Day 18 (14 June 2014)
Cleveland Hostel, Cleveland, OH
Rest Day
Woke up and found Conner's family preparing breakfast for us. We were all grateful such an awesome first breakfast. The morning got spent hanging out in the awesome hostel, visiting bike shops, other shops and the market.
At 11:00 we met and headed out for our first service project of the trip. We visited an assisted living home (Westpark Neurology and Rehab Center) which had a high level of MS patients. We brought them lunch and spent a few hours visiting them. I mostly spend the time chatting with a lady named Chris.The visit was followed by a visit to Spin Bike Shop where Eric met his new love (a Bianchi road bike). This was followed by a bike maintenance party and a needed cleaning of the trailer.
Dinner was at the Town Hall and I ordered the Bangkok Bazaar which was spicy and delicious. Then it was back to the hostel to get organized, cleaned up and ready to get back to riding tomorrow. Some of these towns/cities it would be nice to spend some more time in, this hostel is definitely one of them.
Saturday, June 14, 2014
Friday, June 13, 2014
Cleveland, OH
Day 17 (13 June 2014)
Geneva on the Lake State Park, OH - Cleveland, OH
Day: 58.60 miles, Trip: 1092.42 miles
A large group of us went to breakfast in Painesville, OH. It is a much shorter day today so nobody is in a hurry. Stopped for a second stop in Willowick, OH at a Giant Eagle and stocked up on some groceries.
The group arrived in Cleveland, OH and road around finding our way to the Cleveland Hostel. The bike path that the route put us on was in horrible condition so we mostly road on the side walk which I normally avoid. In addition to that it is weird being in a large city again. You get use to the small towns. The route into the city took us right past the Rock and Roll Hal of Fame and the Cleveland Browns stadiums.
Tonight Kate's mom and Conner's Parents provided us with dinner at the hostel. We had a nice rooftop party. This hostel is amazing, the owner is doing a fantastic job with it. The food also hit the spot perfectly. Later we joined another group having a surprise birthday party and helped making a bigger "Surprise".
The spirits are high and we are all looking forward to a rest day tomorrow. The night air was getting cooler and I went down for a warmer shirt and found somebody standing alone in the hostel. Her name is Lori and I got her to join in the fun and have dinner with us on the roof. I enjoyed the rest of the evening with her chatting. Turns out she was on her way to Long Lake, NY and just stopping for the night. She was surprised to hear that not only did I know where that was, but that we had just been there not that long ago.
Eventually it was bedtime, some of the group decided to head out to the bar but I had enough. Time to enjoy some rest on nice beds.
Geneva on the Lake State Park, OH - Cleveland, OH
Day: 58.60 miles, Trip: 1092.42 miles
A large group of us went to breakfast in Painesville, OH. It is a much shorter day today so nobody is in a hurry. Stopped for a second stop in Willowick, OH at a Giant Eagle and stocked up on some groceries.
The group arrived in Cleveland, OH and road around finding our way to the Cleveland Hostel. The bike path that the route put us on was in horrible condition so we mostly road on the side walk which I normally avoid. In addition to that it is weird being in a large city again. You get use to the small towns. The route into the city took us right past the Rock and Roll Hal of Fame and the Cleveland Browns stadiums.
Tonight Kate's mom and Conner's Parents provided us with dinner at the hostel. We had a nice rooftop party. This hostel is amazing, the owner is doing a fantastic job with it. The food also hit the spot perfectly. Later we joined another group having a surprise birthday party and helped making a bigger "Surprise".
The spirits are high and we are all looking forward to a rest day tomorrow. The night air was getting cooler and I went down for a warmer shirt and found somebody standing alone in the hostel. Her name is Lori and I got her to join in the fun and have dinner with us on the roof. I enjoyed the rest of the evening with her chatting. Turns out she was on her way to Long Lake, NY and just stopping for the night. She was surprised to hear that not only did I know where that was, but that we had just been there not that long ago.
Eventually it was bedtime, some of the group decided to head out to the bar but I had enough. Time to enjoy some rest on nice beds.
Thursday, June 12, 2014
Geneva on the Lake, OH
Day 16 (12 June 2014)
Lake Erie State Park, NY to Geneva on the Lake State Park, OH
Day: 103.15 miles, Trip: 1033.82 miles
Today was the first century (over 100 miles) of the trip. It was definitely an interesting day. I started early and was actually on the road before 8 am. The weather was threatening rain and we were all anxious to start the day. Another development for the day is a new section rider joining us today (Todd from Cleveland). I would not want to start my tour off on a century day, but more power to him.
Well it didn't only threaten rain, rain it did. By the time I reached the first rest stop which was at the Freeport Diner (In PA) it was pouring. We got out of the rain and celebrated our 5th state by having an awesome breakfast. The best part was the toast with a cinnamon butter. Eventually the rain slowed and we pushed on. Shortly lately though it came down even heavier. I was soaked through. I really only saw because of the taillight of another bicycle. Luckily it didn't last long.
When I rolled into Erie, PA I was stopped from heading the correct way to join them for a detour to a brewery (Breweire). We each had a flight and some food and to top it off a local lady gave us $60 to put towards our drinks. After lunch it was back on our way. As I was riding out of down another lady handed me and Eric some money out of her window at a stop light for a donation.
After our second rest stop (just outside of Erie) it poured again. The rain and headwind aren't making the first century any easier. It just means constant stopping to put on and take of the rain jacket. In the afternoon we crossed over into Ohio (our 6th state and our 3rd state of the day). We stopped in Conneaut where Mike got Iced for his birthday. This started a new thing that would continue through the group the rest of the trip.
I rolled out with Richard and continued through Ashtabula for a restroom break and into Geneva on the Lake, Ohio which is a cheesy beach town without the beach. From here it was only a few miles to camp for the night at the state park. After today's century we crossed over 1000 miles for the trip!
Lake Erie State Park, NY to Geneva on the Lake State Park, OH
Day: 103.15 miles, Trip: 1033.82 miles
Today was the first century (over 100 miles) of the trip. It was definitely an interesting day. I started early and was actually on the road before 8 am. The weather was threatening rain and we were all anxious to start the day. Another development for the day is a new section rider joining us today (Todd from Cleveland). I would not want to start my tour off on a century day, but more power to him.
Well it didn't only threaten rain, rain it did. By the time I reached the first rest stop which was at the Freeport Diner (In PA) it was pouring. We got out of the rain and celebrated our 5th state by having an awesome breakfast. The best part was the toast with a cinnamon butter. Eventually the rain slowed and we pushed on. Shortly lately though it came down even heavier. I was soaked through. I really only saw because of the taillight of another bicycle. Luckily it didn't last long.
When I rolled into Erie, PA I was stopped from heading the correct way to join them for a detour to a brewery (Breweire). We each had a flight and some food and to top it off a local lady gave us $60 to put towards our drinks. After lunch it was back on our way. As I was riding out of down another lady handed me and Eric some money out of her window at a stop light for a donation.
After our second rest stop (just outside of Erie) it poured again. The rain and headwind aren't making the first century any easier. It just means constant stopping to put on and take of the rain jacket. In the afternoon we crossed over into Ohio (our 6th state and our 3rd state of the day). We stopped in Conneaut where Mike got Iced for his birthday. This started a new thing that would continue through the group the rest of the trip.
I rolled out with Richard and continued through Ashtabula for a restroom break and into Geneva on the Lake, Ohio which is a cheesy beach town without the beach. From here it was only a few miles to camp for the night at the state park. After today's century we crossed over 1000 miles for the trip!
Wednesday, June 11, 2014
Lake Erie State Park
Day 15 (11 June 2014)
Buffalo, NY to Lake Erie State Park
Day: 67.82 miles, Trip: 930.67 miles
I stopped for breakfast with Andy, Eric, Michelle, Richard and Bethany before leaving Buffalo. We went to a place called Spot Coffee. The food was good and the place was very busy. It was also amusing that there was a starbucks next door that really didn't have much business at all. A local place is typically the way to go. After breakfast I started the day behind the group (as usual). I was planning on just filling my water at the rest stop in Hamburg, NY but there was a place called the Great Harvest Bread Company that had amazing bread and good smoothies. There was no way I could turn that down. I love bread.
The second stop in Irving, NY ended up being a stop and go like I was originally planning for Hamburg and made up on time. Tonight we are camping at Lake Erie State Park (which is still in New York, we all thought we were camping in PA tonight).
Buffalo, NY to Lake Erie State Park
Day: 67.82 miles, Trip: 930.67 miles
I stopped for breakfast with Andy, Eric, Michelle, Richard and Bethany before leaving Buffalo. We went to a place called Spot Coffee. The food was good and the place was very busy. It was also amusing that there was a starbucks next door that really didn't have much business at all. A local place is typically the way to go. After breakfast I started the day behind the group (as usual). I was planning on just filling my water at the rest stop in Hamburg, NY but there was a place called the Great Harvest Bread Company that had amazing bread and good smoothies. There was no way I could turn that down. I love bread.
The second stop in Irving, NY ended up being a stop and go like I was originally planning for Hamburg and made up on time. Tonight we are camping at Lake Erie State Park (which is still in New York, we all thought we were camping in PA tonight).
Tuesday, June 10, 2014
Buffalo, NY
Day 14 (10 June 2014)
In the morning the church provided us an assortment of breakfast snacks. We detoured from the route and took 104 all the way to Lewiston, NY. We were having a rest stop in the parking lot of a Tops grocery store when the manager came out and gave us a large donation unexpectedly. We were all in our jerseys and listening to music. It was one of those times where it was great being in the group versus touring solo.
After the rest stop we got hyped up with music and rode out together as a group towards Niagara Falls. All but a few crossed over to the Canadian side to see the falls from that side the others saw it from the US side. We had lunch in one of the touristy shops but I am not disappointed as I hear the alternative wasn't that great either. At least the food was good. On the ride back to the states we picked up Skyler who will be our route leader for the remainder of the trip and later tonight we lose Kevin.
We almost all headed over to the Anchor Bar in Buffalo for some of the Original Buffalo wings. They were ok but in my opinion just ok and way over priced. But as always they were accompanied by good conversation. Tonight we are staying at the Christian Center in Buffalo, NY. It has a game room with mini-golf, foosball, table tennis, pool and also a swimming pool and roller skating rink. We only used the game room. This place is a good stay but the sleeping arrangements are more like a disaster relief than a hostel style. All sleeping on cots that are lined up in a room. And the 4 flights of stares were exhausting after a day of riding (tired legs).
Lockport, NY to Buffalo, NY
Day: 48.16 miles, Trip: 862.85 miles
In the morning the church provided us an assortment of breakfast snacks. We detoured from the route and took 104 all the way to Lewiston, NY. We were having a rest stop in the parking lot of a Tops grocery store when the manager came out and gave us a large donation unexpectedly. We were all in our jerseys and listening to music. It was one of those times where it was great being in the group versus touring solo.
After the rest stop we got hyped up with music and rode out together as a group towards Niagara Falls. All but a few crossed over to the Canadian side to see the falls from that side the others saw it from the US side. We had lunch in one of the touristy shops but I am not disappointed as I hear the alternative wasn't that great either. At least the food was good. On the ride back to the states we picked up Skyler who will be our route leader for the remainder of the trip and later tonight we lose Kevin.
We almost all headed over to the Anchor Bar in Buffalo for some of the Original Buffalo wings. They were ok but in my opinion just ok and way over priced. But as always they were accompanied by good conversation. Tonight we are staying at the Christian Center in Buffalo, NY. It has a game room with mini-golf, foosball, table tennis, pool and also a swimming pool and roller skating rink. We only used the game room. This place is a good stay but the sleeping arrangements are more like a disaster relief than a hostel style. All sleeping on cots that are lined up in a room. And the 4 flights of stares were exhausting after a day of riding (tired legs).
Monday, June 9, 2014
Lockport, NY
Day 13 (09 June 2014)
Spencerport, NY to Lockport, NY
Day: 57.24 miles, Trip: 814.69 miles
The Pastor of the Weslyan Church made us a good breakfast this morning. I discovered last night that there was a Tim Hortons in town so obviously that was going to be second breakfast. I was joined by Eric, Bethany and Andy.
We got a real late start leaving around 9:30 from the church. Instead of the normal breaking camp by 8. It wasn't all breakfast and sleeping in, I spent quite a bi of time cleaning my bike from yesterdays ride. Today was suppose to be a short day which is part of why everybody is getting a late start. This isn't exactly how it happened. The entire day is continuing along the Erie Canal Trail which is basically like riding through sand. I was only averaging 12-14 mph. In addition to slowing us down it ripped up several sets of tires for the other riders.
Today I rode mostly with Bethany, Eric and Andy and later with the 3 Amigos. Bethany ended up getting 4 flats (2 punctures and a couple failed patches) luckily Ron had a spare tube that we could use to replace it. At this point we gave up following the trail and navigated through town. We found out the church was going to provide dinner so we were trying to make it in time but that wasn't looking likely. On the way there Bethany spotted a gym (snap Fitness) and was able to get her, myself and Ron in to use the showers. It always feels great to be clean. We made it to the church only 15 minutes late but clean. They had some dinner and desserts set aside for us. Entertainment afterwards included a dunk contest on a 6 ft rim which Andy ended up winning.
Tonight we are staying north of Lockport, NY at the Warrens Corners Methodist Church. Tomorrow we are heading to Niagara Falls. Here is hoping for an easy day.
Spencerport, NY to Lockport, NY
Day: 57.24 miles, Trip: 814.69 miles
The Pastor of the Weslyan Church made us a good breakfast this morning. I discovered last night that there was a Tim Hortons in town so obviously that was going to be second breakfast. I was joined by Eric, Bethany and Andy.
We got a real late start leaving around 9:30 from the church. Instead of the normal breaking camp by 8. It wasn't all breakfast and sleeping in, I spent quite a bi of time cleaning my bike from yesterdays ride. Today was suppose to be a short day which is part of why everybody is getting a late start. This isn't exactly how it happened. The entire day is continuing along the Erie Canal Trail which is basically like riding through sand. I was only averaging 12-14 mph. In addition to slowing us down it ripped up several sets of tires for the other riders.
Today I rode mostly with Bethany, Eric and Andy and later with the 3 Amigos. Bethany ended up getting 4 flats (2 punctures and a couple failed patches) luckily Ron had a spare tube that we could use to replace it. At this point we gave up following the trail and navigated through town. We found out the church was going to provide dinner so we were trying to make it in time but that wasn't looking likely. On the way there Bethany spotted a gym (snap Fitness) and was able to get her, myself and Ron in to use the showers. It always feels great to be clean. We made it to the church only 15 minutes late but clean. They had some dinner and desserts set aside for us. Entertainment afterwards included a dunk contest on a 6 ft rim which Andy ended up winning.
 |
| Bethany Still Smiling (before the 4 flat tires) |
Tonight we are staying north of Lockport, NY at the Warrens Corners Methodist Church. Tomorrow we are heading to Niagara Falls. Here is hoping for an easy day.
Sunday, June 8, 2014
Spencerport, NY
Day 12 (08 June 2014)
Sodus Point, NY to Spencerport, NY
Day: 69.91 miles, Trip: 757.45 miles
A large group of riders headed over for breakfast, some nursing the aftermath of a long night. After breakfast my legs felt heavy and I felt tired, possibly getting sick (something is going around). I got dropped back early and knew I couldn't keep up a fast pace two days in a row. Even though in general I feel I am getting stronger riding.
I made it to Palmyra (the first rest stop) at the very back of the pack along with Eric. Neither of us were feeling great. From here we get on a bike path for pretty much the rest of the day. This proved both amazing and horrible. Amazing because we no longer had to worry about traffic. Horrible because the conditions of the trail sucked. This was one of the rare times that I am happy I have the beast of tires on my bike. There were several flats amongst the other riders as we rode through the sections of rock where the trail was under maintenance others ditched the trail to find road routes.
This is not just any trail. We are cycling along the Erie Canal Trail and are riding along the canal and get to see some of the locks. When we reached Fairport, NY we found the trail closed and the town was celebrating Canal Days (a local festival). There were too many people so I didn't stick around. I headed out and the section between Fairport and Pittsford was the worst stretch of trail in terms of surface conditions. My bike made it through it fine but is now filthy.
A short rest stop in Pittsford and I pushed on with the Three Amigos (Ron, Catherine and Mason) and Eric to Spencerport. The trail through this stretch was much nicer through the edge of Rochester. We made great time through this section and then the trail stopped being paved and went back to the crushed stone. It felt more like riding through sand.
We almost made it to the church we are staying at for the night before the rain but ended up turning down the wrong "Spencerport Road". Apparently there are 2 of them. At least we were not riding in the rain too long and we are staying indoors for the night at the Weslyan Church in Spencerport, NY. For dinner I opted not to order pizza and instead cooked a batch of tortellini to share with Bethany and Andy. I over cooked it but we were so hungry it really didn't matter. Dinner was followed by continued conversation with Kenny and Eric. These two provide the majority of group entertainment.
Sodus Point, NY to Spencerport, NY
Day: 69.91 miles, Trip: 757.45 miles
A large group of riders headed over for breakfast, some nursing the aftermath of a long night. After breakfast my legs felt heavy and I felt tired, possibly getting sick (something is going around). I got dropped back early and knew I couldn't keep up a fast pace two days in a row. Even though in general I feel I am getting stronger riding.
I made it to Palmyra (the first rest stop) at the very back of the pack along with Eric. Neither of us were feeling great. From here we get on a bike path for pretty much the rest of the day. This proved both amazing and horrible. Amazing because we no longer had to worry about traffic. Horrible because the conditions of the trail sucked. This was one of the rare times that I am happy I have the beast of tires on my bike. There were several flats amongst the other riders as we rode through the sections of rock where the trail was under maintenance others ditched the trail to find road routes.
This is not just any trail. We are cycling along the Erie Canal Trail and are riding along the canal and get to see some of the locks. When we reached Fairport, NY we found the trail closed and the town was celebrating Canal Days (a local festival). There were too many people so I didn't stick around. I headed out and the section between Fairport and Pittsford was the worst stretch of trail in terms of surface conditions. My bike made it through it fine but is now filthy.
A short rest stop in Pittsford and I pushed on with the Three Amigos (Ron, Catherine and Mason) and Eric to Spencerport. The trail through this stretch was much nicer through the edge of Rochester. We made great time through this section and then the trail stopped being paved and went back to the crushed stone. It felt more like riding through sand.
We almost made it to the church we are staying at for the night before the rain but ended up turning down the wrong "Spencerport Road". Apparently there are 2 of them. At least we were not riding in the rain too long and we are staying indoors for the night at the Weslyan Church in Spencerport, NY. For dinner I opted not to order pizza and instead cooked a batch of tortellini to share with Bethany and Andy. I over cooked it but we were so hungry it really didn't matter. Dinner was followed by continued conversation with Kenny and Eric. These two provide the majority of group entertainment.
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