Days 42 and 43

Sunday, July 28, 2013: Brantford, Ontario to Niagara Falls, NY, 74 miles with 1,400 feet of climbing

Monday, July 29, 2013 Niagara Falls (rest day)

When our ride leader asked the same question that he asks every day, “How was your ride?” the applause and cheers rocked the hotel. Today couldn’t have been a more pleasant day. 

Gary, Gail, Yuval, and I were thoroughly enjoying the tailwind and the 20 - 24 mph speed for the first 17 miles. Even when Gary had a flat tire, it was a positive experience since we had the opportunity to meet a Canadian farmer who wanted to help us with his giant air compressor. We met his wife, his grandchild, and his dog Harley who were all excited to meet these crazy cyclists who were traveling across America. 

The first SAG contained some extra special treats from some alumni of former ABB rides. It was great to meet Mark and his wife Susan who both advised us to cherish this last week as it will fly by. We arrived in Niagara Falls (Canadian side) and went directly to the Falls. While I have seen them before, it was fun to watch our international friends when they first gazed upon these magnificent falls. There are actually three falls: Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls.  The Falls were created about 12,000 years ago. The glaciers retreated about 50,000 years ago, creating a large lake. When the surrounding land uplifted, the lake overflowed, resulting in the Falls.

After crossing Rainbow Bridge, we returned to the U.S.A. by entering the state of New York. While Canada was kind to us, there’s nothing like home. 

Pulling into the hotel, we were created by cyclist Rick’s wife who had sparking wine and fruit from the Finger Lakes area. It was a superb welcome! 

We ended the ride with lunch on the hotel patio, listening to a jazz band. After the trials and tribulations of previous rides, we savored a glorious day like today.

Rest Day: Gail and I took a delightful walk around Goat Island where we felt the incredible power of the falls from the American side. I took this photo from Luna Island. I certainly wouldn't have wanted to have been Annie Taylor who in 1901 went over the Falls in a barrel!

We then had a delicious lunch at the Culinary Arts Institute deli which is directly across the street from our hotel. We are now fortified and ready to tackle the last segment of the ride. The end is in sight!