August 7, 2008

Rode 87 miles in 6 hours averaging 14.6 mph

Today was our chance to ride along the world famous Erie Canal. It is difficult to make good time on a trail like that because it passes through a large city like Erie and has to avoid a lot of streets. It was cool, however, to see so much of the canal as we rode. Zack & I rode together with a few others most of the day. No I wasn’t sick again. I am feeling better now and it was fun to ride with him.

When we arrived in East Williamson at the Free Methodist Church, having climbed at least a dozen moderately challenging hills to get there, someone told us we could have ridden all the way from Medina on Ridge Road, the road the church was on. Now this may not seem like an important detail to you but Ridge Road bears this name because it runs along a ridge. Translated, “there are few if any serious inclines on Ridge Road.” Oh well, riding along the canal was worth a few hills.

Zack, Stuart & I were heading toward our last break of the day, climbing up a hill into Palmyra and I happened to be out front. It seemed to me that the hill was getting steeper so I shifted down and pulled up more as I pedaled to generate more power. Stuart actually did it twice before I realized what was happening. Zack was right there and got a picture. I expect you will see it on the blog soon.

I am so glad I could help Stuart up the hills, as he is our oldest rider at 62 years of age, and needs a little extra assistance from time to time. My problem now is that whenever I feel any slowdown or unexplained resistance I look back to see if Stuart or someone else has snuck up on me and is hanging onto the rack on the back of my bike.

I was the guest this night in the home of Gary & Deb Rood, along with their children, Marissa, Tallon and Jeremy. We had a great time just hanging out, getting acquainted while we ate dinner (delicious venison was served), watched some Olympic competition, etc. I discovered Deb does hair in her home so I got a free haircut during my visit to their home.

Thanks Deb! I really needed it.

Dan