It’s 6:30pm and I’m ready for bed! Tina and I crushed it today riding 61 miles. And it was damn hot, reaching 90 degrees. We hydrated and rested and stopped for fruit and pickles and ice cream and we made it! This is the longest day of the ride, so smooth sailing ahead (knock on wood). Dinner was delish, the tent is set up and we’re done in. My brother-in-law Serge lives just minutes away so he’ll be stopping by to say hi. Tina has gone for a massage. It is a good day.
The Erie Canal was completed in 1825; there 2 additional iterations through the late 1800s to enlarge and deepen, enabling larger and larger packet boats and barges to navigate. The opening of the canal allowed easier access to settling of the west.
This riding tour is run by Parks and Travel New York nonprofit organization (ptny.org) to advocate and support improvement of parks and trails throughout NYS. There are 650 riders of all levels and ages and shapes and sizes. The median age is 61, ranging from 6 to 86 years of age. Approximately 1/3 are new-to-the tour riders. We fit right in!
Everyone is super friendly and it is easy to meet new people here whether on a bike or at meals. And they are helpful too! John carries Tina’s luggage to the truck (just her’s, no one else’s) and Derek as I’ve mentioned is my personal support team. Rory lends us stuff and gives advice. ‘Grampa’ Joe and his brother Paul make the table conversation fun, not to mention Joe is the chairperson of PTNY board of directors so I think he was trying to recruit us.
The weather has been sunny and dry and a little hot. It’s gonna be great! And no, no second thoughts!
#CycleTheErieCanal2018
My new reality 