Day 57 St. Catherines to Byron
We are all back in the US of A today after completing our little foray into Southern Ontario.
I left at 7:30, Fred is on sweep today. No real rush to leave as we all have to meet at a parking lot by the Falls so we can cross the border together. It was only a 30 k (18 mi) ride to that spot. The wind was from the N, so we had a little tail wind/cross wind going on. As we had time, we stopped at a couple of view points for pictures. We could see people looking at us out of their hotel room balconies as we proceeded towards the Rainbow Bridge which would take us across the Niagara River and into NY State. Even though I've been part of the group cycling thing a few times now, I still enjoy seeing the large throng of cyclists pedal together, all in their Sea to Sea jerseys.
The border crossing was a breeze. We didn't even have to stop as it was all taken care of before hand. One thing about Niagara Falls, the Canadian side is commercialized as all get out, but there is only the small town of Niagara Falls on the US side with little going on.
The scenery in NY is fairly rural in this part, once we got 10 k or so in. The farming seems fairly casual though, but did get more intense towards the end of the ride. We came by a couple of small towns on the route today and the roads were good for the most part.
The N wind kept the temperatures cool, around 65 at noon, but now at the RV park at 5 it is nice and sunny. We left ON with darker clouds, but it changed to sun and cloudy by 9 or so. I got into Byron at 2:15, got a choco milk and headed to camp down the road. The RV park we're at is pretty good.
Totals for day: 129 k (80 mi), 5:10 on the saddle, 24.9 kph avg (15 mph)
PS: We lost two riders recently. Lynn V (IA) left at Grand Rapids as she had hurt her knee that week after a fall on a bike path. She cycled a couple of days after the accident but it was just too painful. This weekend, Sarah T (ON/PEI) got a kidney infection which put her in the hospital and is probably out until NJ. Cuz' Doug S (AB) is riding OK with his seperated shoulder so far.
3 Comments:
Hi Randy,
So it sounds like things are winding down a bit. I think most of us in blogsphere agree that your next endevour should be to write a book.
Maybe some of your faithful blogollowers want to encourage you in that direction by suggesting potential titles. I'll get the ball rolling. Here's a few ideas for your consideration;
--"Biking across america: an accountants quest to find a farm that grows square lettuce"
--"It's not about the bike; it's about finding a big enough bush in time"
--"Drafting do's and don'ts: why it's better to face a hefty headwind than the kind that wafts from Randy's direction when he's the drafter and you're the draftee. Testimonies from Fred M. and fellow riders included.
--"How to practice patience when you've fixed your 10th flat tire from a goats head pucture."
--"Hazards on a bike; how to avoid riding into brick buildings when other people are looking"
There you go, I hope that gives you some ideas. Maybe the others want to chime in. Tony???
SD the sil
Hey Randy long time no blog. It sure does not seem like you left that long ago, but before you know it your back in the Wack counting beans.We had Shell over the other night and part of the morning. She said she can hardly wait to see N.Y. oh and you to.Have a great time out there with your family and friends. Are we biking next week Sunday? Tony B.
Hey Randy,
How bitter sweet this week must be but as you said "there is a time for everything". We will continue praying for you and all the others throughout the week and as you make the transition back into your regular routine. Oh, and when you walk into church your first Sunday back prepare yourself - you may notice a strange sort of green hue in the faces of many of us who would have loved to have been there the whole way with you guys. Don't know what we're gonna do with all that spare time once there are no more blogs to keep us amused. Really, thanks so much for all the time you have been spending to keep us informed. It is appreciated so much. Please give Mom a big bear hug from us all and tell her she is in our thoughts and prayers every day. Oh, and please tell Dini that she has to give her back but we promise to share once in a while :o)
We hope you have a really great week. May the Lord bless all that the sea to sea team has done for those in need.
Blessings,
Jim and Deb
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