NorthEast Two-Wheel Tour
Saturday, 8 May
Cuyahoga Valley NP to Solon OH
21.7 miles; 11:40-12:40 & 6:00-7:00; 80s, sunny.
A bit early for a vacation day, but when I hit a National Park, I'm going to enjoy it! A friend joined me for the weekend, and Tim and I hiked to a waterfall, biked along the towpath, and took a train ride. With a hot day on tap, it was nice to put half the biking off until early evening. Still I found a bit of friendliness when a shop owner, hearing of my ride, told us about her town then walked us over to the neighboring bookstore/cafe and introduced me.
21.7 miles; 11:40-12:40 & 6:00-7:00; 80s, sunny.
A bit early for a vacation day, but when I hit a National Park, I'm going to enjoy it! A friend joined me for the weekend, and Tim and I hiked to a waterfall, biked along the towpath, and took a train ride. With a hot day on tap, it was nice to put half the biking off until early evening. Still I found a bit of friendliness when a shop owner, hearing of my ride, told us about her town then walked us over to the neighboring bookstore/cafe and introduced me.
Sunday, 9 May
Solon to Conneaut OH
79.8 miles; 9:20-6:20; 80s, sunny, cool lake breeze.
How different two halves of a day can be! The morning I rode sans panniers several miles on the regional bike trail, then got directions for a country road heading north: little traffic (and lots of bikes!), stately homes, great scenery, and (unfortunately) a plethora of potholes. In contrast, after Tim left, the long afternoon featured fifty miles along US20, marked by numerous stop lights, heavy traffic, urban sprawl, and only two farms. Still, my last day in Ohio was again highlighted by friendly faces, from the explicit and detailed directions from a fellow cyclist to the elderly couple I met at the ice cream stand, who offered to ride me the last ten eight miles into town (sadly turned down) and then drove ahead to locate a motel for me.
79.8 miles; 9:20-6:20; 80s, sunny, cool lake breeze.
How different two halves of a day can be! The morning I rode sans panniers several miles on the regional bike trail, then got directions for a country road heading north: little traffic (and lots of bikes!), stately homes, great scenery, and (unfortunately) a plethora of potholes. In contrast, after Tim left, the long afternoon featured fifty miles along US20, marked by numerous stop lights, heavy traffic, urban sprawl, and only two farms. Still, my last day in Ohio was again highlighted by friendly faces, from the explicit and detailed directions from a fellow cyclist to the elderly couple I met at the ice cream stand, who offered to ride me the last ten eight miles into town (sadly turned down) and then drove ahead to locate a motel for me.
Monday, 10 May
Conneaut OH thru PA to Westfield NY
65.7 miles; 9:20-3:10; sunny, in the 80s
Let's call it the near-disaster day - repeatedly. I stopped in Erie PA at a bike shop to get another spare tube (yesterday's flat was not patchable) and to get the tires trued. The mechanic said I came in just in time - the spokes had loosened enough (as new wheels are wont to do) that one good pothole would have 'exploded' my wheel. The it was the rest of another high-speed jaunt (averaging nearly 20 mph the last 15 miles) into Westfield - where I hit that 'one good pothole' coming into town. The wheel survived better than the rack holding my panniers - the mounting bracket sheared nearly all the way through. Thankfully the hardware store was able to customize me a new one, of steel not aluminum.
Next, as I'm heading to the school, a kid on a bike began crossing the street directly in my path. If he hadn't stopped when I quickly yelled, I would have hit him broadside. On my way back into town later, I nearly got hit by a door suddenly opening from a parked car. Finally, I scheduled my first night of camping, only to have showers and lightning begin when I went to bed. And the 13th is still three days away!
65.7 miles; 9:20-3:10; sunny, in the 80s
Let's call it the near-disaster day - repeatedly. I stopped in Erie PA at a bike shop to get another spare tube (yesterday's flat was not patchable) and to get the tires trued. The mechanic said I came in just in time - the spokes had loosened enough (as new wheels are wont to do) that one good pothole would have 'exploded' my wheel. The it was the rest of another high-speed jaunt (averaging nearly 20 mph the last 15 miles) into Westfield - where I hit that 'one good pothole' coming into town. The wheel survived better than the rack holding my panniers - the mounting bracket sheared nearly all the way through. Thankfully the hardware store was able to customize me a new one, of steel not aluminum.
Next, as I'm heading to the school, a kid on a bike began crossing the street directly in my path. If he hadn't stopped when I quickly yelled, I would have hit him broadside. On my way back into town later, I nearly got hit by a door suddenly opening from a parked car. Finally, I scheduled my first night of camping, only to have showers and lightning begin when I went to bed. And the 13th is still three days away!
Tuesday, 11 May
Westfield to Cheektowaga NY
67.5 miles; 11:45-6:00; foggy chilly morning, then light overcast, high about 70?.
Today's school crowd was small: only 9 kids in the gifted/talented program. However, they made up in enthusiasm what they lacked in numbers. With a longer time frame, I could speak longer about the walk, telling them anecdotes for my time on the road. When I finished, they all asked for my autograph. Then as I changed into biking gear and packed up, they ran outside and picked up a garbage bag full of trash around the school. Finally, they raced me down the street as I got on my way.
Again, the day had a Jekyll-and-Hyde personality. The morning was cool, with the fog rolling off the lake and lingering in the numerous vineyards. AFter lunch, the fog lifted to a light overcast, and the quiet country road became a 30-mile, 4-lane strip of retail and residential sprawl. Then, trying to circle Buffalo to reach the Cheektowaga suburb left me on busy city streets with several miles of construction.
Sometimes it's nice to know I made a good choice. When I arrived in town, I could have checked in to the motel across the street from the school, likely paid $70, and spent the night vegetating in front of a TV set. Instead, I asked to camp, and the school volunteered their property. When I got to the school, I met the principal, the vice-principal, the school superintendent, another principal, several teachers, and a couple custodians - all eager to help. As I set up the tent, seven or eight students arrived to assist me. The staff invited me to use the showers, and gave me a 24-hour pass card so that I could get in the building overnight if I needed to use the restroom. Thank you all!
67.5 miles; 11:45-6:00; foggy chilly morning, then light overcast, high about 70?.
Today's school crowd was small: only 9 kids in the gifted/talented program. However, they made up in enthusiasm what they lacked in numbers. With a longer time frame, I could speak longer about the walk, telling them anecdotes for my time on the road. When I finished, they all asked for my autograph. Then as I changed into biking gear and packed up, they ran outside and picked up a garbage bag full of trash around the school. Finally, they raced me down the street as I got on my way.
Again, the day had a Jekyll-and-Hyde personality. The morning was cool, with the fog rolling off the lake and lingering in the numerous vineyards. AFter lunch, the fog lifted to a light overcast, and the quiet country road became a 30-mile, 4-lane strip of retail and residential sprawl. Then, trying to circle Buffalo to reach the Cheektowaga suburb left me on busy city streets with several miles of construction.
Sometimes it's nice to know I made a good choice. When I arrived in town, I could have checked in to the motel across the street from the school, likely paid $70, and spent the night vegetating in front of a TV set. Instead, I asked to camp, and the school volunteered their property. When I got to the school, I met the principal, the vice-principal, the school superintendent, another principal, several teachers, and a couple custodians - all eager to help. As I set up the tent, seven or eight students arrived to assist me. The staff invited me to use the showers, and gave me a 24-hour pass card so that I could get in the building overnight if I needed to use the restroom. Thank you all!
Wednesday, 12 May
Cheektowaga to Bloomfield NY
78.5 miles; 11:40-6:10; 80s, sunny humid.
It was great camping at the school last night, and having access to the building. I was able to write yesterday's weblog directly onto the computer, instead of copying it in later. This morning the kids were again great, with a handful asking for my autograph. Thankfully only a few - I couldn’t have lasted through signing a hundred!
I then took a break to visit a National Park site in Buffalo before starting late in the heat of the day. The day was long (my second longest of this leg so far), and despite a vow not to push hard in the heat, I still averaged over 16 mph the first 50 miles. After Avon, the hills worsened and slowed me down. The land is beautiful - rolling hills with woods and farms mingling - but the going is getting tough. And no more cool lake breezes!
78.5 miles; 11:40-6:10; 80s, sunny humid.
It was great camping at the school last night, and having access to the building. I was able to write yesterday's weblog directly onto the computer, instead of copying it in later. This morning the kids were again great, with a handful asking for my autograph. Thankfully only a few - I couldn’t have lasted through signing a hundred!
I then took a break to visit a National Park site in Buffalo before starting late in the heat of the day. The day was long (my second longest of this leg so far), and despite a vow not to push hard in the heat, I still averaged over 16 mph the first 50 miles. After Avon, the hills worsened and slowed me down. The land is beautiful - rolling hills with woods and farms mingling - but the going is getting tough. And no more cool lake breezes!
Thursday, 13 May
Bloomfield to Skaneatales NY
59.9 miles; 12:40-6:50; 80s/sunny --> 60s/lightning storm --> 70s/humid.
I had marked the day for misery, but it surprised me - pleasantly. Two school talks kept me tied up until noon, and by the time I hit the road it was in the 80s. After only two hills, I dreaded a long day. But then I entered the shadow of the thunderhead, with lightning surrounding me. By the time I reached my first town, the temps had dropped to the low 60s. The light rain was over in only 30 minutes, but the temps stayed mild and the hills disappeared for 30 miles. I enjoyed one mile pedalling along the trail beside Seneca Lake, basking in its beauty.
I got to try something new at Bloomfield Elementary School. Since the kids hadn't seen me arrive, I hid in the locker room as they filed into the gymnasium. The teachers then played the To Tell The Truth video, letting the kids guess which contestant I was. I walked in at the end to hearty applause. After my presentation, around 30 kids asked for my autograph.
59.9 miles; 12:40-6:50; 80s/sunny --> 60s/lightning storm --> 70s/humid.
I had marked the day for misery, but it surprised me - pleasantly. Two school talks kept me tied up until noon, and by the time I hit the road it was in the 80s. After only two hills, I dreaded a long day. But then I entered the shadow of the thunderhead, with lightning surrounding me. By the time I reached my first town, the temps had dropped to the low 60s. The light rain was over in only 30 minutes, but the temps stayed mild and the hills disappeared for 30 miles. I enjoyed one mile pedalling along the trail beside Seneca Lake, basking in its beauty.
I got to try something new at Bloomfield Elementary School. Since the kids hadn't seen me arrive, I hid in the locker room as they filed into the gymnasium. The teachers then played the To Tell The Truth video, letting the kids guess which contestant I was. I walked in at the end to hearty applause. After my presentation, around 30 kids asked for my autograph.
Friday, 14 May
Skanateales to Rome NY
71.0 miles; 9:45-5:35; 80s, sunny, humid.
Today my route-picking skills left a lot to be desired. I branched from US20 onto NY175, enjoying a long, high-speed downhill run to Marcellus. I paid for that with a 1 1/3-mile-long relentless climb out of town. Next it was another cannonball run down into Onandaga, with an even steeper 1-mile climb out. Down into Jamesville, and a lowest-gear climb out. And twice - twice! - motorists turned right directly in my path, forcing me to brake.
By the time I coasted into Manlius, I was ready for lunch and a change of terrain. For lunch I took my chance on a door marked 'Italian Affair' in an empty strip mall. As I walked in, the waitress immediately asked how far I was riding - "We had three guys from England here last year, riding from -- Jeff! Where were the Brits riding from?"
Soon the cook was asking me questions, Jeff (the owner) was listening in, and a regular patron waiting for friends was telling me of the road ahead. "If you head north five miles, you can ride the Erie Canal trail. Let me call my wife; she'll know if it goes all the way to Rome."
By the time his friends arrived, I had to repeat for them the tales of my travels. After I finished lunch and was telling them anecdotes, the waitress brought me a big bowl of their home-made soup. Then Jeff brought out a book about the Erie Canal (written and published by his neighbors) to look at while eating. By the time I left, they refused to take my money, so I left them a copy of my book. Thanks, Jeff and gang!
Back on the road, I took their suggestion and reached the 'Long Level' portion of the old Erie Canal: a 36-mile stretch with no locks - flat as a pancake! For 25-miles I rode on the multi-use path beside the canal, and hit another 15 on adjacent roads. Nice to escape hills and escape traffic at the same time!
71.0 miles; 9:45-5:35; 80s, sunny, humid.
Today my route-picking skills left a lot to be desired. I branched from US20 onto NY175, enjoying a long, high-speed downhill run to Marcellus. I paid for that with a 1 1/3-mile-long relentless climb out of town. Next it was another cannonball run down into Onandaga, with an even steeper 1-mile climb out. Down into Jamesville, and a lowest-gear climb out. And twice - twice! - motorists turned right directly in my path, forcing me to brake.
By the time I coasted into Manlius, I was ready for lunch and a change of terrain. For lunch I took my chance on a door marked 'Italian Affair' in an empty strip mall. As I walked in, the waitress immediately asked how far I was riding - "We had three guys from England here last year, riding from -- Jeff! Where were the Brits riding from?"
Soon the cook was asking me questions, Jeff (the owner) was listening in, and a regular patron waiting for friends was telling me of the road ahead. "If you head north five miles, you can ride the Erie Canal trail. Let me call my wife; she'll know if it goes all the way to Rome."
By the time his friends arrived, I had to repeat for them the tales of my travels. After I finished lunch and was telling them anecdotes, the waitress brought me a big bowl of their home-made soup. Then Jeff brought out a book about the Erie Canal (written and published by his neighbors) to look at while eating. By the time I left, they refused to take my money, so I left them a copy of my book. Thanks, Jeff and gang!
Back on the road, I took their suggestion and reached the 'Long Level' portion of the old Erie Canal: a 36-mile stretch with no locks - flat as a pancake! For 25-miles I rode on the multi-use path beside the canal, and hit another 15 on adjacent roads. Nice to escape hills and escape traffic at the same time!
Saturday, 15 May
Rome to Johnstown, NY
65.7 miles; 11:00-5:20; high 60s, cloudy, some rain.
Today's ride was great, except it lasted ten minutes too long. The day cooled off as predicted, with temps in the high 60s under a gray sky, and the forecast showers only dampened me for 15 minutes after lunch. As I approached Johnstown, however, the skies grew foreboding and the wind picked up (to my back, fortunately). I must have averaged 20 mph the last six miles into town, racing the storm -- and as I entered the town limits, the heavens let loose. Sheets of rain drenched me. By the time I reached downtown and shelter two miles later, it had quit, leaving one very wet biker.
65.7 miles; 11:00-5:20; high 60s, cloudy, some rain.
Today's ride was great, except it lasted ten minutes too long. The day cooled off as predicted, with temps in the high 60s under a gray sky, and the forecast showers only dampened me for 15 minutes after lunch. As I approached Johnstown, however, the skies grew foreboding and the wind picked up (to my back, fortunately). I must have averaged 20 mph the last six miles into town, racing the storm -- and as I entered the town limits, the heavens let loose. Sheets of rain drenched me. By the time I reached downtown and shelter two miles later, it had quit, leaving one very wet biker.
