Biking with Bill

LITTLE FALLS ON THE ERIE CANAL


Our destination city today was Little Falls, NY (pop 4500), a one time manufacturing city that has unfortunately lost its base industries. It nevertheless has charm, some magnificent old buildings, and a great location along the Erie Canal, complete with an operating lock.

Exiting a city the size of Syracuse with its traffic and stop lights is never the most pleasant experience on a bike.. The ride became more enjoyable and rural as we rode parallel to the New York State Thruway through Canastota, Oneida, and Westmoreland and along the Mohawk River. The final 26 miles were on the Rt 5 Bike Route into Little Falls.

At dinner tonight our friend Kent, a fellow cyclist from Virginia, joined us after being released from the hospital for a broken collar bone injured in a fall today. We were all happy to see that he was in good spirits and will recover quickly.
But, we all wanted to arrive at the beach in New Hampshire TOGETHER, safe and sound. We all wish Kent the best. Good guy!

The entire group moves right along these days. After 46 days on the road, pedaling 80+ miles per day, we have all gotten stronger and more experienced as cyclists. We only have a few days left, and it is very clear that the group is enjoying themselves and each other on this cross country ride.

This has been a wonderful week for me . I was happy to be back in Central New York, near my hometown of Rome, NY. My family gathered to see me over the past 3 days. My Aunt Pat, Cousins Nancy and Carole and her daughter , Julie and her 6 week old baby, Anna cane to Henrietta. Chuck and Jackie, my brother and sister-in-law, visited in Syracuse for route rap and dinner. Today, my 98 year old mother, along with my sister, Ann, and Chuck and Jackie came to Little Falls for the afternoon. Nothing is better than time with your family!

Bill
.