Pennsylvania

3 July 2012

Stats for the day:

Depart Dunkirk, NY 7:45 a.m., arrive Erie, PA 3:45 p.m.

Trip mileage – 769.0 miles

Today’s mileage – 58.15 miles

Time on bike –4:41:31

Average Speed – 12.4 mph

Max speed – 34.0 mph

We have been blessed with meeting some very friendly and giving people on this trip.  We arrived at the campground, set up the tent and relaxed a bit before meeting CG owner, Wayne.  During our conversation, another camp resident, Gary, came by to chat, so we asked how far it was to in-town Dunkirk and if they knew of anyone going that way.  Well, Gary offered us the use of his truck, as he wouldn't be using it.  We thanked him very much and took him up on his offer.

As it turns out, Gary and his son Donald, were going to a wake for a deceased Sheridan FF who died of an aneurism while responding to a call.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, and the entire NY State firefighting family on their loss.

It seemed a bit funny driving into Dunkirk.  We could go so fast compared to the bike.  Can someone explain to Rick again why we didn't drive?  Yes, that's right, for the adventure and journey. 

Anyway, we saw a gorgeous sunset over Lake Erie.  It's hard to imagine a lake that just seems to go on forever; and Erie isn't the largest of them.  The idea just boggles the mind.  The night was quiet and we got some good rest in order to start our day headed for PA.  We were able to get "outta Dodge" before the road construction got into full swing, which was nice.  Since we were passing through Dunkirk, we stopped at the Tim Horton's for breakfast and WiFi, then made our way west on NY 5, Bicycle Route 517.  This was our road for the majority of the day.

Rick, Bruce S., and Nola

A little ways into our journey we were met by another cyclist, Bruce S. riding the opposite way on a recumbent, fully loaded for touring.  He was headed East, following the Underground Railroad path from Alabama to NY.  His destination was Syracuse, NY.  Bruce was a delight to talk with, funny, interesting, and full of life.  It made our day to have the chance to meet him.  He gave us a tip on recumbent bikes and suggested Long Bikes as a manufacturer.  That will be one we check out for sure.  

After leaving Bruce and making our way ever closer to PA, we were overtaken by two cyclists out for what we expect was a training ride.  They did hold back a bit for us, so as to let us keep up with them to chat for a little while.  Nice guys and interested in our journey.  They took their leave and eventually turned around because we saw them coming back the other way.  Without a trailer full of gear, we could beat them, easily.  Now, if you believe that we have a canal in NY you can buy.

The terrain today was a bit more hilly, rolling hills, than the last few.  It is still very rural for the most part dotted with small farms and quite a few vineyards.  As we rolled past the multitude of rows of vines, you can make out each bunch of grapes as it cascades down the vines like small green waterfalls.  What Rick doesn't understand is, if little kids can have lemonade stands on the side of the road, why can't wineries have little stands?  We did ride by one that was open and offering tastings.  The general consensus was that it probably wouldn't be our best decision to stop.  So we pushed on, contemplating the idea of retracing this trip next year, only with the motorcycle.  So what could possibly go wrong with stopping for wine tastings while operating a motorcycle?

At one point during our ride today, we got a bit homesick because of the signs.  When you see that you are entering the Town of Portland, you can't help but think of all your friends and family.  We know you are all wishing us well and that is what keeps us going.  Well, that and the song, "Indiana Wants Me."

After riding for nine days across NY, we feel a real sense of accomplishment making it to Pennsylvania.  With only one night here, we expect to be in Ohio tomorrow and for the next five days.  We are making progress!  There are thunderstorms in the area so we have to make sure the tent is secured and all is stowed safely.  Check back tomorrow and see how we fared!