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Day 30
Kasper's supposed to be in America

ROUTE: Liverpool to Amsterdam NY DISTANCE:  127 Miles WINDS:  Don't remember...not bad though
WEATHER:  Almost perfect...cool beginning but high of 78 by day's end. TERRAIN:  Rolling TOTAL CLIMBING: 1900 Feet

DAILY REPORT:  Well, we're closing in on the ocean...but first, we have another day in the saddle along the Mohawk River.  It's so beautiful here.  When we came through on our way out to the west coast, the trees weren't even thinking about opening their leaves yet, but now it's green everywhere.  Some of the foliage is just maturing because my sinuses seem to be revolting in this spring period.  I left home after the pollen season there just to arrive just in time for it to hit all along our route.

Our first challenge this morning was Kasper finding out that his family in Holland was having trouble getting on the plane to meet him at ride's end.  Seems his son's photo was on their passports as was the norm when they had the passports made, but now the son had to have his own.  Kasper had to go to the police station to send info confirming his son's authenticity.  First he went to the Liverpool police department...guess what, they were closed until 9:00.  Must not have any crime before 9:00 in Liverpool.  So Shane took him to the Syracuse police department to take care of business.  Luckily, the Syracuse department was much more  helpful and got him taken care of.  It did delay his family 1 day, but they got everything straightened out.  By the time Kasper got through, everyone was down the road about an hour.  Shane stayed back to help him ride off the back and they hammered up into the pack by the first SAG at 48 miles.  Two strong riders making up time...it was a sweet thing to see.

Our route today started out with 11 miles of navigating through Syracuse with all it's morning traffic, but after mile 12 we were in the quiet New York country side until mile 40.  After that, we basically rode 5 east all the way to Amsterdam.  In this area the terrain changes from rolling farmland to small plots along the Mohawk River Valley with mountains on either side of the river carpeted with greenery from the over abundance of moisture they've had lately.  I always enjoy riding through this area because of the scenery.  It's hard to believe how green it is here after being out in the desert west only 3 weeks ago.  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. 

Our final miles included several small towns like Utica and Herkimer with vibrant thoroughfares to break the monotony of the back roads.  In former times, these towns served an important role when the Erie Canal was in its heyday.  Herkimer was where the process for making paper out of wood pulp was perfected.

Everything seemed to be going well by the afternoon.  The intuitive navigation boys only had one road to ride and Kasper had caught up and was well into the group.  Plus, we were now riding in small towns most of the way.  I decided to swap with Shane so I could get in a little ride...40 miles would be fine.  Just needed something to take my mind off my stupid computer.  Some things you just can't do anything about so I might as well enjoy a ride.  Well, as it turned out I had a rather tough afternoon that didn't do much for my stress relief.  I'll expand on it in DID I REALLY DO THAT.

Tonight we staying in Amsterdam NY which was once a thriving textile center specializing in manufacture of carpets.  At one time they also had interest in the small computer industry, but now everywhere you look around the motel you see store fronts that are empty and it appears the town is dying.  It's a pity to see an old downtown die in such a beautiful area.

Well, we've finished another tough day in the saddle...I can't believe we have only 2 more days of riding.  Tomorrow's really hilly with at least 3 major climbs to contend with, but luckily the weather is supposed to be great for the rest of the way...there's always a good side.
DID I REALLY SAY THAT?:

"Kasper, your wife is going to be surprised when she finds out you are in Amsterdam and she's on a plane to the states."

"I tried shaving my legs last night, but I don't want to ride any faster."

"Anyone seen David and AJ?"
"No, but I know of a sticky buns bakery in Herkimer."
"They can't be too far then."

"I hate to see the ride end."

"Your police station doesn't open until 9:00?"

"Is there a hospital nearby?"
"No, why?"
"I reached for a cookie before taking my gloves off at the SAG and I think Barbara broke my arm."
"You were lucky, I had to buy a new helmet."

"#$%^&*&^%$#$%^)(*&^%^&*&^$%^%$#!

 DID I REALLY DO THAT?:

My day was not the best today.  Shane said I shouldn't play the lottery today...I'd probably have last week's winning numbers.  I spent the morning in the van trying to get the website back up...but the new computer didn't seem to want to work with my software...there's another 2 hours wasted.  That was just the first set back for the day...It mostly started in Herkimer where I buy a new watch every other year when I come through.  I stood in a long line for my watch, set it while I was standing in line, paid for it, and as I was walking out to the van, it died...geeze.  I went back in to exchange it.  When the sales lady did the exchange, I didn't have a receipt.   I assured her that I just purchased that watch a few minutes ago and the cashier must not have given me one.  Now we had to go through the ID thing with a supervisor to approve the transaction...it took a pretty long time to complete.  I'd tell you how much time it took, but I didn't set my new watch until it was all over.  Finally, with new watch in hand, I left the store for a nice ride...first computer crash, now a brand new watch crash...what next?

Karen and I were now on the road...wait, something's wrong with my bottom bracket...oh, my crankarm is falling off.  I stopped and dug out my tools to tighten my crankarm...back in business.  About 5 miles down the road I heard a pop and seemed to run over something metal laying in the road.  I was curious so I went back to see what it was...wow, that looks like a spoke...it was...it was mine!  I'd broken a spoke and it had completely separated from the wheel and clanked along my chainstays.  Now I had a broken wheel...call Shane.  To make matters worse, 7 riders passed me sitting on the side of the road holding my wheel and they rode by Shane who was parked about a mile ahead and didn't tell him that I was broken down.  Finally, I got my cell phone to work and Shane arrived with a replacement spoke.  What length spoke do I need?  Oops, I just threw my old broken one into the Mohawk River...now nothing to compare.  Finally fixed, Karen and I were back rolling.  About a mile down the road again my luck finally changed for the better.  A lady turned in front of us just as we were coming into town, but quick reactions by both Karen and I resulted in us avoiding her efforts to take us out...finally, something positive to embrace from the last 2 hours of the day.  I was ready for a hot shower, some food, and a little sleep.  Oh, I didn't have to work on the computer that evening...life was good.

DID I REALLY SEE THAT?

I needed to check with a wise one about a confusing cue on the route sheet, but he didn't give a hoot.

Not sure that wheel will fit.
   
   

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