Today I found some new friends
I was the last one out of camp this morning. After replacing my rear tire I don't think I had enough sealant on hand so I've been having to pump it up everyday. Also gosh I was the late starter at 8:30. Well I headed out and continued following the Empire State Trail. We heard at the brewery that the home of Remington arms was the next town over. Now regardless of your position on the nature of guns in America and the world when you hear that one of the nation's oldest and largest manufacturers is in the next small town over, I think it's worth a swing by.
This led to a fun serendipitous day. We've been leap frogging a couple of bike packing groups over the last few days including one from the Lancaster, PA area. I met these three gals back in Lockport and after a hello the conversations started and I found myself being invited go ride with them for the day which I did! First Jen, Abbie, Vicky and I stopped in Little Falls for a quick 2nd breakfast as they called it. Coming over the bridge I was warned by how much these falls reminded me of Sioux Falls' own waterfall with reddish rocks and old industry buildings on the banks.
We then continued on the trail. It was so fun to ride with these gals as they were on I think day 6 of their adventure. They were still very much in a mode of discovery. They worked together well as a group having different roles that played to their strengths often checking in with each other. They make an awesome team.
One of the first things we discovered was this hillside spring/faucet/spigot thing. I've noticed especially yesterday and today that the terrain is changing again. We're leaving the farmlands and headed back towards the mountains of Appalachia. The water was quickly coming from this pipe and spraying into a drain below. It felt absolutely delightful on the skin and the head as it was yet again +80* I even tried a sip. No signs said don't drink and a pickup truck arrived saying that it was potable. Didn't have much more than a sip but it tasted alright. To be honest I've had some tap waters that wished they tasted like that.
The gals had met another team of adventurers headed the other way a few days prior that mentioned this little church off the trail that had a nice rest stop for cyclists. So finding that was the next order of business. We struck out in the first town we tried, Fort Plain. Jen even asked an Amish farmer hanging out in his carriage if he knew anything. He did not but offered us ice cream sandwiches! Did I mention it was hot? For sure of the highlights of the day.
Onward we went and eventually did find the church in Sprakers. It was a wonderful gift what this congregation provides. Water, pop, snacks bike parts, spare tubes and more. They treat the trail as part of their mission for their community and we are better for it.
It was a great time talking to these women. They each have such varied pasts and currents. They know each other though work, church, and a love of adventure. We talked about careers, ice cream, highlights struggles from my trip, biking in PA/SD, chickens, farming and much more. Never did I feel pressured to go faster or catch up as our speeds meshed well. The day just flowed by.
We parted ways in Amsterdam as they and a few other bikepacking groups we've met on the trail were staying at the castle. (Totally uncoordinated between each other I might add) It literally looks like a castle. It was then another 20 miles for me down to Schenectady and the rest of the group. Good thing I've been practicing my defense riding as I was chased by a city bus down main street.
We met up with one of Alex's good bike friends from here out east, Geoff. Geoff was an absolute delight. He brought us supplies for margaritas and we just told stories and laughed and laughed. I told Geoff I was excited to meet him as he also is not a tiny human who likes nice bikes and loves to share his love of cycling. Also Barb and Kurt are here! It's another sign we're nearing the end of our journey. They're going to help carry our bags the last few days across Vermont and New Hampshire as well as take the bikes home.
Super was at an Irish pub after striking out at our first couple stops. Who would have thought it would be hard to get a group of nine to a cool local restaurant on a Friday eve. It was still wonderful and a great way to wind down from the day. They had a band playing out on the patio and they were awesome. At one point they even gave Josh a tambourine. Guy's got rhythm.
'til next time
-Matt
Miles Ridden Today: 76.30
Feet Climbed Today: 417
Total Miles Ridden: 3,749.8
Total Feet Climbed: 87,000
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