.
.
.
.
.
[A view from downtown Buffalo with the Sabre's arena in the background]
[Cool little fortification in the harbor - still don't know what it is]
[Kevin by the Big Apple]
[Ben on the Erie Canalway Trail]
[Cool Boat]
.
.
This morning, after a grueling 0.1 miles, we decided we needed to stop for some doughnuts. There was a Tim Horton's just up the block from the classy Red Carpet Inn and did they have some delicious doughnuts. After quickly downing a few delectable danishes we made our way towards downtown Buffalo. Along the way we passed 4 or 5 more doughnut shops, but sadly we did not have the time to stop. We made it downtown without incident and found the bike trail that ran along the river up to Niagara Falls. Our route map proceeded into Canada and crossed back to the U.S. by the falls. Unfortunately, none of us had brought our passports and we didn't want to be stuck in Canada for the next three months waiting for the government to verify our identity before letting us back. Luckily, we happened upon a bike trail on the U.S. side with the help of a local woman that took us all the way around Buffalo and up to the Erie Canal while following the river. From there we met up with New York Bike 5 only to realize there were about five different versions of the bike route at this point. It took one wrong turn and some wandering, but after wasting only a few miles we were back on track towards Lockport and the Canalway Trail System. Once in Lockport we got on the Canalway Trail. It is a beautiful, level trail the follows the Erie Canal as it winds its way from Lockport to Syracuse. The only problem is that it is a pea gravel trail, not paved. So the riding was a little bit slower and a little bit tougher. Despite the added difficulty the lack of hills and the scenic views made it the best choice. We continued on the trail all the way to Brockport, NY where, after 91 miles, we decided to call it a day. There is a fantastic welcome center that has showers, bathrooms, and a flat bit of grass behind the law offices where small groups are allowed to camp. The people in the welcome center were very friendly and extremely helpful. In other words, they were exceptional at the job of making us feel welcome. After a pizza dinner and a quick trip to the grocery store we had a nice conversation with a couple traveling up the canal on their boat. Seems like it might be more relaxing than traveling by bike. We might have to try that next time...
.
This morning, after a grueling 0.1 miles, we decided we needed to stop for some doughnuts. There was a Tim Horton's just up the block from the classy Red Carpet Inn and did they have some delicious doughnuts. After quickly downing a few delectable danishes we made our way towards downtown Buffalo. Along the way we passed 4 or 5 more doughnut shops, but sadly we did not have the time to stop. We made it downtown without incident and found the bike trail that ran along the river up to Niagara Falls. Our route map proceeded into Canada and crossed back to the U.S. by the falls. Unfortunately, none of us had brought our passports and we didn't want to be stuck in Canada for the next three months waiting for the government to verify our identity before letting us back. Luckily, we happened upon a bike trail on the U.S. side with the help of a local woman that took us all the way around Buffalo and up to the Erie Canal while following the river. From there we met up with New York Bike 5 only to realize there were about five different versions of the bike route at this point. It took one wrong turn and some wandering, but after wasting only a few miles we were back on track towards Lockport and the Canalway Trail System. Once in Lockport we got on the Canalway Trail. It is a beautiful, level trail the follows the Erie Canal as it winds its way from Lockport to Syracuse. The only problem is that it is a pea gravel trail, not paved. So the riding was a little bit slower and a little bit tougher. Despite the added difficulty the lack of hills and the scenic views made it the best choice. We continued on the trail all the way to Brockport, NY where, after 91 miles, we decided to call it a day. There is a fantastic welcome center that has showers, bathrooms, and a flat bit of grass behind the law offices where small groups are allowed to camp. The people in the welcome center were very friendly and extremely helpful. In other words, they were exceptional at the job of making us feel welcome. After a pizza dinner and a quick trip to the grocery store we had a nice conversation with a couple traveling up the canal on their boat. Seems like it might be more relaxing than traveling by bike. We might have to try that next time...
No comments:
Post a Comment