Summer 2011

From Ticonderoga to Birmingham, NY

2011-08-05T19:23:00.001-07:00

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

2011-08-05T19:09:00.001-07:00

From Fort Edwards to Fort Ticonderoga

2011-08-04T18:46:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-04T18:28:00.001-07:00

Breakfast at Sally's Hen House

2011-08-04T18:27:00.001-07:00

From Albany to Fort Edward

2011-08-03T19:35:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-03T19:27:00.001-07:00

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

2011-08-03T19:21:00.001-07:00

RCA Victor Symbol

2011-08-03T19:18:00.001-07:00

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

From Rheinbeck to Albany, NY

2011-08-02T18:16:00.001-07:00

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

2011-08-02T16:29:00.001-07:00

Restful Lunch Stop along the way

2011-08-02T16:25:00.001-07:00

Following bike route 9 through New York state

2011-08-02T16:23:00.001-07:00

From Bear Mountain to Rheinbeck, NY

2011-08-01T18:37:00.001-07:00

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

2011-08-01T18:28:00.001-07:00

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

2011-08-01T18:23:00.000-07:00

From New York City to Bear Mountain, NY

2011-07-31T19:19:00.001-07:00

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

2011-07-31T19:07:00.001-07:00

Day off the Bike in New York City

2011-07-30T19:23:00.001-07:00

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

2011-07-30T18:25:00.000-07:00

From Iselin to Newark, NY to New York City

2011-07-29T19:51:00.001-07:00

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

2011-07-28T15:40:00.001-07:00

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

2011-07-27T23:46:00.001-07:00

History along the Canal

2011-07-27T23:39:00.001-07:00

History on the Canal Path

2011-07-27T23:34:00.001-07:00

History along the Canal Route

2011-07-27T18:51:00.001-07:00

History along the Canal

2011-07-27T18:27:00.001-07:00

Recreation along the Canal

2011-07-27T16:37:00.001-07:00

Reflections along the Canal

2011-07-27T16:34:00.001-07:00

From Cookstown to Princeton,NJ

2011-07-26T19:03:00.001-07:00

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

2011-07-26T18:51:00.001-07:00

Gardens below Woodrow Wilson's home at Princeton University

2011-07-26T18:50:00.001-07:00

Farms of soybeans

2011-07-26T18:48:00.001-07:00

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

One of many Horses

2011-07-26T18:29:00.000-07:00

Sheep along the route

2011-07-26T18:28:00.001-07:00

From Egg Harbor to Cookstown, NJ

2011-07-25T18:17:00.000-07:00

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

2011-07-25T13:54:00.001-07:00

From Lewes, Delaware to Egg Harbor

2011-07-24T19:18:00.001-07:00

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

2011-07-23T17:20:00.001-07:00

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

2011-07-23T14:48:00.001-07:00

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

2011-07-23T14:44:00.001-07:00

Gallery Shopping

2011-07-23T14:42:00.001-07:00

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

Light Ship in the Harbor

2011-07-23T14:39:00.001-07:00

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

2011-07-23T14:35:00.001-07:00

From Denton to Milton to Lewes, Delaware

2011-07-22T18:34:00.001-07:00

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

2011-07-22T18:11:00.001-07:00

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

2011-07-21T13:41:00.001-07:00

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

2011-07-21T12:40:00.001-07:00

Meet the Magellan team

2011-07-21T12:39:00.001-07:00

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

2011-07-20T18:36:00.001-07:00

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.

State flower of Maryland, the black eyed susan

2011-07-20T18:25:00.000-07:00

Mulberry Tree planted in 1820

2011-07-20T18:24:00.001-07:00

Amazing tree! This mulberry tree in front of the William
Paca house and gardens in Annapolis is the oldest tree in Anne Arundel County.

D.C. to Bowie, Maryland

2011-07-19T20:06:00.001-07:00

Cycling out of Washington was quite an experience. The group found the new Metropolitan Branch trail near Union Station that hooked onto the NW Branch Trail and the NE branch trail in Anacostia that connected eventually to the WB&A Trail. I never even knew that these trails existed! Temperature reached 98 and after 35 miles we were ready to cool down.

Entrance to Belair Mansion

2011-07-19T19:31:00.001-07:00

Karen spotted the sign along the bike trail on Bowie for the Belair Mansion, built in 1745 for governor Samuel Ogle. The family occupied the 2400 acre plantation for more than 120 years.

Playing Tourist in Annapolis

2011-07-18T19:02:00.004-07:00

Day in D.C.

2011-07-18T19:02:00.003-07:00

Today was a free day to test out our bikes and explore. Seven out of the nineteen bikers took the MT. Vernon trail. We stopped on the way back in Alexandria and admired art in the torpedo factory. I had not cycled in this area for years and was surprised to see bike lanes in the middle of Pennsylvania Avenue and other parts of the city. Drivers were extremely courteous when we cycled in traffic.

Playing Tourist in D.C.

2011-07-18T19:02:00.001-07:00

Meet the three musketeers

2011-07-17T07:22:00.001-07:00

Mark MacDonald arrived from the U.K. yesterday and today is meeting Ziva and Karen. We decided to cycle the historic section of Montgomery county. Underground railroad house, cemetery, and Brookvile were are stops. Brookville was that one day residence of James Madison when the Capitol was set on fire. Relaxing 24 miles on the bike just making sure that our legs are working for our journey to Vermont.

Mark with Bike Friday

2011-07-17T06:12:00.001-07:00

Fun the road

2011-07-17T06:11:00.001-07:00

Packing for Two Trips

2011-07-17T06:08:00.001-07:00

I've been adding to the piles on the bed all week. Many of you do not know know that the day after my cycling three weeks to Vermont, I leave from Boston to fly to Scotland with my daughter Ellen. We'll be in Edinburgh at the Fringe Festival watching my grandson Ryan perform with his high school from Windham, New Hampshire.

Packed and ready

2011-07-17T05:52:00.001-07:00

Goodbyes

2011-07-15T19:41:00.001-07:00

I took my mom out to lunch to say goodbye before8 leaving on my trip. When I entered Bedford Court, Agnes appeared and we talked about helping my mom follow my blog on the computer. Agnes was anxious to help again since she had so much fun with my mom following my adventures across county last summer. At 92, mom looked great today.

Sculpture Gardens surrounding Strathmore Mansion

2011-07-14T20:40:00.001-07:00

The art in the gardens can rival the sculpture gardens at the Hirschhorn. My favorite was "The Couple" shown here.

Evening at Strathmore"

2011-07-14T20:38:00.001-07:00

What a wonderful evening. Carl of Charles Schwab invited us for dinner at the Strathmore Mansion followed by a tribute to the Beatles with the Baltimore Symphony. Amazing performance and great dinner.

Official bike patrol

2011-07-09T17:18:00.001-07:00

Before leaving on our trip we completed training to be a C&O canal patrol. Helping walkers and bikers while enjoying the scenery and the ride will make this volunteer job the best ever.

Birthday on the bike

2011-07-08T11:46:00.001-07:00

Wonderful day for my 66th birthday with lots of birthday wishes from friends and family and a bike ride. Our ride of 40 miles was almost our last preparation for our up coming ride. Montgomery county is still a favorite place to ride. If you look closely you will see the horses in the background. I'm wearing my new biking shirt in florescent pink given to me by the Parkinson's foundation.

Test of maps

2011-07-04T04:16:00.001-07:00

2011-07-03T14:52:00.001-07:00

Test

Realization of a Dream

2010-08-12T06:23:00.000-07:00

Our 90 mile ride into Niagara Falls was the end of our trip. It is so difficult to express the emotions I felt. We asked a tourist to take a photo of Ziva and I at the Falls. Arm in arm, we started to cry and hug each other. We had done it - a dream come true with many obstacles. Ken and Nancy had made this dream a reality.

After dinner, we relaxed with "the gang", remembered special times on our trip, opened the champagne that Jerry had brought and toasted "L'Chaim" To Life.

Niagara Falls Viewed from my Bike

2010-08-12T03:52:00.003-07:00

The last two days we were in campgrounds in Canada. In Port Burwell, the rain held off until midnight. In Peacock Point, weather perfect. Here our campground was on a bluff above Lake Erie. Winds strong but magnificent view.

We cycled into Niagara Falls and dodged tourists at the Falls. Our first view from the bike is one to be remembered.

The Beginning of the Falls

2010-08-12T03:52:00.001-07:00

Lakeshore Drive around Lake Erie

2010-08-12T03:45:00.007-07:00

Tenting in Port Burwell, Ontario

2010-08-12T03:45:00.006-07:00

I finally learned how to set up a tent with the fly for rain protection and to search for the best tent location. However, I couldn't stop the overnight rain and taking down a wet tent is no fun.

Campground Food Preparation for Grilling Tonight

2010-08-12T03:45:00.005-07:00

A Tree That Grew around a Bicycle Wheel!

2010-08-12T03:45:00.003-07:00

Red Haven Peaches - Absolutely Delicious, Straight from the Orchard

2010-08-12T03:45:00.001-07:00

Uncle Tom's Cabin Historical Site

2010-08-11T14:29:00.004-07:00

Near the town of Dresden, Ontario, the life of Josiah Henson is commemorated. His memoirs are the source for Harriet Beecher Stowe's Uncle Tom's Cabin. Henson settled in Canada in 1830 and 30,000 blacks were able to use the underground railroad and live free in Canada.

From Columbus, Michigan, to Bridgetown, Ontario

2010-08-11T14:29:00.003-07:00

Everyone was excited to start cycling this morning, knowing that we would be entering Canada. We took the ferry across the St. Claire river into Canada. The headwinds were troublesome the last 12 miles but the rest of the 60 miles was "easy sailing." We were surprised to find the sign for Uncle Tom's Cabin and followed the path to explore the site.

Bike Statues Overlooking the St. Claire River into Canada

2010-08-11T14:29:00.001-07:00

One of Many Farms in Michigan Along the Road

2010-08-07T19:00:00.006-07:00

From Frankenmuth to Columbus, Michigan

2010-08-07T19:00:00.005-07:00

This morning we missed an important turn and had to figure out a new route. Additional miles resulted and our 82 mile day ended with a total of 93 miles. Headwinds and traffic made this ride even more difficult!

During our ride in Wisconsin and Michigan, I had seen produce stands based upon the "honesty system" - take what you want and leave the money. People seem to be so trusting in the farm communities we passed through during our travels.

Lawn Mower Bicycle For Real!

2010-08-07T19:00:00.003-07:00

Do you think this is an easy way to mow your lawn?

Farm machinery in Michigan

2010-08-07T19:00:00.001-07:00

From Alma to Frankenmuth

2010-08-06T17:03:00.001-07:00

Today's ride was totally flat but the ride seemed longer than 65 miles because we had detours on dirt roads. We were also forced to cycle on gravel roads, which are as dangerous to cyclists as sand on a road. The ride ended in the Bavarian town of Frankenmuth. The town was settled by Germans in 1845.

Longest Covered Bridge in America in Frankenmuth

2010-08-06T16:50:00.000-07:00

Special Photo for Chocolate Lovers at Zehnder's Bakery

2010-08-06T16:49:00.001-07:00

More from the Bakery - Unique Cookie Trolls

2010-08-06T16:46:00.001-07:00

Wool Shop in Frankenmuth Since 1910

2010-08-06T16:43:00.001-07:00

How do you like my new lime green hat?

2010-08-06T16:41:00.001-07:00

No fun on this Road for Miles

2010-08-06T16:39:00.001-07:00

Our Driver's Farm

2010-08-06T16:37:00.001-07:00

Blaine, our 20 year old driver, was waiting at our lunch stop and missed his namesake farm.

From Fremont to Alma, Michigan

2010-08-05T18:29:00.001-07:00

Today's 75 mile ride was easy. Our stop for lunch at the Amish Farm Country Store was interesting. We respected the Amish farmers and did not photograph them.

Our ride had lots of turns and confusing street directions but we found our way into Alma and to the college. One of our roads just stopped - no pavement, just dirt for over two miles.
The college hosted a catered dinner for us and we met a former, 2008 Bike Across America rider, Jim Convoy. He rode with my friend Mike on the ride and had lots of stories to tell.

A Unique Stone House along the Road

2010-08-05T18:13:00.004-07:00

Welcoming Washing Machines at Alma College

2010-08-05T18:13:00.003-07:00

Washing by hand and using an outside clothes line for drying is no longer fun. We all got excited seeing all these washing machines for our accumulated wash!

Amish Country near Alma College

2010-08-05T18:13:00.001-07:00

From Ludington to Fremont, Michigan

2010-08-04T15:48:00.001-07:00

Rested and anxious to cycle today with Ziva, I was told that Michigan was the flatest state that we would cycle through across the country. Today was very humid but the easy terrain made the 65 mile ride easy.

This photo will be one of my favorite bicycle photos of the trip! The mannequin on the bicycle is at the entrance of Madeline's Vegetable Garden near Hesperia.

Along the Hart Montague Trail in Michigan

2010-08-04T14:05:00.001-07:00

Tank and the Ziva Story

2010-08-04T13:41:00.001-07:00

Ziva is so happy today. A few days ago, she decided to climb on a different tank and unfortunately, 21 stitches later, she had to retire her bike. She pedalled 35 miles today and was excited about being on the bike again.

From Manitowoc, WI to Ludington, Michigan

2010-08-03T19:32:00.001-07:00

What an easy day. Cycled 3 miles to the ferry to cross Lake Michigan. The 62 mile crossing was extremely relaxing. We arrived in Michigan to begin our five days of cycling in this new state on our journey. The time zone has changed to eastern standard time and now we feel we're almost home.

You will also notice that Chuck, Ziva and I are wearing our Bicycle Across America shirts. Everyone always comments on the bright colored shirts and then reads the back which lists the dates, cities and states to show where we have been and where we will be going to.