as I didn’t want to spoil tomorrows pictures of the falls.

Terry

August 4, 2018 Port Dover to Niagara Falls ONT

Today’s ride was only 75 miles and 1140 feet of climb.  Maybe not a short distance but compared to the 90’s we have been riding this week it seemed like a short day. 

After packing, up we rode into town where we had breakfast at the Grace United Church.  This where super was last night but as it was a lasagna meal myself, Porter, and Auzzie Bob skipped it and went to the Norfolk Tavern where we had beer and burgers.   

The road out of Port Dover was nice and quiet traffic wise but was in pretty poor condition.  This kind of slowed Bob and I down but we still managed to pass a few riders.  We caught up with router Dan where I caught his picture.  In 2014 the best picture I took was of Dan and today’s picture wasn’t bad. 

We cruised along the shore of Lake Erie which was really pretty.   We were making good time so we stopped at mile 41 in a little town called Dunnville for coffee.  After coffee it was only 15 miles up to picnic which was at mile 54.7.  Shuli had made a selection of salads which were really nice and cool and refreshing. By now the temperature is well over 90 and the humidity is close to 100%.  There was no shade at picnic so we hurried on. 

At mile 67 we reached the Welland Port Canal. Here the bridge had been taken out by ice may years ago but as it was only bike path bridge, it was never replaced.  Now a little pontoon boat is operated a ferry to carry cyclists across the canal.  It carried six bikes and just was we pulled up so did a few other bikes so were we loaded and off we went.  It only took about 5 minutes to cross but it was a great diversion from the ride.

From the ferry it was only about a mile to the ice cream parlour were Bob and I enjoyed huge ice cream cones for only $3.00.

We rolled the last 7 miles into camp.  Bob is in a motel and I am camping this weekend.  The campground is a very busy KOA and the tents are all jammed together. No shade and really lumpy ground.  I had talked to Ken about a motel back in March but at that time we were staying at the old school which was really nice.  I am now wishing we had of taken a motel.  As it is a civic holiday there are no rooms.   Good thing it is only for two nights.

Terry hot biker