Today I re-learned my geography.
Today was spent mostly along the historic Erie canal. A major hub of trade during the early 19th century it has mainly now serves as a source of recreation. Saw some really cool things along the way including pivoting train bridges and drawbridges. To be honest somewhere in my head I had through the Erie Canal was in Pennsylvania. Well turns out it's been in New York the whole time!
We had noticed what seemed to be an impossible elevation drop on the map and thought surely there was a glitch. Canals don't just drop off. Well in Lockport I discovered that it wasn't an error but rather a series of locks designed to help bridge the elevation difference . Historically these were a series of 5 locks and one side maintains these historic gates just for show. The other side has been modernized to a series of 2 locks that are still in operation. I even got to see several boats go through. I saw locks back on the Mississippi River but these ones let you be right next to and over the lock!
There was a thunderstorm that rolled through Lockport right before I got there so the gravel trail became rather sloppy. Thankfully it dried off and made for some enjoyable smooth riding. My rear tire has started to go flat so at this point it may be time for a replacement. It lasted nearly 1600 miles I estimate so I will consider that a good tire.
Alex and I stopped in Albion at the Cone Zone for some ice cream because it's been a HOT day. The thermometer said 86 in the shade. We were then tipped off about a really pretty set of falls just off the canal in Holley. It was worth the detour.
Ended the day in Brockport camping right on the edge of the canal. If i was much closer I would be wet. We had wings for supper and between 4 of us 50 wings vanished pretty quickly. Now we continue our adventures along the canal.
'til next time
-Matt
Miles Ridden Today: 77.59
Feet Climbed Today: 417
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