Back in the USA

We crossed back into the United States yesterday (Sunday). Sorry for the delay in posting, but had problems connecting from the room last night. I'm currently in the hotel lobby with laundry in process a short distance away.

Today is a much appreciated rest day and should be occupied by chores; trip to the bike shop, if it can be found; and some sightseeing.

Yesterday's route was 71 miles into Niagara. It was an experience when we neared the falls. Not sure there could have been a more challenging day to ride in on, other than perhaps Saturday. Lots of traffic and sight seers.

We, of course, first saw the falls from the Canadian side. While you may think there probably isn't much difference, that is true for the falls themselves. However, development of the area surrounding the falls is signficantly different depending on whether you are on the US or Canada side. I have to say, in my opinion, Canada has done a bit better job at not being just another tourist trap.

The route yesterday had a lot of turns, which is more difficult in heavy vehicle and pedestrian traffic. I'm happy to say there were no bonus miles yesterday!

Since the crossing was at the end of the day, we did not return to the US as a group. It took approximately 30 minutes to get through the crossing. I rode up through the waiting cars until getting to a tour bus then just eased through following it.

Questions at the border were pretty normal (or not) --Was there anything I had purchased that I was bringing back to the US (on my bike), where was I from, had I ridden my bike from Iowa. Everyone is a comedian!

Since yesterday was a riding day, we still ate dinner as a group, and then I believe many people walked to the falls for the evening light show and fireworks display (or at least those that were still up). It was pretty spectacular.

We lose six riders today and tomorrow, but pick up five new riders here. I believe the rest of the route will be similar to what we have seen for the past week, although with a bit more climbing and signficantly more climbing in Vermont.

Yesterday was a combination of rural riding and urban riding, as well as, flats and hills. I'm noticing, as when I've ridden in Massachusetts previously, that it's getting harder to tell where town ends and country begins.

There seem to be groups of houses that pop up for awhile, but don't seem to be organized as a town or city. Stopped yesterday at the Avalon Market for one of my favorite treats (yes, a Popsicle) and a bottle of water. The market was a small grocery store / convenience store, surrounded by a dozen or so houses; but no post office or other visible city services. I equate it to what I imagine Fern, Iowa used to be.

Traffic was generally very light yesterday except for a six mile stretch following the SAG stop. That stretch was complicated by a pretty stiff headwind. I was glad for the urban riding to block the wind, even though it can be more challenging and slower going.

We only saw the towns of Bismark and Pelham (still in Canada) yesterday, so I was glad to find the Avalon Market at mile 53 for a little break.

There was also the added challenge of gravel riding yesterday -- some planned, some unplanned. The route sheet noted a .3 mile stretch that turned out to be downhill, with a stop at the bottom and full of holes and ruts. The other stretch, which I didn't measure, was due to a road closure since last year's ride came through. Both were hard pack, but it increases the risk of flats and accidents.

It's actually nice to be back in the U.S. I'm looking forward to a little rest today. I think it's going to take a little motivation to be back up early tomorrow and back on the bike, but New Hampshire is within sight now.

~ Lisa