TODAY'S TALES: 

We got a fairly early start today simply because that's the way we've come to do things.  Today was supposed to possibly be the last real easy day so there was no real hurry, but like usual when we load the bags, the parking lot gets empty pretty fast.  We rode a new route today from Little Falls.  Last year Karen and I went across the river to check out the roads and found a great, rolling road with plenty of scenery to take their minds off the vertical parts.  The new route had several pluses.  Usually we ride on hwy 5 out of Little Falls and find ourselves in a pretty thick fog bank every year as 5 goes up and down to the river which lends itself to being socked in at various places.  Our new route took us up on the bluff a little higher and well above the fog line plus we could see the entire Mohawk Valley from our riding vantage point...I think this route is a keeper.

It didn't take long for everyone to realize it was going to be a pretty fast day.  With the brisk tailwind pushing everyone along, I think everyone was cruising at a pretty good clip...or at least a little faster than they usually rode.  By the time Karen and I got to the bike path at about 50 miles, we had averaged over 22...and it was pretty hilly in spots.  Even on the bike path the wind helped at times...just a nice day all around.  I'm holding my breath that we can keep the weather all the way to the beach.  The weather man last night was apologizing to everyone about the cool temperatures...he must not be a biker or he should move to Alabama where I'll be next week and dreading to ride in heat and humidity.  He may be apologizing but we're rejoicing!

One highlight of the day was when the riders found a bake sale going on along the side of the road.  The Amish in this area sell their wares along the roadside and today they made a killin'.  I think the riders bought just about everything they had to sell.  Debbie's van was full of treats from snickerdoodles to apple pies and everyone was lucky she didn't dig into most of them as the aroma in her van was almost overwhelming.  At least I think all the stuff made it to the motel.

Our route took us out of Little Falls for about 3/4 of a mile where we crossed the Mohawk River and found our way to 5-S where we picked up New York Bike Route 5.  After passing through lots of rolling farm land and a couple small river towns, we found ourselves on the Mohawk Bike Trail.  The bike trail took us to Schenectady and northwest across the Mohawk River to Scotia, where we picked up the trail again.  Even though the path rode us along the river, we didn't see that much of the river until we neared Albany.  The biggest surprise was the hills on the path...a couple of steep ones to say the least.  On one, I painted, "Wasn't that fun" on the pavement near the top of the climb and I heard lots of grunting as everyone pedaled up the 10% slope.  I told everyone that today would be just a prelude to the next couple of days where we'll have plenty of climbing to wake up their climbing muscles.  Bill said he'd not been out of his big ring in so long he wasn't sure if his small ring would work...it better tomorrow.  There were a few portions of the bike trail that were a bit bumpy too because tree roots and weather have heaved up the pavement.  But since the last time we rode it, they have made tons of improvements with new pavement in many places.  Most of all, I think everyone enjoyed the time away from any traffic and the opportunity to sit up and ride at a leisurely pace...we didn't see one dump truck on the path...imagine that.

Riding on the path was leisurely for the riders, but a challenge for the staff in the vans.  It was hard to find roads that got us close to the paths at various points so we could support everyone if they had problems.  There were a couple places where the riders had to go for several miles before coming parallel with a road the vans could use.  Jim did a great job navigating through the streets of Schenectady to find the common points.  Luckily, no one needed assistance and all got in safely with little or no assistance necessary.

The riders are starting to realize that the ride is quickly coming to an end...only 3 more riding days.  I think many of them are starting to feel the emotions of the end...some are glad it's about over, but most hate to see it end.  The reality of the real world looms before us.  The next two days are pretty tough as we enter Vermont and the Green Mountains.  We'll have plenty of climbing over the next two days to wake up their legs and remind them that it's not all downhill to the beach just yet.  I told them that tomorrow would start their "Final Exam."  We'll get up early and get on the road...the first climb is about a half mile from our front door.  Everyone is really apprehensive about the climbs, but they fail to realize that although the days won't be easy by any definition, they are so much stronger than when they started and if they pace themselves they will make quick work of anything we'll throw at them between now and the beach.  Tune in to see how we do...I think they'll be surprised at how well they'll do tomorrow...see you then.

PS:  Always good to see our old friends Herb and Jean Insley...they seem to always pop up someplace on this day...good to see you both and thanks for the brownies!!!

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