From Ticonderoga to Birmingham, NY

Today was our last day of cycling. Our 55 mile ride along the Lake Champaign Bikeway was so scenic as we passed farms, recreational areas along Lake Champlaign, and small New England towns. Three weeks of cycling, no rain, renewing friendships and meeting new people made this adventure another memorable experience.
I want to thank everyone who contributed to Parkinson's this year. Your encourgement and support is what means the most to me.

Fields of corn along the Lake Champaign Bikeways

From Fort Edwards to Fort Ticonderoga

Terrain changed today as we entered the Adirondacks. Our 53 mile ride had the most difficult climbs of the entire trip. After our arrival we toured Fort Ticonderoga, built in 1775 by the French army. The fort is situated between Lake Champlain and Lake George. This remote post guarded the narrow waterways connecting Canaeda with Britain's American colonies. Whichever nation controlled Ticonderoga controlled America. We learned quite a bit if history today.

Canons at Fort Ticonderoga

Breakfast at Sally's Hen House

From Albany to Fort Edward

Perfect weather cycling 49 miles with temperatures in the high 70's.  Discovered this bike rack sculpture in Schuylerville. This purple bike is only one of six brightly colored bikes in the sequence on the sidewalk.

Along the Hudson River

Just couldn't resist another photo along the Hudson. The train tracks and bridge reflecting in the river with Queen Ann flowers overlooking the edge was breathtaking.

Bakery Break in Troy, NY

RCA Victor Symbol

When leaving Albany this morning, we finally found this famous symbol above the factory.

From Rheinbeck to Albany, NY

Today's 50 mile ride very scenic along the Hudson River with temperatures in the low 80s. We cycled through small towns of Red Hook, Livingston, Hudson and Stuyvesant before entering Albany over the Dunn Memorial Bridge. I was amazed at the architecture of the buildings, new and old. On our walk we were able to explore City Hall, the State Capitol, Palace Theater and a few other buildings. I think I would need another day here to tour to absorb 400 years of history.

Original offices of the Delaware and Hudson Railroad

Restful Lunch Stop along the way

Following bike route 9 through New York state

From Bear Mountain to Rheinbeck, NY

Our destination today after 50 miles was the Linwood Catholic Center near Rheinbeck, NY. Ten miles before we were at the FDR memorial park in Hyde Park. We could not miss this opportunity to tour his home and learn more about FDR and his family so we stayed behind to takes the tour. One goes away from this experience knowing that he was always an optimist, even when strickened with polio.
The Center has a serene setting overlooking the Hudson River. After dinner many of us just went outside to enjoy the view and relax before getting ready for tomorrow's ride to the big city of Albany. This is certainly a moment in time to remember.

Civilization marked by Washing Machines

We're at the Linwood Catholic center run by the Ursula order of nuns near Rheinbeck, NY. No more washing clothes by hand after two and a half weeks on the road!

Serenity overlooking the Hudson River

From New York City to Bear Mountain, NY

I've always seen riders going over the George Washington bridge from my car and wanted to be one of those bikers. Today, this happened. I was also anxious to start our final week with the Vermont destination and enter more rural surroundings. We traveled as far as Bear Mountain and the view from our lodge overlooking the Hudson River and Lake Hessian was majestic. Canadian geese were throughout the lake.

Cycling over the George Washington Bridge

Day off the Bike in New York City

Playing tourist in New York city was a first for me even though I am in new York twice a year for business. The day started walking the High Line, a park walk above the city built on unused elevated rail tracks. The High Line ended near Chelsea Market and we explored the market before heading to our final destination of the day, Ellis Island.

Beginning it the High Line on 14th & 7th avenue

From Iselin to Newark, NY to New York City

Yesterday our route was not long, only 30 miles, but 81 turns made the route a challenge. Cycling into the inner city of Newark with rap music all around us, cars and noises, no longer were we in the countryside that I loved so much.
The following morning the group took the Path train into the city. From the train we cycled on the NY Greenway which circles Manhattan for 44 miles. We continued to cycle in Central Park and then to our hotel on the streets and avenues of the city.

From Princeton to Iselin, NJ

The D & R Canal stands for the @ Delaware and Raritan rivers. The canal was built by hand by Irish immigrants and completed in 1834. Coal from Pennsylvania was carried by mule drawn canal boats. The trail of packed limestone was easy to navigate through until the end. Our 50 mile ride was very complicated after leaving the trail. At one point we thought we were lost and almost entered the New Jersey turnpike as well as the Garden State parkway, both off of route 514. At the end of the day, all the riders were safe.

Raritan River

History along the Canal

History on the Canal Path

History along the Canal Route

History along the Canal

Recreation along the Canal

Reflections along the Canal

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From Cookstown to Princeton,NJ

Cycling 46 miles today in perfect weather. The scenery changed from soybean farms to horses farms to equestrian centers to wildlife centers to historic towns and ended in Princeton near the University.

The delightful pastries at the end of the ride were our reward for the day.

Princeton University

Gardens below Woodrow Wilson's home at Princeton University

Farms of soybeans

Loved this sign seen throughout the day, especially the bottom quote "private land public legacy"

One of many Horses

Sheep along the route

From Egg Harbor to Cookstown, NJ

Weather perfect and I didn't mind that our 61 mile ride became 70 miles when we missed an important turn on our cue sheet. I am beginning to see why this is called the Garden State - farms, open space, lakes and tree lined roads. Blueberries and cranberries are a major crop in the area we cycled today. The town of Chatsworth is actually the home off Oceanspray. Fields of cranberry bogs parallel the road. When the cranberries are ripe, the fields are flooded and the cranberries float to the top for harvesting.

Blueberry snack break in Chadsworth

From Lewes, Delaware to Egg Harbor

Early morning start to be at the ferry to cross over to Cape May. By the time the ferry reached it's destination we had to start our ride at 11 a.m. and we would be cycling in the heat of the day. Our 60 mile ride ended around 5 as the skies darkened with severe thunderstorms. 

Day off in Lewes, Delaware

Learned alot of history today. Lewes is the first town in the first state in America. Dutch explorer Henry Hudson in 1609 discovered the area and the town was actually founded in 1631. There are unique Victorian homes here dating back to the 18th century.
The day was spent exploring Camp Penlopen, the farmers market, the historical museum, cycling the streets of the town, and touring the light boat. Most of the bikers did jump the waves in the Atlantic ocean but I just loved my day exploring on my bike.

Mary Gregory Style of Glass

Mary painted scenes of children on thousands of glassware in the late 19th century. The style was from Bohemia and I had never seen this kind of glasswork before.

Farmers Market and famous Delaware Peaches

Gallery Shopping

Fay Heim has her glasswork and watercolors in this gallery of juried artists.

Light Ship in the Harbor

These light ships were used from 1890 to 1960. Whenever there was no lighthouse, the ship would be situated in the needed area to guide the ships.

Steering the Over Fall light Ship

From Denton to Milton to Lewes, Delaware

Early start today knowing that the heat will even be more intense today. By the time we reached Milton at 10:30 it was 95 and by the time we reached Lewes temperature climbed to 103. Cycling 52 miles again in the heat was a challenge just to stay hydrated.
After recuperating from the ride, I spent the day with Fay Heim, friend and incredible artist, who retired to live in Rohobeth Beach.

Lunch Break

Does everyone eat lunch at 9:30 in the morning? When we start our ride at 6:30 a.m. this makes sense.

From Annapolis to Denton, Md

Day started early to beat the heat and meet the volunteers that were going to trasport our bikes and us over the four mile Bay Bridge. Bikes are prohibited on the bridge at all times. Our route today was part bike path, part road. By the time we stopped for lunch, catered by Blaine, the driver of our support vehicle, we were "fried" from the sun. After being refreshed again we were "refried after walking a mile with our bikes on packed dirt and sand. After arriving in Denton, the pool was very refreshing. This was a very special day for Karen Gordon and ourselves. We were able to celebrate her birthday on the bike!

Heat Wave across the United States

Meet the Magellan team

John, Cindy, and Sharon are neighbors in Vermont and I already introduced Mark from York, England. I am only guessing that they call themselves the Magellans because they are always exploring and mapping their way on their bikes.

From Bowie to Annapolis

Very short ride to Annapolis, only 20 miles, but too far if we had tried to cycle to the next town over the Bay Bridge. Enjoyed walking around Annapolis and going to the mansions, churches and stores in the market place and Main Street. Temperatures again in the upper 90s and felt blistering hot even early in the morning on the bike.