Maine Bumpkins in the Big City

Eternal Life Sculpture

6 July 2012

Stats for the day:  Same as yesterday, no travel

Our gracious hosts, John and Laura, set us up with a great day of relaxation and sight seeing today.  Their help last night with the tour, and vast knowledge of the city made it easy for us to use the public transportation to go into downtown Cleveland, do a self-guided walking tour, have lunch at a wonderful brewery and pub, make it to the huge market place to get the fixings for supper, and get back to their place without once getting lost.  Not a bad trick for a couple of overwhelmed country folk.

We did manage to sleep in this morning, 8:30 is late for us.  We took some time to update yesterday's posts and then planned our day.  Before heading downtown, Rick checked the bike and found. . . yes you guessed it, another broken spoke.  It must have happened when we hit the pothole with all the water in it.  We missed most of them, but got sucked into that one.  Anyway, Nola called John and he got in touch with a friend, Josh, from a local bike shop who has agreed to make a house call and fix the spoke for us.  Rick is making dinner for everyone tonight as a thank you for all the wonderful generosity and friendship we have experienced here in Ohio, and Cleveland especially.

Soldiers & Sailors Monument

One of many on the streets

The trip downtown was amazing.  It is quite a beautiful city, with various forms of architecture, loads of public art, parks and fountains; you name it, they have it.  We can only post so many of our multitude of pictures from today, but don't worry, we will make up a PowerPoint slide show to display when we get home.  We can see everyone looking at the their watch going, "Oh my, time for us to go. Sorry." 

Some of the most memorable sites were the Soldiers and Sailors monument, the Hard Rock Cafe, and the various forms of art placed all around the city.  Because the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is here in Cleveland, there are large, beautifully decorated guitars all along the streets and in the parks.  The imagination that went into all of the designs is magnificent.  We had a blast just catching sight of them as we did our tour. 

The West End Market was simply overwhelming.  The shear size of the buildings and the number of vendors was staggering.  One could spend many hours of just browsing trying to decide what to get and where.  We managed to focus and get what we needed for dinner tonight before getting burned out by the options, and made it to the bus just in the nick of time to make the ride back to the house. 

Of course, we did this all in 90+ degree heat.  John came home this afternoon and said he saw a digital thermometer reading on his drive that read 101 degrees.  Now that is some tough heat. 

It will be back on the road tomorrow for us as we head towards New London, OH.  Looks to be about a 60 or so mile day.  Check back when you can to see if the heat breaks around here or not. 

Word of the Day: Undulating

Tower City at night

5 July 2012

Stats for the day:

Depart Thompson, OH 8:00 a.m., arrive Cleveland, OH 3:00 p.m.

Trip mileage – 885.0 miles

Today’s mileage – 51.55 miles

Time on bike –4:16:34

Average Speed – 12.1 mph

Max speed – 46.0 mph

 

 "Red sky at night, sailor's delight; red sky at morning, sailors take warning."  We had a real red sky at sunrise this morning.

 

Last night's sporadic thunderstorms held on into the morning as we packed up and prepared to head for Cleveland.  Just as we were putting the finishing touches to the trailer, the rain started pouring down and we scampered to a covered area to finish up and have some breakfast.  Luckily, this would be the only real rain we would see for the day.

 

It was a rough start to the day for Rick.  Leg sore and tired, he was having a hard time getting everything to work correctly.  The hardest part was that the roads were up and down, like a sine wave, from the campground until we got just outside Cleveland.  During one of his gripe sessions, Rick made the comment about undulating like a sine wave, so we new we had to make sure that part got into the blog today.  Things did get better after a rest stop to for food and coffee.  Some days he really does need his coffee.  

The terrain evened out a bit and the ride went smoothly as we closed in on Lake Shore Boulevard, the route we had chosen to take us along the lake, then into Cleveland proper.  Who ever said Ohio is flat, didn't ride the route we took.  Lunch was a very enjoyable event at Sandy's Frozen Whip & Coney Island Foot Long Hot Dogs, located at the intersection of Lake Shore Blvd. and Brazil Street.  If you like hot dogs and chilli, this is the place to go!  Both of us enjoyed the food, Nola with her burger and shake, Rick wolfing down two dogs and a lemonade.  We give it four stars!

The ride along Lake Shore Blvd. was fantastic as it was quiet and went by the most spectacular homes; gated and fenced mansions that sprawled across manicured lawns and sculptured shrubs.  Needless to say, the area was not for the common folks, like us, pedaling by.  We eventually came right alongside the lake and stopped for a photo and realized we were still along Lake Erie.  It just brings home the fact that the Great Lakes, truly are great in size.  It's like looking at a fresh water sea. 

 

As we turned off from the waterfront and made our way into Cleveland, we came across some highly, and brightly, decorated dragons along the way.  We later learned they are part of a public art display commemorating the Year of the Dragon.  

Our hosts for the evening, John and Laura, members of the Warm Showers group, welcomed us with this lovely art work!  It is a tremendous boost to our confidence to know that we have come this far.  After a little rest and a great shower, we sat and visited, talking about bikes, routes, trips, and tours.  Both John and Laura are avid cyclists and outdoors people; and we reveled in their telling us of their trips and adventures.  

After a wonderful dinner, enjoyed on shaded backyard patio, we ventured out with them for ice cream at Scoops and a tour of the city.  There is nothing better than eating ice cream as we wander the local neighborhood, seeing the sights and learning the history of a new city. 

We will be enjoying Laura and John's hospitality for another day, as they graciously agreed to let us take a day off here in Cleveland to sight see and just get rested up.  We look forward to venturing out and taking some time to learn a little about this city on the Erie.  Check back later to see what we did and get a glimpse at the multitude of pictures we will no doubt take.

Long Hot Day

 4 July 2012

Stats for the day:

Depart Erie, PA 7:15 a.m., arrive Thompson, OH 3:30 p.m.

Trip mileage – 833.4 miles

Today’s mileage – 64.36 miles

Time on bike – 5:25:25

Average Speed – 12.0 mph

Max speed – 39.0 mph

Happy July 4^th everyone.  Be safe tonight while out watching the fireworks. 

Brick silo (left)

We survived the thunderstorms last night in Erie.  They were pretty spectacular, with booming thunder and lightning streaking across the sky.  The City of Erie even put up their fireworks last night, as a competition with Mother Nature.  We couldn’t see the artificial fireworks, so we have no way to compare.

The evening was spent getting caught up on rest and a very nice visit with our host family from Warm Showers, Tom, Alicia, and kids.  We had a chance to discuss bikes, recumbent models, and trikes, as Tom is an avid cyclist.  Once the fireworks, both natural and manmade quieted down, we were able to get right to sleep.

No bright sunshine to greet us this morning as it was overcast and threatening rain in the Erie area.  But as we headed west, out of PA and into Ohio, the skies cleared and it got hot and muggy, making for a very physically taxing day for both of us.  We did see some interesting sights today though with the first being the brick silo.  Can’t say we have ever seen one like this before, very unique. 

We stopped to rest at the town square in Kingsville, OH.  What a beautiful spot, with a large shaded lawn, gazebo, benches scattered around the entire square, and a bell dedicated to the members of the Kingsville Township Volunteer Fire Department members, past and present. 

Squares like this are the best places to stop because they always have some interesting historical nuances that make them special.  For this one, there is a gorgeous flowerbed with markers dedicated to all the wars.  It made for a very simple, but significant tribute to all who have served defending the U.S.A. 

Pat, these pictures of the bike are just for you!  And look, no Bottle around at all!  He was very disappointed and made a point to remember how you treated him.

Before we headed out, this truck, hauling the trailer with hay caught our eye.  Rick has been known to do something similar while helping Abe and his family on the farm in Indiana.  This just wetted his appetite for farm work.

Western Reserve Greenway Trail

Part of our route today took us along the Western Reserve Greenway Trail for about ten miles.  It was lovely to be off the road for a bit.  However, after getting off the Greenway we hit dirt and gravel roads for the majority of the remainder of the day.  Roads like that make for a lot of hard pedaling.  We made it to our campground, tired, sweaty, hot, tired, and sweaty...  Okay, you get the picture.  Now to tank up on the fluids, have some supper and make our way to the office for ice cream. 

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!

Easy day of riding

2 July 2012

Stats for the day:

Depart Buffalo, NY 8:00 a.m., arrive Sheridan Bay Park Campground, Dunkirk, NY 1:50 p.m.

Trip mileage – 710.8 miles

Today’s mileage – 41.29 miles

Time on bike –3:20:39

Average Speed – 12.3 mph

Max speed – 27.5 mph

We have met some truly wonderful people in our travels this summer, and Cliff and Carol are no exception.  As part of the Warm Showers group, they graciously opened their backyard for our tent, and their dinner table for a fabulous meal.  We were honored to meet their mothers, Joyce and Donna, along with Carol’s brother, Bill.  It was a treat to spend time with these folks, and even Bottle had a great time.  Thanks for everything!

A clear blue sky greeted us as we made our way back to the Trail in Buffalo, taking it to the end, then doing surface roads to our next destination.  We stopped for breakfast just in time as Rick and Bottle seemed to need some extra help this morning.  After a breakfast sandwich and some coffee, everything was right with the world and we moved along.

We have traveled mostly on NY Route 5, Bicycle Route 517 West today (although we were actually traveling south).  As we pedaled along, we stopped to rest at a viewing spot along side Lake Erie, and looked back at Buffalo.  It’s a bit hazy, but you can just make out the city skyline.

It’s been a beautiful day for riding, as we tooled along the roads passing small fields of corn and what we think is soybean.  Not that far south of Buffalo, we passed this vineyard with row upon row of grapevines.  What a lovely site to behold as the leaves sparkled in the sunlight, being tussled by the ever-present westerly breeze. 

As this was a shorter day, we made the trip in relatively good time; though it could have been better.  No summertime trip would be complete without at least one construction stoppage.  Well, here is ours.  They had the road down to one lane, stopping one end, then the other.  Lucky for us, they were only re-surfacing the closed side, so when we got past the area they were working on, we scooted inside the coned lane and made our way to the other end.  They must have figured we would do that, because they let traffic go from the far end before we made it to the finish line. 

Luck would have it that our campground is right at the end of their current work zone, yippee.  Now we get to wake up to the sounds of backup alarms and heavy machinery tomorrow.  Oh well.  It’s all part of the journey. 

Touristy Day

1 July 2012

 

Stats for the day:

Depart Lockport, NY 8:30 a.m., arrive Buffalo, NY 3:45 p.m.

Trip mileage – 669.5 miles

Today’s mileage – 38.58 miles

Time on bike –3:26:20

Average Speed – 11.2 mph

Max speed – 18.7 mph

 

After yesterday's grueling 73 mile day, we located an overnight stop in Buffalo through the Warm Showers organization giving us a wonderfully short day of riding today.  Because of the short distance, we took advantage of the Town of Lockport and visited a local diner, Tom's, for breakfast; then made the short walk to the historic and new locks just behind the diner.  What a classic example of older and new technologies.  

Old Locks (5)

New Locks (2)

The old canal used five locks to make the 70 foot lift/drop over what is known as the Niagara Escarpment. The new locks only need two, to do the same thing.  We got to watch as a Canal Tour boat made it's way up the canal using the locks.  Truly an amazing movement of water to get the boat up to the height it needed, 567 feet above sea level.  Also in the town is a great little tourist center and museum that is all about the canal.  It would take a full day of reading just to go through some of the artifacts.

 

After going through the locks, the tour boat then made it's way under the widest bridge in the U.S., at 399 feet wide.  One has to wonder why they didn't just tack on the extra foot to make it 400 feet.  It's that wide because it covers the canal and allows for an intersection as well.  We went over it to get to the tourist center and museum.  

 

Our ride from Lockport to Buffalo was leisurely, and we took advantage of the frequent parks and rest areas along the Canal Trail.  A good part of it was paved, especially the closer you get to Tonawanda where the canal actually starts.  From Lake Erie to the Canal, you take the Niagara River, which we cycled alongside, and is used a lot for recreational purposes.  One of the neatest things we saw was these bike/paddle boats.  

Niagara River

We did make a stop at a McDonald's in North Tonawanda to take advantage of the wireless internet available in order to check directions for overnight with Cliff and Carol.  Buffalo has some nice bike lanes and wide roads, which is nice.  

Along the route, we came across Rick's next project; that is Castle Urban.  Of course for now we are happy to have Squatter's Place in the backyard at Cliff's and Carol's.  A wonderful spot to rest and enjoy the company of new friends before heading out for Dunkirk, NY. 

Squatter's Camp

Soon to be Castle Urban

The Blustery Day

30 June 2012                                    to view Bottle's Blog go to bottlestravels2.blogspot.com

Stats for the day:

Depart Pittsford, NY 8:35 a.m., arrive Lockport, NY 7:35 p.m.

Trip mileage – 630.8 miles

Today’s mileage – 73.92 miles

Time on bike –6:36:26

Average Speed – 11.2 mph

Max speed – 25.0 mph

Once upon a time there lived two people, a man and a woman, who set out on a cross country trek to visit family in the distant land of Indiana.  Being of unsound minds, everyone says so, they decided to make this trip on bicycle.  Silly, silly, silly.  It's not really silly to do the trip, it's silly to plan for 70+ miles per day.  We have learned our lesson!  We have also learned that as the day grows long, the wind grows strong, so we need to be done biking by four of five p.m. in order to not wear ourselves out fighting against the constant western gusts.  Head winds make for tough biking.

We had a wonderful time with our new friends, Jarrett and Barbara in Pittsford.  After a great night's sleep and hearty breakfast, we were on our way.  As you may remember from an earlier post, we have been anxious to see a lock in operation; well, we saw it today.  As we came upon Lock 32,we stopped to just check it out, when the lower gates opened and very nice sail boat, under motor power, pulled into the lock.  The gates shut, and within five minutes, they had pumped enough water into the lock to allow the boat to continue it's trip up Canal.  

All day long, we played leap frog with the boat as they made their way to Chicago, hoping to make it through all the locks before 10:00 p.m. when they are no longer manned and operated.  On at least four occasions when we caught up to them, and passed them, we had some very nice, but short, conversations about the benefits of both types of transportation.  Our similar gripe was the wind and how it was slowing us down.  Our trip took us off the Canal Trail in Gasport, so we don't know if they ever made their destination in time.  

The vast majority of our cycling time today was on the Trail, so again a very windy and dusty day.  But there were no breakdowns, difficult road crossing or trail findings, so all in all a great day.  There are a multitude of picturesque small towns scattered along the banks of the Canal, with names like Fairport, Spencerport, Brockport, and Adams Basin.  All with close ties to the workings, or at least past workings, of the Canal. 

On our journey thus far, we have had the exceptional opportunity to meet some very friendly folks along the way, and today was no exception.  While having a rest at Adam's Basin, we met two other cyclists out enjoying the day, Mitch and Laura.  We had a lovely chat about bicycling, phones, and technology, and swapped information.  Just a little while later we got a nice email from them wishing us the best and safe travels.  Another example of how many great people are in the world.  We love it!

At one point, we crossed over a river that actually ran under the Canal.  A very interesting thing to have happen when you think about the size of the Canal and the weight of the water that has to be help up by the aqua duct.  Nola got a great picture of the fall of the river.

Seeing that sailboat make its way up the Canal, made Rick wonder what it would be like to do the same, and leisurely sail the canal to check out the villages, towns, and cities along the way.  Maybe that adventure will happen some day.  But for now, we take our rest in Lockport, NY at Niagra County Camping Resort.  As planned and executed by our dear friends, we have in our possession a new/used trailer hitch and the turn by turn directions we had left behind in Rutland.  A huge thank you to Ralph for the hitch and Andrea for the directions.  We are still deciding what we will do tomorrow, Sunday, so check back in and see if we took the day off, or headed out again.  One thing we can guarantee is that it won't be a seventy mile day!