Today was the first day that I rode with the Northern Tier group and it was a long first day – 90 miles. A few of my friends rounded up to 100, but 90 was plenty for me. No need to add miles unless they were headed to someplace of interest (such as a brewery). It was also an early start to the day and we headed out at 6:00 am. Not my favorite time of the day, but it was a good plan with so many miles in store.
For most of the day we rode on the Erie Canal Trailway. Except for a few unpaved sections, it was all paved with a few bumpy patches. The unpaved areas were mostly crushed rock and just a short distance of packed dirt. My road bike handled it just fine. Because we were on the trail most of the day, the photo taking was limited. I didn’t get off the course, but if you did venture into the small towns nearby, there were some historical sites. I did get to see several of the locks along the canal, however, my friends had already seen plenty of them in prior days.
About 40 or so miles into the ride, we went past a small church right along the trail. They offered the use of their restrooms, water, and a pretty extensive selection of snacks. Donations were on the honor system. So much appreciated!
We had lunch provided by “Dave’s Diner” which is part of the support crew (of three people). Burgers, baked beans, corn on the cob and a slew of salad makings, and several dessert options. After lunch we had our only climbs of the day, two short ones with about 10-11% grades. At least that was the last numbers I read when I had to put every effort into getting up the hills! Near the very end of the day, we rode on the Mohawk-Hudson Bikeway. Tonight the group went out to dinner and we will celebrate the 46th wedding anniversary of a couple on the tour!
Stats from the Day
Start city: Herkimer, NY
End city: Troy, NY
Miles: 90
Total miles to date: 90
Pedaling time: 7:03
Avg. speed: 12.7
Feet climbed: 1109
Wind: start: ESE 4mph; end SE 9mph
Temperature extremes: 66 at ride start, 88 at ride finish
Start of the day.
Along the Erie Canal Trail.
Part of the trail that wasn’t paved.
One of the locks along the canal.
We came across these hogs alongside the trail. They were getting some “treats” from a local neighbor. There were babies nearby, but they scattered when we approached.
Found the placement of this traffic signal interesting.
Outside the church that provided snacks and water.
SAG stop along the trail around mile 50. Snacks and water in the vehicle.
A tradition on my bike rides…find post offices. Rotterdam Junction Post Office.
