Today I saw a giant waterfall.
Another long day but there were some cool moments along the way. We rolled through Hamilton and discovered that they have a large amount of dedicated cycle infrastructure. Protected lanes dedicated signals etc. It still seems novel to me when the directions say go the wrong way down a one way. Except for bikes it's totally OK and it's signed that way too.
We then went down to the shores of Lake Ontario for a few miles. The size of the great lakes is quite something to behold. There were several beach goers out seeking some fun and relief from the heat. It was a warm one for sure I went through well over a gallon of water I bet throughout the day. After we left the lakefront we continued on the lakefront trail however it seemed deceiving as we didn't really see the lakefront again.
Lunch was in Grimsby and then we headed for the countryside. Oh my, another chance to play road farmer. This time we were in heavy wine country. Alex said there were over 50 wineries in the area. Where there weren't vines there were orchards. Peach, cherry, pear, nectarine, apple so many choices. It is high peach season here. Rolling along the orchards we saw harvests in progress and the smell was amazing. The air smelled almost of peach pie.
2 big climbs today out of the lake basin. I've been wondering if I've been getting stronger (you know that whole imposter thing) and Alex gave me high praise for my climbing. It made me feel really proud that I could power up these climbs.
The destination for the day was Niagara Falls. As we got closer it still seemed very rural. Then bam we were in town and rolling with heavy traffic. Thankfully there was a painted bike lane but still. They are driving 1 ton plus hunks of steel and I am on my little bike. We made it through in one piece.
Niagara Falls seems to be divided into two parts. The town and the tourist hub. The town seems like any other town with schools houses and small commercial areas. The tourist area is like the Vegas strip with towering hotels and flashing lights everywhere. We even got an upgrade to our hotel room. Up to the 12th floor and we can see the falls out the window!
I had a steak supper to celebrate getting through Canada and then we went down to the riverfront. It wouldn't be a trip to without seeing the falls. The power of the water is amazing to behold. The utter inconsequential insignificance that one gallon has to one second of these features is awe inspiring.
Also this is the border yet again. Just a week ago we were staring at this foreign land known as Canada. Now we're looking from the other side with the United States just over the river.
We discovered that they do fireworks every night over the river and so that's how we ended the day. I really just tried to take in the wonder of the moment and think about what I've accomplished. A question has been forming in my mind about what comes next. 4 years of planning and were less than 2 weeks from being done. I don't have an answer to that one yet but we'll see what's ahead.
'til next time
-Matt
Miles Ridden Today: 75.37
Feet Climbed Today: 1,355
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