It's funny how much the weather can not only affect your mood, but can also shape the way that you feel about certain places of the country. We had fantastic weather on our 86-mile ride today between Conneaut and Dunkirk, NY. Low 70's and not a cloud in the sky made us forget about the rain soaked days from our days in Ohio and talk about buying a lake house in western New York.
We made the ride in about 8 hours, but took more stops than usual for flats, photos, etc. One of our stops was in Girard, PA at Morgan Family Chriopractic. Eric and I got an adjustment from Margie's friend from chiropractic school, Christy. She did us up right and sent us on our way healthier and straighter. Thank you so much to Christy. It was awesome.
Our ride took us through three states today. We crossed into Pennsylvania on the east side of Conneaut, then passed into New York about 40 miles later. From a scenery perspectic, the ride was the best so far in both Eric and my opinions. Route 5 hugged Lake Erie the entire day and we had amazing views of the blue water and the green forests on the horizon. I got two more flat tires today which wiped out our patch supply, so we stopped at a bike shop in Erie called Competitive Gear. Great guys working there and if you're ever in need of a bike in Erie, stop by.
Erie is the hometown of Chris Vrenna (Nine Inch Nails drummer), Billy Blanks of TaeBo fame, and Fred Biletnikoff.
As we left Pennsylvania and entered New York we hit the wine country of western New York. There were fields and fields of grapes. We passed quite a few wineries, but didn't get the chance to stop. We figured the last 30 miles of the ride would be a better ride if we were sober. The concord grapes are used obviously for wine, but also for grape juice because we passed a couple of Welchs factories as well.
Dunkirk is a very nice little town on the shore of Lake Erie. Our hotel is great because it's right on the water. The restaurant at the hotel sits on the water in front of the marina. We were saying that If we didn't have to ride tomorrow, it would be a good place to hang our for a couple days to take in the sun and hop on a boat tour. We are also basically celebrities in Dunkirk given our front page article in the Dunkirk Observer. Check out the link to the article here: http://observertoday.com/news/articles.asp?articleID=2126
The hills began today. They weren't out of control, but they definitely are going to be a challenge down the road. The weather being so perfect made it better to break in the hills. Our legs are definitely looking forward to the shorter 50 mile ride into Buffalo tomorrow. In Buffalo, we'll be staying with a cousin of Dad and his wife. Bill and Marg Bauza have opened their home to us and we couldn't be more grateful. We are lo oking forward to seeing them.
175 miles is two days has worn us out a bit, but it will be nice to relax with family and a basket of original Buffalo wings tomorrow.
Hey you guys, Hope the weather stays good for you. My thoughts are with you daily. What a great experience for all of you! Miss you alot. We went to Heritage Fest today and dad will be in the car show tomorrow with the Model A. Love, Mom and Dad
Posted by: Terri Karls | June 24, 2006 at 10:10 PM
Wow, you guys are looking like some handsome rugged men. I actually dig the facial hair...just hope it's gone by Boston! ;) Have fun in NY and enjoy the wings...so Proud. Thinking of you both always....
K
Posted by: kel | June 25, 2006 at 12:39 AM
Guys, just read the article from the Observer, and I wish I were there to hug you all. You will surely be blessed for your efforts. xoxo.
Posted by: Kel | June 25, 2006 at 12:50 AM
Who is this imposter with the facial hair posing to by my husband? :)
Congrats guys - more than halfway there! Each day I become more and more proud of you guys for your dedication and courage. Reading the article from the Observer brought happy tears to my eyes - I am SO very proud of you, Lauren. You make me the happiest, luckiest wife in the world. I can't wait to hug and kiss you in Boston!
Love and miss you lots!
M
Posted by: Margie | June 25, 2006 at 06:37 PM
Loved the article in the Dunkirk Observer. You're now famous from California to New York! You all look fabulous. I love the facial hair!
Glad the weather has continued to cooperate. It's been 100+ in Colfax for the past several days. Supposed to cool down to the balmy 90's this week.
So proud of you. So proud! You're all the buzz around here with everyone keeping track of your trip.
XXXOOO
Posted by: Mom | June 26, 2006 at 10:55 AM
Hallo guys!!! Tears of pide and saddness(that we can't hug you to dead) didn't let me finish reading Dunkirk article. Wow!!!!! what a great city. And when Tato read that he was sobing(he cries very easy). Stay healthy and enjoy your ride!!
Posted by: Tesciowa | June 26, 2006 at 12:33 PM
Congratulations on your great trip! We took a short ride in the car today to Madison, WI and got lost (twice). I'm glad you have a better sense of direction. Happy trails and God Bless! Ken and Gwen
Posted by: Ken & Gwen Schill | June 26, 2006 at 07:12 PM
Congratulations Lauren and Eric on the ride so far. We are so impressed and inspired!
-Dan and Emily
Posted by: Emily and Dan (Lauren's neighbors) | June 27, 2006 at 01:28 AM