Today we had a short easy ride as we traveled 58 miles from Syracuse to Utica in New York. The start today was delayed until 9:00 AM and we rolled out under blue sun filled skies, cool temperatures in the low 60s, and calm winds. The conditions didn’t change much throughout the day, although the wind did pickup a bit, but was mostly favorable. And the route included very little climbing. A recipe for a nice easy day in the saddle.
We worked our way out of Syracuse after the morning rush hour so the traffic was light. In a short time we found ourselves riding through the New York country side on pretty good roads surrounded by farms with large barns and lots of pastures.
Just before we reached the days only rest stop at mile 33 we peddled through the small village of Canastota and road along a preserved section of the Erie Canal running through the small town. We continued to follow the canal for several more miles after we left the village as we were passing through a national heritage area.
Also just before the rest area we found an odd little structure that was billed as the world’s smallest chapel. The stuff you can see when traveling at bicycle speed.
The rest of the ride went pretty quick and before we knew it we were working our way into Utica. Once we arrived, we learned there was a mix up with the hotel and there would not be enough rooms available for everyone in our group. But the crew from Crossroads Cycling found a solution and several of us were sent to another hotel just up the road. It’s clean and comfortable so it looks like everything will work out.
It’s hard to believe but starting tomorrow we’ll begin the big push to the end. In the next three days we’ll ride 265 miles and climb 12,300 feet, leaving just a 17 mile ride to the beach on Friday morning.
Tomorrow we’ll ride 100 miles to Troy New York. I have good memories of the route from three years ago even though it rained most of the way. I remember spectacular vistas of the Mohawk River Valley and the Hudson River. Tomorrow’s forecast calls for clear skies. Should be a great ride. Thanks for following along.
Tom's Cross Country Ride 