Day 50: Troy, NY to Battleboro, VT

COUNTDOWN TO THE FINISH LINE IN PORTSMOUTH, NH - JULY 24, 2007!!!














Day 50: 22 July 2007

Troy, NY (370 ft) to Brattleboro, VT (226 ft).
77 Miles.

Blog Address:
http://bikeboyglovach.blogspot.com

Videos on the WWW
http://public.box.net//greg98266
New Videos:

Day’s Theme:

Weather/Terrain:
Today’s weather was cool to start, but quite perfect all day really. It warmed up to about 80 with sunny skies, low humidity, and a slight head wind which made for a great riding day! We were on quiet and busy roads today – mostly route 9 across Vermont.

How I’m/we’re feeling:
I am doing very well, and today was a good day for all riders. There are only 2 days left – we are all excited, and trying to keep our wheels rolling…….

Notable Events:
Vermont towns – we passed through Bennington, Wilmington, and Brattleboro today – all three of these towns were charming and you didn’t really want to leave any of them!


Rider Profile: Brian Butler, 40, from Manchester, England.



Brian was born in Dublin, Ireland, and now lives in Manchester, England with his wife Debbie. “T4”, as we call him, is a terrific guy and very fun to be with. He is a driver for the local government in Manchester.
Brian and Debbie have just finished building a home just south of Valencia, Spain, and will likely move there within a couple years.
Brian is quite an accomplished and active rower. He hopes to complete a 2 person Trans-Atlantic row soon – an 8 week journey with just two guys and supplies! This is one reason he is T4.
Brian says:
“The greater the risk, the better the reward.”

Pictures:
What’s Happening:



Leaving Troy, we climbed immediately and were on some nice country roads.






At SAG I, Herb convinced Bobby to let him wear the magic coat. Arlene was surprised so wanted a picture on someone besides Bobby in the magic coat.
Herb proceeded to torture Bobby by jumping on his bike and riding away – he came back.









At 28 miles, we crossed into Vermont.
Only one more state after Vermont on our Cross Country Challenge!











At mile 34 along route 9, I stopped to take pictures of a stream and the road ahead.
This is what I see for hours each day behind those handlebars!
On the handlebars you will notice a route sheet, a cycle computer, and for today, my old buddy Serpie. Serpie has been a few places with me over the years, and I know he likes high country so I brought him out for Vermont.
He is squirmy though – that is why I must bungy him,,,,,,,,,,,











At mile 51, I rode past this lake.
Can you see the birds in the grass?









So, last night after the t-shirt swap, Robert wanted to swap jerseys with me – we traded my yellow cycling jersey (sorry Loridemus) for a La Baule! I wore that puppy to breakfast and let me tell you it was the talk of the day.
La Baule s the area in France where Bobby is from – “the most beautiful beach in Europe” he says!!
Viva La France!






One reward for getting your sorry ass to the top of a hill is that you get to see the beauty from there – these are the Green Mountains of Vermont.
I like those me.









Yes, I m fascinated with cemeteries – this one was along route 9 in Marlboro, VT.









From here, I also snapped a shot of Christine moving along……….






One journey today ended in Brattleboro, VT – nice place that.


Closing Note:
Many of you have already written to me that you are sad my journey is ending as you have enjoyed my journals. This has been a great experience, especially with the exceptional staff and good people assembled. Tomorrow night is our closing ceremonies, so, I may not write you until Wednesday.

Day 49: Little Falls, NY to Troy, NY

COUNTDOWN TO THE FINISH LINE IN PORTSMOUTH, NH - JULY 24, 2007!!!


















Day 49: 21 July 2007

Little Falls, NY (370 ft) to Troy, NY (370 ft).
83 Miles.

Blog Address:
http://bikeboyglovach.blogspot.com

Videos on the WWW
http://public.box.net//greg98266
New Videos:

Day’s Theme:
Mountain views, mountains ahead….

Weather/Terrain:
Today’s weather was cool to start, but quite perfect all day really. It warmed up to the mid 70s and sunny skies, low humidity, and a slight tail wind made for a great riding day! We were on quiet scenic roads, as well as a bike path for a significant part of the day.

How I’m/we’re feeling:
I am feeling spectacular, and my (remaining) CCC Riders are largely all feeling well also. At this point, many are concerned about “shit happening” the last couple days – and it does happen…..,.
One of the riders that joined us in Erie, a 70 year old gentlemen, fell today and banged his knee up pretty good – not sure but I think his tour is over also!

Notable Events:
Our day started out with me having a hotel flat (when you wake up and you have a flat before you even ride)! As Rocket, Jeff, Tim and I waited for Gerard to fix me up, we discussed our trip with a woman named Kristen. Rocket asked her if she ever did any bike touring – she replied “Yes, from Alaska to Argentina unassisted”. Impressive.


Rider Profile: Philippe Zivan Sussholz, 48, from Netanya, Isreal.



Philippe was born in Belgium, and now lives in Netanya, Israel, with his wife Ronit. They have three children and 5 grandchildren!
Philippe is a business owner, but personally is retired. He speaks 5 languages (Hebrew, English, French, Dutch, and German), and has travelled a bit to South America and Africa, and often to Europe, Asia, and the US.
He loves to learn, and is currently studying mathematics at Tel Aviv University.
His hobbies include running, chess, and traveling.

Philippe says:
“The real challenge is to be a good person.”

Pictures:
What’s Happening:



Today’s roads were quiet, and quickly we passed the historical site of Fort Klock, which is a restored English Fort from 1750.






The road passed through more hilly terrain than we have seen in days maybe weeks, and also through little towns like Fonda, NY.
These towns all have big brick buildings with nice store fronts.






We travelled largely on Route 5 today – nice scenery, beautiful weather, and little traffic.
Wonderbar.






Route 5 passed by this house built in 1749 – the home of Sir William Johnson.







We travelled along the Mohawk River quite a bit today, and by more locks of the Erie Canal.
This picture shows you the elevation difference between the two waterways.





Bike Boy posed for a picture at Lock 8 along the bike path.
Right after Tim took this picture, he was not even on his pedals and we heard the “hisssssssssssss” – a flat tire without even moving. The Glover brothers are gifted in this way………….






The bike path was lovely, with frequent views of the river, some marshes, and the communities we passed through.






There were GE buildings all around this area.






This river, the Mohawk or some tributary of it, had significant plant growth in some areas.






We arrived in Troy finishing our day.


Closing Note:
Tonight we had the t-shirt swap, and the one I brought was the first to be taken twice (at which point it was secured to that person). It was my 2006 Granite State Wheelmen Century Ride Shirt – very popular………

Day 48: Liverpool, NY to Little Falls, NY

COUNTDOWN TO THE FINISH LINE IN PORTSMOUTH, NH - JULY 24, 2007!!!














Day 48: 20 July 2007

Liverpool, NY (522 ft) to Little Falls, NY (370 ft).
79 Miles.

Blog Address:
http://bikeboyglovach.blogspot.com

Videos on the WWW
http://public.box.net//greg98266
New Videos:
T4 Riding Along

Day’s Theme:
Button Up!

Weather/Terrain:
The cold, wet, weather continued today – raining on us quite a bit. God showed His good grace though – we had a significant tail wind all day! Friendlier roads today, though one Glover boy still managed to flat twice. None for bike boy!! J Our roads were relatively quiet and largely along the Erie Canal.

How I’m/we’re feeling:
I am well, and glad to be back east. Finding good coffee is a struggle in the mid-west, and you would think with all those damn cows they would have milk for coffee – but no, in the mid-west they love that crappy powdered cancer-causing powder stuff. OK sorry – I agree that’s enough…………

Notable Events:
Erie Canal – hard to believe it was man made….


Rider Profile: Rick Olafson, 60, from Tuscan, AZ.



Rick, originally from Seattle, WA, now lives in Tuscan with his partner Sara. Rick has 2 grown children.
Rick has only been biking for about 5 years, and enjoys riding with his friends. He is a veteran of a couple 1 week bike tours, and only really thought about the cross-country thing for a bout a year – he was looking for something to keep him busy during his retirement transition. Rick is also a runner, and runs marathons!
Rick is an aerospace engineer, and still doing some consulting in that field. He has worked on missile systems integration and testing for many years, including AMRAMM and AIM-9X.
Rick says:
“Do things in the morning – that’s when the world is good.


Pictures:
What’s Happening:



Another cold and wet day for us, and we rode into Canastota and saw Greystone Castle.






Moments later, I noticed that our new rider, Paul, was mocking me with this shirt!
Slander I tell you!!
Actually, he has good taste, as does Harpoon IPA!
I tried to buy this shirt in 2001 before RAGBRAI – I must have one.





Our route today, and probably some of these towns, were all about the Erie Canal.
Along County 76, we passed through The Old Erie Canal State Park and caught this view of the canal.
This park has multi-use trails, including snowmobile!! :-)






At mile 33 along Mason Road, we came across the world’s smallest church in the middle of this little, pollen/algae coated pond.
This church seats two people and is non-denominational. It is open to the public upon request.






We continued through the rain and drizzle along Skinner Road.






On Halsey Road, there were orchards.








Just off River Road in Schuyler, was Lock 19.
Lock 19 lifts barges/boats 19 feet, and it is over 10 miles in either direction to the next lock.









Little Falls is a cute little town, created by this river.






There was a laundry mat just across the street, so many CCC Riders decided to clean their stinky, dirty clothes.
Robert is discussing the difference between French and Americanos washing machines here, simulation the agitating properties of the French design.






The Best Western in Little Falls put out some wine, beer, and appetizers for the CCC Riders today.
Of course, everyone was drinking…….


Closing Note: Information about 24 July, 2007
Many of you have asked about the arrival ceremony NEXT Tuesday in New Hampshire. Thanks for your interest and I encourage you all to come if possible – all of riders would love your support, and, as you have all meet these people through my journal, you can meet them too! These are all great people – I hope to see you there.
The best I can tell, the CCC Riders are gathering at noon 4 miles form the beach where the wheel dipping ceremony will be. From this “meet point”, we will have a police escort to the beach area – I suspect we will arrive about 12:30 PM Tuesday, 24 July. The beach where we will proceed to and perform our wheel dipping is:
Wallis Sands State Beach
Rye Harbor State Park
Route 1A
Rye, NH
Bring Harpoon IPA…………………

Day 47: Canandaigua, NY to Liverpool, NY

COUNTDOWN TO THE FINISH LINE IN PORTSMOUTH, NH - JULY 24, 2007!!!














Day 47: 19 July 2007

Canandaigua, NY (685 ft) to Liverpool, NY (522 ft).
70 Miles.

Blog Address:
http://bikeboyglovach.blogspot.com

Videos on the WWW
http://public.box.net//greg98266
New Videos:

Day’s Theme:
It’s always something…………..

Weather/Terrain:
Well, our luck with the weather ran out today. We started out with cool, drizzly conditions, which turned into downpours at times! The roads and scenery were good, but the rain, and serious road debris causes like 29 flats in the group – one for me! The Rocket and I also had a full beer can thrown at us (it missed) – not nice on two accounts…………

How I’m/we’re feeling:
Generally, I remain quite well, but, am a bit tired and a few body parts feel they need rest…….,.
Today’s conditions were tough, and two riders fell in the town of Waterloo – one bad enough that he was unconscious and was taken by ambulance to the emergency room where he will remain for a few days while they monitor blood under his skull. This accident will finish the ride for this rider – of course, we all feel terrible. Likely, he will be released soon and be fine. The other ride that fell in the same spot was bruised, but able to finish.

WEAR YOUR BICYCLE HELMETS, AND MORE IMPORTANTLY, MAKE SURE EH CHILDREN DO ALWAYS!!!

Notable Events:
Flat tires – we broke a record today!


Rider Profile: Bob Rodweller, 59, from Baltimore, MD.



Bob is originally from and still lives in the Baltimore, MD area. He and his wife Cathy have one daughter Casey.
Bob is a Viet Nam Veteran and extremely involved with and raising money for the Fisher House Foundation – this foundation helps wounded veterans during their healing.
Please read about Bob’s cause at
http://www.firstgiving.com/bobrodwellersride
and more about Bob at
http://www.bobrodwellersride.com/mos/Frontpage/
Bob does work for CSC – helping them with business development. This is his first major bike tour, but, he is an accomplished athlete! Swimming, running, and biking are his hobbies, but his first is his family.
Bob advises you:
“Live everyday to it’s fullest!”


Pictures:
What’s Happening:



Our day started out cold, and wet. Shortly down the road we passed by Lake Seneca. Tim and I rode in a bit and saw this reminder.
A gloomy reminder, on a gloomy day.






On the dock, the beauty of this finger lake was there for us.
These are beautiful, large lakes.






In the rain/drizzle/not so nice weather, we rode into the town of Waterloo which proudly boasts itself as “The birthplace of Memorial Day”.
We had some memories here – two riders fell in this town on a slick stone curb that was only an inch above the road surface. One rider, as I mentioned, hit his head hard and will be in the hospital for a couple days.






At mile 40 along Turnpike Road, we passed this nice little babbling brook.






The skies opened up completely on us at about mile 50 near in Elmridge, NY. Thank God, these lovely ladies at The Red & White Café were ready to make our day better. Julie, Judy, Lindsey, and Ann got us all some great food and drink, and once the rain subsided, sent us on our way. While I hope you never need her service, Lindsey could be your nurse someday, and, I hope we all see Ann swimming in the Olympics sometime soon!






This is the Red & White Store / Café in Elmride, NY.






Down the road, along a busy street with retail and commercial store fronts, this barn was just a step off the road.








When The Rocket, Tim and I took a left on Newport Avenue, Jeff and space-shoe Voleon were attending to Jeff’s flat – one of his 6 for the day!







Closing in on Liverpool, we rode along Jones Road where we saw a swamp, and






Also mountains.
We have enjoyed the beauty of New York State, and know these mountains mean we are headed back into them. We will be in Vermont and new Hampshire in a couple days, with our 2nd and 3rd most difficult climbing days of the tour.

Day 46: Hamburg, NY to Canandaigua, NY

COUNTDOWN TO THE FINISH LINE IN PORTSMOUTH, NH - JULY 24, 2007!!!


















Day 46: 18 July 2007

Hamburg, NY to Canandaigua, NY (685 ft).
94 Miles.

Blog Address:
http://bikeboyglovach.blogspot.com

Videos on the WWW
http://public.box.net//greg98266
New Videos:

Day’s Theme:
Finger licking good!

Weather/Terrain:
One more time, I am thrilled to tell you we had yet another perfect riding day – 80, overcast to sunny, mild humidity. This was a wonderful ride along scenic, quiet roads. Good stuff this!
I did have 2 flats today however – there were many in the group!

How I’m/we’re feeling:
Wonderbar! Don’t think I will get knocked out by this virus, I am a little tired, but, very confident I will remain intact and riding!
One of the CCC Riders, however, was NOT able to stay ahead of this virus and decided to call it quits today after battling it for over a week. It is sad to see a CCC Rider leave – we all hope and try to help each other however we can…………….

Notable Events:
We ended our ride today at Lake Canandaigua –a beautiful finger lake. We enjoyed a walk in the evening – nice town this!


Rider Profile: Andrew Perry, 55, from Lancaster, England.



Andrew, originally form Blackpool, now lives in Lancaster, England with his wife Lynne, and 3 children. Andrew is a retired police inspector, and now is a property and land owner.
Andrew has never done a bike tour before, but has wanted to ride across the US for about 10 years. His hobbies include rugby, wine, and family.
Andrew is an extremely gentile and warm guy – thank God, because, he is big and strong too! All CCC Riders have enjoyed their time with Andrew, and, he has been trying to teach us to speak a little better!
Andrew says the Perry Family Mottos is:
“SEMPER IN CAECENDI SUMUS
SOL ALTITUNDO VARIET”, which is
“We are always in the shit – it is only the depth that varies.”

Pictures:
What’s Happening:


Our day started with a “personal” visit to The Burgwardt Bicycle Museum. This nice little museum had many bicycles from the late 1800s and early 1900s, including the red “Boneshaker” bicicyle which was patented by Pierre Lallement in 1886 (abouts…).





Riding cross-country is NOT a new fad – Thomas Stevens did it in 103 days in 1884!
I tell you, from experience, that is impressive.






Since we were already hours late from being in the museum, Geraldo, The Rocket, and I had breakfast at Two Sisters Café in Orchard Park, NY. Lovely little place.






Eventually, we did get back on the road, and along Two Rod Road I saw this beautiful sign – reminding me of my friends and one of the activities we enjoy together.\
Pray for snow kids…………..






Soon enough, we rolled into Marilla, and saw Arlene and Brian at The Country Store – enjoying treats and tea.
T4 suggested I “walk about” the store,









And I did. It was a cool building with all sorts of levels, and knick knacks. There was also a section for Marilla town history in there. Good stuff.








We tried to focus for a while, and eventually we got ourselves all the way to mile 69 to SAG II in the Town Of Avon.
At the rotary, Christine served us up some food and drink, then, we focused for a while .3 miles until we got to……..






Tom Whal’s Rootbeer Stand.
A little lunch and rootbeer here, and, eventually we were rolling again.






Travelling along Route 20 in East Bloomfield, I noticed the Old Bloomfield Antique Store.
There are many brick buildings, and houses, in this section of New York.






Eventually, as the shadows grew, we approached Canandaigua on Route 20.
FYI – I live just off Route 20 in Waltham, MA – I am certain this is the same road.
I guess I know the way back to here if I ever want to go for a REALLY long ride…..