I consider my Sundays to be a success if at the end of the day, I manage to do my laundry. This Sunday, however, was not laundry day. It was time to get on the bike and roll.
As you might already know, last week I was donated an amazing new bike. And this weekend I just had to test it out on a long ride. 211-mile long ride, to be exact.
Sure, I could have logged those miles all around Cleveland and called it a day, but I had my sights set on Niagara Falls. I’m not sure what it is about having some sort of destination but it truly makes all the difference. It was a great ride passing through vineyard after vineyard in sleepy towns of Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York. The aroma of the fresh grapes was mouth-watering. And beyond the rolling hills, you could could catch a glimpse of Lake Erie. For most of the journey there was little more than farmland and small fruit stands tucked around each bend of the road.
Each town I rode through seem confused by my lyrcaed-suited presence. I met many new people along the way interested to know my mission.
Conversations went a little like this:
Curious person: “Where are you from?”
Me: “Cleveland area”
Curious person: “Where are you going?”
Me: “Niagara Falls”
Curious person: “How many days will that take?”
Me: Uh, one.
It’s not for everyone, but it’s safe to safe I’m hooked on seeing how far I can go, on a bike or in a boat.
Mile after mile, I finally heard something I hadn’t heard in two hundred miles. The squawking of seagulls. As I made my way closer, the cloud of mist from the falls engulfed me. I DID IT!
Seeing the falls was surreal, yes. But to be honest, after cycling from sunrise past sunset, the only thing on my mind?
Fries.
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I love those long rides where you have cataloged your entire refrigerator long before you are even close to home. Welcome back to cycling.
This is probably a dumb question, but … do you then stay overnight at your destination before heading back home?
Love to hear what you’re up to, young lady! Thanks for always taking us along with you.
Yay! Way to go Katie!!!
*Poor Katie… Still aching for fresh water after all that time at sea*
And 211 miles – In less than one day!!!
*Girl’s got to have a syndrome or something. My derrière hurts just thinking about it!*
You know I’m teasing
Yeah, I stayed with a friend in Buffalo for the night, then caught a ride home the next morning. Hopefully will do a few more long rides before it gets too cold!
Do they make snow tires for road bikes? That could keep you riding more.
Here in Hawaii I don’t have that problem. My long one recently was a trip all the way around Oahu including the 6 mile rough dirt/rock trail where you have to carry the bike most of the way. They never did close the paved loop around the island and if you go that way it is an adventure! My odometer read 140.5 miles, I got 9 flat tires, battled heat and humidity and was in a constant search for water. Loved every minute of it. Thought of you along the way and am still thankful for your inspiration. Keep it up, Katie.
You never cease to amaze me, Katie. So glad you got a new bike and had a chance to try it out with a LONG ride.
Could you post your route for those interested? Really impressed at the accomplishment.
I keep waiting for the book. I keep asking at Barnes and Noble. When?
Awe inspiring
Josh, good idea about the route. I have a new garmin and haven’t set up the mapping software yet but am going to play around with it for this weekend’s ride to Pittsburgh, some 150 miles away.
Carl, thanks for asking about the book. It’s still in the works, but I might have some exciting news to come about a collaboration of sorts.
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