Follow along by clicking on trackmytour.com/MZ41k.
Most of you that know me know that my mother was in the later stages of Alzheimer's Disease. Early this morning I received a call that she had died. (July 10, 2014) Her death was not unexpected, but none the less, the news made me want to go home.
Ben's mother agreed to pick us up - a 5 hour drive, bring me to my car in Syracuse and then drive back to Connecticut. Ben and I were about 25 miles south of Interstate 90 and decided to cycle to the exit and meet his mother there. We took roads more traveled than less and arrived within 10 minutes of Mary Jo, Ben's mom.
We had breakfast at the camp site and had a light lunch along the way. The roads were straight and relatively flat.
Daily stats: We left Sampson State Park at 9:30 and arrived at Exit 41 at 1:00. Total miles 25.1
Total trip mileage: 138 miles.
Wednesday, July 16, 2014
Wednesday, July 9, 2014
Day 2
Follow along on trackmytour.com/WnWB0.
Before leaving Cayuga State Park we had some instant oatmeal. The plan was to stop along the way and have a more substantial breakfast later.
We cycled rolling hills along Route 89 with Cayuga Lake on our left. We stayed on the road for about 30 miles passing at least a dozen wineries - none serving breakfast. Giving up on breakfast, the Cayuga Creamery became out beacon for food. We were first in line and chowed down a couple of pulled pork sandwiches.
From there we went to Taughannock Park whose claim to fame is a water fall that is higher than Niagara Falls. We were hoping to be able to get down to the falls and take advantage of cool shower, but there was no way to get near the falls from where we were.
From the park we had about 14 miles of a steady climb. About a third of the roads were gravel passing between large farms of dairy cows, hay, corn, and alpha. We also encountered some light rain - just enough to cool off but not enough to soak through our clothes.
Around the 42 mile mark the ride became almost all downhill for the last 10 miles to Sampson State Park on the east side of Seneca Lake.
Once we found our campsite and unloaded the bikes we took a walk to the lake shore with the idea of going for a swim. The water temperature gave us instant goosebumps when we waded in. We though better of a full body submerge and left the lake with just wet feet.
When we got back to our camp site we were greeted by Bass (yep, that's the man's name) who brought us cold water, cheese and crackers. Bass and his wife have toured all 50 states in their RV. Both are retired and in their early 50's.
Daily stats: Left at 9:25 and arrived at 6:00. Traveled 58.1 miles
Before leaving Cayuga State Park we had some instant oatmeal. The plan was to stop along the way and have a more substantial breakfast later.
We cycled rolling hills along Route 89 with Cayuga Lake on our left. We stayed on the road for about 30 miles passing at least a dozen wineries - none serving breakfast. Giving up on breakfast, the Cayuga Creamery became out beacon for food. We were first in line and chowed down a couple of pulled pork sandwiches.
From there we went to Taughannock Park whose claim to fame is a water fall that is higher than Niagara Falls. We were hoping to be able to get down to the falls and take advantage of cool shower, but there was no way to get near the falls from where we were.
From the park we had about 14 miles of a steady climb. About a third of the roads were gravel passing between large farms of dairy cows, hay, corn, and alpha. We also encountered some light rain - just enough to cool off but not enough to soak through our clothes.
Around the 42 mile mark the ride became almost all downhill for the last 10 miles to Sampson State Park on the east side of Seneca Lake.
Once we found our campsite and unloaded the bikes we took a walk to the lake shore with the idea of going for a swim. The water temperature gave us instant goosebumps when we waded in. We though better of a full body submerge and left the lake with just wet feet.
When we got back to our camp site we were greeted by Bass (yep, that's the man's name) who brought us cold water, cheese and crackers. Bass and his wife have toured all 50 states in their RV. Both are retired and in their early 50's.
Daily stats: Left at 9:25 and arrived at 6:00. Traveled 58.1 miles
Tuesday, July 8, 2014
Day 1
Here is the link if you want to follow along. trackmytour.com/FVmsJ.
What a day of mis-adventures! Hopefully we got them all out of the way.
The day started with a broken pedal on Ben's bike. We cycled to a bike shop for a quick replacement.
Then I lost a sandal.
Then storm bursts with high winds and driving rain. They would last about an 10 minutes - we cycled through about 3 of them. One storm burst we took shelter in a barn.When we left the barn, I left my fany pack behind. My fany pack holds my license, cash, credit card and cell phone.
I noticed it missing about 2 miles after leaving the barn. I took the packs off the bike and left the packs & Ben at a gas station while I cycled back to the barn. There it was-right where I had left them.
The temperatures reached 88 degrees with humidity to match. The last 10 miles were a challenge because of the high winds that accompanied the tornado warnings.
we got the tent sent up pronto to avoid driving rain and high winds that threatened to strike at any moment.
No tornado came. The humidity disappeared. I am looking forward to a cool comfortable night after a dinner of space food provided by Ben from the air space museum in DC.
Today's stats: Left from the hostel at 9:30. 10:15 from the bike shop. Arrived at Lake Cayuga state park campground at 6:15. Total mileage 55.3
What a day of mis-adventures! Hopefully we got them all out of the way.
The day started with a broken pedal on Ben's bike. We cycled to a bike shop for a quick replacement.
Then I lost a sandal.
Then storm bursts with high winds and driving rain. They would last about an 10 minutes - we cycled through about 3 of them. One storm burst we took shelter in a barn.When we left the barn, I left my fany pack behind. My fany pack holds my license, cash, credit card and cell phone.
I noticed it missing about 2 miles after leaving the barn. I took the packs off the bike and left the packs & Ben at a gas station while I cycled back to the barn. There it was-right where I had left them.
The temperatures reached 88 degrees with humidity to match. The last 10 miles were a challenge because of the high winds that accompanied the tornado warnings.
we got the tent sent up pronto to avoid driving rain and high winds that threatened to strike at any moment.
No tornado came. The humidity disappeared. I am looking forward to a cool comfortable night after a dinner of space food provided by Ben from the air space museum in DC.
Today's stats: Left from the hostel at 9:30. 10:15 from the bike shop. Arrived at Lake Cayuga state park campground at 6:15. Total mileage 55.3
Monday, July 7, 2014
Driving Day
A tradition is a behavior passed down within of group a special significance with origins in the past. Our tradition on our rides is to have some kind of "hiccup" happen during the first 30 minutes of the excursion. Last year we got separated. This year gear was forgotten that we needed to turn back for.
The drive to Syracuse along interstate 90 was long and tedious. A few intense downpours occurred to mix things up a bit. We got off the highway just east of Syracuse in search of a Erie Canal historical park. I failed to find the park, but we did find a meat raffle and plenty of catch and release fishing spots.
We arrived at Downings International Hostel. Craig showed us our room and gave us the house rules. There appears to be 3 other people staying in this huge old Victorian house besides Ben and I. Chris, a recent college grad made us all a tasty chicken dinner. Michael, a author/philosopher about space (that he can't seem to articulate) had an intellectual conversation with Chris that bordered on serious and ridiculous. Ben was dragged in to the conversation from time to time and had Chris and Michael impressed. You go Ben!
The drive to Syracuse along interstate 90 was long and tedious. A few intense downpours occurred to mix things up a bit. We got off the highway just east of Syracuse in search of a Erie Canal historical park. I failed to find the park, but we did find a meat raffle and plenty of catch and release fishing spots.
We arrived at Downings International Hostel. Craig showed us our room and gave us the house rules. There appears to be 3 other people staying in this huge old Victorian house besides Ben and I. Chris, a recent college grad made us all a tasty chicken dinner. Michael, a author/philosopher about space (that he can't seem to articulate) had an intellectual conversation with Chris that bordered on serious and ridiculous. Ben was dragged in to the conversation from time to time and had Chris and Michael impressed. You go Ben!
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| Ben can sleep any where |
Saturday, June 14, 2014
Making plans
Maps were spread out on the table while sitting outside on the patio with fresh fruit, quiche, and hot coffee. I can only hope we have the same weather on the ride.
We went over the 7 day bike ride and looked at the routes. Click here for a map of the entire ride. (My google map skills leave a lot to be desired, but you get the basic idea).
The first day will be a drive to Syracuse, our starting point. Once we get to Syracuse we will explore the city either on foot or by bike. We will stay the night indoors at a hostel.
We will ride between 44 miles - 60 miles a day for seven days for a total of 345 miles. Our daily destinations will be New York State Parks. At the parks we will pitch our tent and explore the area.
We hope to keep you posted daily so you can enjoy the ride with us.
We went over the 7 day bike ride and looked at the routes. Click here for a map of the entire ride. (My google map skills leave a lot to be desired, but you get the basic idea).
The first day will be a drive to Syracuse, our starting point. Once we get to Syracuse we will explore the city either on foot or by bike. We will stay the night indoors at a hostel.
We will ride between 44 miles - 60 miles a day for seven days for a total of 345 miles. Our daily destinations will be New York State Parks. At the parks we will pitch our tent and explore the area.
We hope to keep you posted daily so you can enjoy the ride with us.
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
A little history
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I also figured the ride was a "one and done" for Ben. I was very surprised and flattered to find out he wanted to do another ride this year. So begins the story of how Ben and I will be riding partners for the Finger Lakes loop this summer.
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