Erie, PA to Buffalo, NY 91 miles and 2878 feet of climbing

 

It rained on and off for our entire ride today from Erie, PA, to Buffalo, New York. The route pretty much paralleled the coastline of Lake Erie. However, you could only see the lake intermittently. Either when we passed a marina or on the few occasions when we passed houses that were close to the water.  

After the 91 miles, all the bikes were covered with road soot, as were all the riders. It was a day of many flat tires. The rain always seems to bring up little metal shards and staples from the asphalt. You can't see them as you are riding, but they are there. Despite the rain and the punctures, most of the riders persisted and finished in a reasonable time. They set up a bike washing station in front of the hotel, which everyone took advantage of right away upon arriving. 

After washing my bike and showering, I did my laundry at the hotel's guest laundry room. I found myself dosing off as I waited for my clothes to dry. Dinner helped me regain my energy. It was "catered" here at the hotel tonight and it was actually pretty good. Chicken parmesan, salad, and rolls. 

After dinner, a few of the riders got an Uber to Niagra Falls. I saw the falls last time I was here in 2019, and I think they will find that it is worth the trip to see it. 

We now have only six full riding days left until the end of this seven-week journey. A few days ago, I mentioned to one rider that when I finished my last cross-country ride in 2019, I didn't want it to end. I then added that I didn't feel the same way about this ride. His response was, 

"Well, you know the old saying, 'You can never go home."

I thought he made a good point; no ride is going to be as meaningful or as exhilarating as it was the first time you did it. But, it is undeniable that my bike troubles early on, as well as the way I was treated by the tour staff, have greatly shaped my perception of this overall experience. How could it not? 

With all that being said, it has still been great fun. I never forget how blessed I am to have the time, the means, and the health to be able to ride my bike all day, every day for seven weeks, and see this great country.