Saturday, June 18, 2011

Day 42 - Hamburg, NY to Canandaigua, NY. 3,000 Miles and counting

Day 42
Hamburg, NY to Canandaigua, NY
95 Miles with perfect weather. Everything felt great today.

Today's route started in the nice little town of Hamburg and we had rolling climbs all the way to Canandaigua.
At mile 27 we reached another milestone.
                                               3,000 miles down and 400 remaining.
When we hit these mileage markers it really gives me a positive boost. I remember how great I felt at 1,000 and 2,000 but 3,000......that feels GREAT.
Our "Human 3,000" The part of the 3 is played by Penny & Chris, Debbie is the comma and Dave, Adrianne and myself are the zero's

After posting this picture I can see how this might not look so great but let me assure the this $8.99 Denny's Lumberjack Slam breakfast was heavenly this morning. Fried eggs, links, bacon, ham, hash browns, pancakes toast and coffee was the perfect way to start the day. I think tomorrow morning might be a Denny's breakfast treat again. If I never eat another hotel waffle of fake hotel eggs it will be to soon.
The New York countryside was quite pretty today. More wheat & corn with a measure of vineyards and strawberries. The sweet smell of early summer filled the air and brought smile to our faces until....

                                            .......The Truck of Stink crossed our path.
Call it whatever you like but this big tanker truck was filled with prime grade A liquefied poop and it was spraying it out at a rapid pace much to close to the shoulder of the road. I'm grateful that we were not experiencing a side wind at this time. 
Sometimes the routes that we ride have small problems like we had today. Bridge "closed" is no big deal.

                                                   Bridge GONE causes a little bit bigger issue
So, Ruby Jean gets a shoulder ride around and over through the mud until we reach the other side.

                                            I have yet to come up with a great caption......

About 30 miles from the end of the day we had a drink stop in Avon, NY. This was a very nice town with well kept homes and a nice old town center.
                            The Avon Fire Dept opened their doors (and restrooms) to us.
Lake Canandaigua was our stop for the day. Sunshine and blue waters were really and nice way to begin our after ride cool down.
We were joined by our new local friends Jim, John and the 2 Robins with our post ride recovery drinks. Whenever someone asks "where did you ride from" it usually starts a good conversation.
Dinner tonight was at the grocery store....Wegmans grocery is very nice and along with having a large grocery they also have a fine selection dinner selections. Caribbean Jerk Chicken and corn of the cob with a local micro brew was the perfect end to the day.

Three great things happen tomorrow.
1. We have a nice ride to Syracuse
2. I don't have to say or spell Canandiagua any longer.
3. Fathers Day, Happy Father's Day Dad....I love you.

Dream BIG, Jeff


Friday, June 17, 2011

Day 41 -Erie, PA to Hamburg, NY - Riding along Lake Erie to New York

Day 41
Erie, PA to Hamburg, NY
80 Miles, slight wind to our backs and cool temps

Today was a great launch to the last week of the ride, the winds were favorable and the temperatures were mild.
When leaving the harbour I noticed this boarder patrol boat, 4 - 300HP outboards. The boat was only about 25 ft and very light. I wonder how fast this 1,200HP monster will go.

                                                                 New York !!  There are milestones along the ride that really feel great to reach. Crossing the Mojave, Flagstaff, Texas, 1,000 mile mark, 2,000 mile mark and today crossing into New York.
The ride along the lake had some great views, it is really amazing to think about the size of this lake.
The Sea Wolf
Mechanic Rick & Dandy Driver Debbie
Part of the crew getting in a good day of riding
We rode past miles and miles of grapes

The Aero Bars on Ruby Jean are designed to allow me to get into a tuck position to reduce wind resistance and they also work perfect to carry a 12 pack to the hotel for a group happy hour..one each.

The next 7 days will have some great scenery, big climbs and long distances. I can't begin to tell you how excited I'm getting about reaching the goal of the Atlantic Ocean.

Thanks again for following along and remember that this ride is to help Big Brothers Big Sisters. I really appreciate the donations and remember that 100% of the money raised goes directly to Big Brothers Big Sisters via the First Giving link above.

Tomorrow - 3,000 Mile Crossing to Canandigua, NY.

Dream BIG, Jeff