Today I had a prove it day
Camping was just fine on the locks though the dew was pretty heavy this morning. A couple of drips were my alarm clock.
I wanted to push myself today. I've been having these moments of feeling stronger where I've been riding long and measured or short and fast. I wanted to see if I could do long and fast. Well at least fast by my metrics.
So after doing some quick real job work. (On a picnic table using my phone for internet) I set myself a goal of 14 mph over the day. That would really be a good push but I thought I could make it happen. When I started this journey I was plenty happy to be doing 10-12 mph averages so a bump to 14 would be quite something.
We continued out along the Erie Canal following the empire state trail. We were told of detours ahead so they weren't too surprising. They took us back towards the highways but there were wide shoulders and pretty good signage. Aa we head further east we're encountering some of the original offshoots of the Canal and while the main channel seems to be in good condition, the same can not be said for these other pieces. Large areas have become disconnected from the main flow returning to an almost marsh like condition. Other sections no longer exist at all. Others were drained but were left as parks as a tribute to the history of these communities.
The dry docks were a neat sight to encounter. Still in use today these serve as a critical hub incase boats and barges need repair. They bring it in, moor it and then drain the water from the dock area.
Encountered a farm stand on one highway advertising fruits, veggies, and baked goods. After striking out in Canada, I wasn't going to miss my chance. They had all sorts of lovely options including bean, cucumbers, peppers, raspberries, peaches, cinnamon rolls, cookies, bars, pies and more. The lady I talked to said this is how her family sells its wares. Everything comes though the stand instead of though wholesale or farmers markets. I picked up a basket of fresh peaches and some chocolate chip cookies.
We stopped in Jordan for some true New York style pizza. By the slice and foldable. Manvel had picked up a traveling friend along the eau and he joined us as well. Now that we're back on some more major bikepacking routes, we've been encountering more travelers. It's fun to share stories and ideas for the journeys ahead.
After Jordan I pushed to the front to continue my quest to get my 14mph. Almost to Syracuse I get a call from Manvel asking if I still had the peaches. I look at my bag and I do not. The panier was unclipped from lunch, and the peaches had fallen out and splayed on the trail where they were found by Art and Manvel. Nooooooo!!!! I was so excited for a farm picked ripe summer peach. There were a couple consolation feelings. I confirmed that I still had the cookies when I got a text from Art enjoying a peach. Well at least one was salvageable.
Into Syracuse where we reconnected, and to my great surprise Manvel had salvaged one peach for me. Seems a few more of the fruits were still intact and had not gone unenjoyed. It was so very good, perfectly ripe and wonderfully sweet.
We headed into Syracuse and found our hotel for the night. Sounds like it will be wet tomorrow so some time inside is appreciated. The modern marvel of air conditioning is a delightful treat after 70 miles in 90 degree sunshine. I went through 6 liters of water today.
Oh and my push goal of 14mph. I hit it and I am darn proud of myself. Tomorrow I might be zonked but for today I'll take the victory.
Supper was at a really good Mexican restaurant just around the corner from the hotel. We didn't spend a ton of time exploring. Weather dependent the plan tomorrow is to head another 70 miles eastward.
'til next time
-Matt
Miles Ridden Today: 74.05
Feet Climbed Today: 902
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