Albany Twice

We didn't really know what to expect when we woke up this morning and turned on the news.  We knew that we needed to get moving to make sure that we arrived in Waltham by Monday, but we weren't sure how we would get there.  We were supposed to be heading to Little Falls, but they were hammered by the rain and all roads were closed.  We decided that even if we could drive to Little Falls, it might not be the best place to stay tonight.  So, we found a highway that ran a little south of Little Falls to take.  We set off this morning not really sure how far down the road we were going to go. 

We ended up logging 91 miles today through by far the hilliest country we've seen.  Powered by a day of rest in Syracuse and the great BBQ we had last night, we surprised ourselves by how far we made it.  Since we decided to avoid Little Falls entirely today, we booked a room in Albany.  We stopped riding today about 50 miles outside of Albany and drove into our hotel for the night.  Reasonable people would look at the flooding and take that as an excuse to move forward from Albany tomorrow.  However, we don't want any asterisks next to our name when we say that we rode from Chicago to Boston.  So tomorrow morning, we're heading back to where we stopped today and riding into Albany as planned.  My Mom says we're either committed or should be committed.  It's the only way to do it as we see it.

The weather today was fantastic and it was one of the best rides we've had.  The countryside is beautiful, even though the hills were a major chore.  They're getting bigger and bigger, but we're getting a little better at taking them.  The roads that we went on today were much more rural than we've seen in New York so far.  Lots of farms and miles without any kind of services.  It was a nice change for us.

For everyone who called and was worried for our safety, we appreciate the concern.  I think the worst of the flooding was to the north of us today and we made our ride without any trouble.  We did have to ride through a river that was overflowing today though.  The state troopers were routing cars on a detour, but they let us ride through.  It was raging (about 6 inches of water), so Eric and I forged it.  Lewis and Clark have nothing on us.

We'll officially be riding into Albany tomorrow.  It's a short ride of about 50 miles, so it shouldn't be too bad.  The schedule is in tact and every mile from Chicago to Waltham will be covered.  Phew.

Comments

[Creepy Stalker]

Undisputed Title!! Kudos to you guys for driving back and riding into Albany.

And if Lauren loses anymore weight he might die.

[JPaul]

Team Randy-

Glad to hear all is well. I had a chance to read through all the blogs and you guys are doing great. One additional celebrity from Erie is Colt Safety Bob Sanders. Good luck on the home stretch. When you read this think of Animal and Hawk you all are Road Warriors http://www.roadwarriorsinc.com/
L8.
JPaul

[Mom]

You guys keep amazing us all!! Your committment, strength of body and character have taught us all lessons over and over again. Don't be surprised at the love and support you have been shown during the ride. You are our heros!

XXXOOO

[KK]

WOW....you guys are awesome..and look great too. So proud and so excited to head east tomorrow. Can't wait to meet you guys at the finish line. xoxo

[Garyhoe]

I second the weight loss comment. I know you guys ride like a hundred miles a day but come on L-train eat something. Now they have to call me the bigger brother. Oh yeah and nice tan. Seriously great job you guys and bring it on home.

[Tesciowa]

You guys are amazing!!!All that hard work and you still smiling and you really look great!!!
We are so exited to leave for Boston tommorow, and we will see you very, very soon. Bear hugs to all of you.