Flying down the hill this morning way more fun than riding up it and it was a great way to start the day’s ride.
Walking down the steep grassy hill in the dark to the port-o-john in the middle of the night was less fun. I think the view on top was worth it but I think Riley disagrees.
The morning started with a brief downpour shortly after 5 AM, just long enough to make the tent nice and wet before we packed it up and stuffed it in a duffle. The weather cleared and stayed nice for the ride.
The only bike repair we’ve needed all week was a flat Riley discovered this morning. The timing and location really couldn’t have been better since the bike repair tent was just a few yards away.
Much of the trail we rode on today was new so the ride was smooth and surrounded by trees and followed along the Mohawk River for a good distance.
The first stop of the morning was 18 miles in at Old Fort Hunter. I had ridden a little ahead of Riley so I waited for him at the first turn off before the rest stop. I waited and I waited, watching cyclist after cyclist pass by with no sign of Riley. I was beginning to get irritated and then concerned, envisioning a horrible crash or some other terrible reason he hadn’t appeared when I remembered the Fresh Baked Goods sign a mile or two back beside an Amish horse and buggy just off the trail. Sure enough, here he comes around the turn with a big grin and a little sugar on his lips telling me he just ate the “best cinnamon roll he’s ever had.” Haha. And the best part is he brought one for me. I guess I can’t be too annoyed at having to wait. We toured the museum and enjoyed a few minutes off the bikes.
We continued on a short distance to Amsterdam, NY where we took a short detour to Riverlink Park which features a large scenic bridge over the Mohawk River with beautiful sculptures and artwork.
We continued on to the Patersonville Volunteer Fire Department for hotdogs and hamburgers, not that I was particularly hungry, but I figured if they’re going to all the trouble of having a cookout for us it was the least I could do.
The trail crossed the river several times and some of the bridges were particularly pretty. Marcia snapped this photo of me so I returned the favor for her.
The next rest stop was only about 4 miles down the trail at Mabee Farm Historic Site, the oldest farm in the Mohawk Valley (1705). I couldn’t eat another thing but we did enjoy touring the farm and learning some of the history.
After that the route continued through Schenectady and finished at the Jewish Community Center in Niskayuna for a total of 46.6 miles.
After retrieving our bags from the truck we did the usual walk around trying to decide the optimal place to pitch the tent. I spied the top of a hill surrounding a ball field but Riley had enough climbing hills in the middle of the night so we opted for a high spot near third base.
An afternoon shower throughly soaked our tent while we had the rain fly hanging up to dry. Whoops. I hope it dries out before time for bed tonight.
Tonight is the end of ride celebration with the last 28 or so miles on tap for tomorrow morning. I’m kind of sad to be done but I think our sleeping pads and tent could use a little Febreeze at this point so I guess it’s just as well.
Spoonfeed 