Day 44: I Love New York!

Tuesday, July 30, 2013: Niagara Falls, NY to Rochester, NY, 87 miles with 1,550 feet of climbing

The title of today’s post is taken from the Frank Sinatra song of the same name. If you would ask any of the 35 cyclists who are completing this cross-country journey, they would all agree that, thus far, New York is near the top of the list of favorite states that we have visited. The weather has been ideal, the rolling hills have been manageable, and even the food has been first-rate.

Our team shoved off at 7:00 and finished the 87 miles by 12:40. Our average speed was 17.3 mph. At one point, two of the staff members from ABB cycled past us and the chase was on! Gary, now our close companion, (who by the way is 70 years old) actually caught and passed them. For this amazing feat, he was recognized during tonight’s RAP session. You should have seen him beaming with pride. Needless to say, that chase will be one of the highlights of his trip.

The setting was bucolic as we cycled through one small town after another. Seeing charming houses and picturesque farms was the norm. We are close to the Finger Lakes area where the land is fertile and crops grow easily. Everything is green and lush.  

Nine cyclists arrived at our hotel at the same time. Since our rooms weren’t ready, we all had lunch together at a nearby restaurant. Philippe, a cyclist from Israel, was in a festive mood because his daughter delivered his eleventh grandchild today. He bought lunch for everyone and ordered three cakes to be shared at RAP. 

The entire group has become our extended family. We have shared many joys and endured many hardships together. We have folded one another’s laundry, and we have learned all about children and grandchildren. There is talk of reunions and future trips together. As to whether that will happen is yet to be seen. If nothing else, we will have wonderful memories of how 35 strangers united on this incredible journey.  

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!

Day 41: We Pushed Our Luck!

London, Ontario to Brantford, Ontario

69 miles with 1,250' of climbing

Today we passed the 3,000 miles mark with a grand total of 3,058 miles (not including detours). Wow - I am amazed by that number. Whereas I don't keep a cycling log as many cyclists do, I can safely say that I have never had a year when I have ridden that many miles. To think that it has been accomplished in 6 weeks is pretty incredible (if I say so myself). :-) 

The morning began with showers so rain jackets, booties, and helmet covers came out of storage. (If you have never seen a helmet cover, you have missed a good laugh. For some reason, the men not the women wear them. They look like bright yellow shower caps. I am sure that they serve a function other than fodder for jokes at dinner. Bottom line - I won't be buying Frank one for his birthday.) While there was a light drizzle as we pulled out of the hotel, the rain stopped shortly thereafter. Our group consisted of Gail, Gary, Yuval, Amy, sometimes Don, and me. Here we are at a SAG...

Note the 3 brand new Canadian jerseys worn by Gary, Yuval, and me. And here we are in action....

We arrived in Brantford by 1:00 and stopped at a restaurant 2 miles from our hotel. This is where we pushed our luck. We should have selected a location much closer to the hotel. As we finished our veggie burgers, we came outside to pouring rain. Thus, we were soaking wet when we arrived at our hotel only to discover that our rooms weren't ready. Looking like 5 drown rats, we sat in the lobby shivering for about 30 minutes. It seems that we learn new lessons every day. With only 8 cycling days left, I wonder if I'll have things figured out by the time that we finish - probably not!

Day 40: Canada, Here We Come!

Friday, July 26, 2013: Port Huron, MI to London, Ontario

82 miles with 1888 feet of climbing

Years from now, when I recall this 50-day journey, I will be sure to remember our crossing of the Blue Water Bridge from the USA into Canada. It was undoubtedly the most significant and symbolic ten minutes. 

We gathered in the parking lot of the hotel at 6:45. Promptly at 6:55, we received the call to begin our bicycle parade. The entire northern span of the bridge was closed to vehicular traffic so that we could cross safely. I could hear cheers, laughter, and comments of pride emanating from all who were beside me. Our two Canadian cyclists seemed to sit a bit taller in their saddles as we crossed into Ontario. 

Upon crossing, we went right into immigration where all went smoothly. It was there that Gail noticed some wires that were protruding from her shifter, and our mechanic promised to attend to the issue a few miles down the road. Upon a quick review, it was determined that Gail would only be able to use 3 gears for the 82 miles. The problem was to be solved when we got to a bike shop in London. Like a trooper, Gail somehow managed to stay in a pace line, pull the line, and average 16.3 mph, using just 3 gears!! For the most part, the ride was uneventful until we came to a little town called Delaware.  There we had a tasty lunch at a country store. 

At the bike shop, Gail’s bike was adjusted so that she will be able to ride the remaining 9 days. Once home, she will need to have her shifter rebuilt. 

Our afternoon was spent in a store resembling a REI, picking up a Canadian jersey and some cycling accessories. At RAP tonight, an ABB staff person mentioned that that tomorrow’s temperature would be 20 degrees. It took a second or two to comprehend that she was citing the temperature in degrees Celsius, and that I wouldn't need my thermals after all!

Day 39: Spectacular Day

Birch Run, MI to Port Huron, MI

87 miles with 1,329' of climbing

Today was one of my favorite days of the trip! The weather was perfect, starting in the low fifties and ending in the eighties. Winds were calm, and the sky was clear blue. Gail and I began the ride, but by the first SAG had teamed up with Yuval, Don, and Amy. We made a very efficient, yet social team. At mile 47, we stopped for chocolate milk at Mary Ann's Cafe in the town of Brown City. While there, we struck up a conversation with a fireman who proudly spoke of the town's memorial to the firefighters who died on 9-11. Apparently, the town applied for and received one of the beams from the World Trade Center. A memorial was erected, and the site is overseen by a local man who lives on the property. It was a very touching and poignant time for us as we recalled all of the lives that were lost that day.

We arrived in Port Huron by 1:30 and went directly to the Thomas Edison Park where we caught our first glimpse of the Blue Water Bridge. This bridge will be closed to traffic tomorrow as we cycle over it at 7:00 a.m. Won't that be an amazing sight - 36 cyclists dressed in red, white, and blue crossing this bridge into Canada?! I am sure that it will be one of the most memorable events of this 7-week journey.

This afternoon, my sister-in-law Mary Ellen came for a visit. She had driven one hour from her home in Detroit. She came bearing gifts for us and all of the cyclists (homemade zucchini bread), which will be devoured by the locusts at our first SAG! She then drove us to one of the finest restaurants in the city where we feasted on the best halibut that I have ever tasted. As the photo shows, we enjoyed an ice cream sundae as well. Yum! Yes, this day was truly spectacular!

Day 38: Another Windy and Flat Day in Michigan

Mount Pleasant, MI to Birch Run, MI

79 miles with 826' of climbing

Today's morning temperature was 48 degrees so it was a day for jackets and vests. We left the hotel by 8:00 and before we knew it, 4 cyclists had joined our group of 4. While a pace line of 8 is too large for my liking, it really does help on a windy day like today. Our first and only SAG today came at 23 miles. I was a bit surprised to pull into someone's front yard. As it turns out, Sandra has been offering her home as a rest stop to America by Bicycle for a number of years. She is a dear woman who recently lost her husband to Lou Gehrig's Disease. Here she is with one of the ABB staff members Karen.

Due to the windy conditions, the wind turbines were able to harness lots of energy today. Gary snapped this photo by dropping out of our line. I'm not willing to run the risk of getting dropped to face the wind alone.

At mile 53, we ran into a "road closed" sign. We waited for our ride leader Jeff to direct us. Here he is painting directions while I look on. The detour added another 5 miles to our daily mileage. We are all learning that you can't plan finishing times as unusual occurrences are becoming the norm.

A huge lunch at Applebee's saved the day. We seem to think about food all the time. That will have to change for me in 12 days!

Day 37: An Easy Century For A Change!

Ludington, MI to Mount Pleasant, MI

113 miles with 3,466' of climbing

Michigan is treating us well! We loaded our luggage at 6:30, and Gary, Terry, Gail and I were on the roads shortly thereafter. My bike is now working fine since Jim our mechanic put my old chain back on my bike at 9:30 last night. It was still somewhat dark as we began, conveying the message that the daylight hours are starting to wane. The sky looked spectacular as the sun peeked over the horizon. The winds were out of the southwest, which couldn't have been better for our direction. Midway through the ride, we picked up Jane and Katie who always ride at a fast clip. Averaging 17.7 mph, we were one of the first groups to arrive at the hotel. It was great to finally have some time to just relax. After yesterday's stressful day (bike issues) and only 5.5 hours of sleep, we needed some relaxation.

Before dinner, we finally had a chance to thank Gary and Terry for their heroic efforts of pulling us those 84 miles when we were both sick. We bought a bottle of wine and caught up on their personal lives. They are two really great guys and considering their ages of 69 and 70, they are in incredible shape.

Tomorrow "should" be a moderately easy day since we only ride 74 miles. Of course, I have been fooled before.