DAILY DOINGS:  Nice to sleep in this morning.  With only 68 miles to go today, it was our last day to take it easy before we start the challenging portions that will try to block our way to the beach.  I think a few of the riders enjoyed the more leisurely departure, but there were a couple that were pacing around like a coiled spring just ready to pounce as soon as we opened the trailer.  Our bruises will heal from all the luggage that bounces off our back every morning.

Our route today took us through several small towns which allowed the riders to stop several times to take in some of the local fare.  It's nice to see vibrant downtowns that have survived the urban sprawl.  Towns like Geneva, Waterloo, and Seneca Falls all have neat old downtown areas and when the holidays like the 4th of July or Memorial Day come around, they are really hopping.  When we weren't riding through urban areas we were riding through rolling farmland frocked with corn, soybeans, and cabbage fields.  The terrain was rolling and many times we were treated with beautiful views of the scenic countryside (below right).  We're still seeing several vineyards...shame we couldn't stop and sample their wines.  Finally, near town we started to see the Erie Canal.  I'm not sure any of the riders noticed so I'll have to remind them that we'll be riding along it again tomorrow.

After riding all day on the wide shoulder of 5 and 20, our final miles were in urban Syracuse which definitely got a bit busier.  Although the traffic got a bit heavy on arrival, the streets were extra wide or had small shoulders which made room for bicycles.  The finish of today's ride was the first 5 miles of our usual Syracuse departure which will make tomorrow's ride a little shorter and less stressful.  We'll be able to get out in the country in 11 miles instead of the usual 18.

Where we are now is so different than out west where we didn't see settlements for miles and miles.  Here we are seldom out of sight of either a farm house or a town and it seems there's always an ice cream shop to stop at in these parts.  Speaking of farm lots, last year Karen and I got caught in a thunderstorm and sought shelter at a farm house.  Today as I drove by that farm, I stopped and said hello to Melvin and Alethe Knapp and reminded them Karen and I had stopped by during the storm last year.  They remembered and it was nice to rekindle a chance acquaintance.  Just another example of nice folks willing to lend a hand.

The short day allowed us to get in a bit early and get everything prepared for tomorrow.  Riders scattered all over town as they arrived...some stopped to eat while others stopped at the local library to do internet checks.  Other than that, not much happened out of the ordinary...just another successful day, everyone in safely.  During rap, Judy Barrett, a rider from last year's Ride the East, stopped by and brought goodies for the SAG tomorrow.  Nice to see you Judy, thanks for stopping by.

We are closing in on our quest...only 5 more days left...sad to see it end, but happy to be getting near the end.  We've made some great friends and will hate to see them go their separate ways soon.  But that's still 5 days away...we've still got to ride to Little Falls tomorrow.  See you then.  M

PS:  Got a note from Herb yesterday.  He's doing well and this prognosis is very good.  He's planning on finishing his trip across the country later this fall.  Great to hear he's doing well.  Herb...if you're reading, we really miss you out here and thanks for the note.

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