We wake up to rain! In fact- it begins in the middle of the night and Catherine and I start getting wet from leaks in our tent! Lyle gets up and moves all the bikes to a spot under the pavillion and throws the tarp over our tent in an effort to keep us dryer. When a tent fails in the first 10 minutes of a rainstorm- it is time for a new tent! Luckily we had planned for the rain and we ate breakfast under the pavillion. In fact, on David's suggestion, Regan's carry their tent over to the pavillion to take it down, so they don't get too wet! Go David!
Breakfast under the pavilion at Lock 30
Joe- 'How much cereal do I need to eat to keep warm?
Christopher- doing a little practicing for the ride in the rain.
Lyle, drinking the morning coffee. Lyle is our resident mechanic- He can really fix anything. This ride we did not have any flats thankfully. Lyle made a few seat and handlebar adjustments. He is also amazing at backing up the van, which Joe and Margie will testify is not that easy lugging a trailer.
Jack in raingear, ready to ride! Jack is Jonathan's friend and he came on our trip on the Great Allegheny Passage two years ago. We are all thrilled that he is here again. He gets along with everyone, is easygoing and fun and never complains. On this trip, Jack proved that he has become a great rider- he was riding right along with Joe up some of the hills in the rain! And now I would say he is everyone's friend. Just hope he can keep coming on our trips because we love to have him!
Everyone is getting ready to ride in the rain- They know it could be a rough day, but there was no complaining! Ready to ride!
Betsy on her way. And this picture gives an insight into Betsy. Betsy's role in the group is main planner/manager, and cook. But even more important, she is a great problem solver and always looks at life with a positive, "can do" attitude. There have been so many times when we had to overcome an obstacle and she has figured a way out or a way to "make do". It is this positive outlook that keeps people motivated when the chips are down-
Here I am, riding off into the rain! I am also a main planner/manager and cook along with Betsy. As I have a "planner" personality, I like to have things set well in advance- sometimes it takes Betsy to mellow me out a bit.
Lyle in his new rain gear.
And they're off! The group from the back pedaling off into a memorable day. ( Photo courtesy of Liz)
As we get on the trail, it really starts to downpour. Everyone has varying degrees of raingear- but by and large after a few hours of riding in the rain, you are going to be wet. And worse than that- you might be cold, which can be tough to take. We have been riding maybe 30 minutes when it starts to thunder and lightning. Scary! Joe is in the lead and up ahead I see a road overpass- I yell to him, but he has the same idea as I and we stop to take refuge from the storm under the over pass.
We are safe!
We wait out the thunder and lighting and are ready to go again.
The kids are amazing- no complaints.
Back on the trail.
THIS is how hard it rained! We need to get on this road as the on-road portion of the Erie Canal Trail.
Here we go- Riding through the flash flood! It was weird you could feel the current as your tires went through! Notice our mud splattered backs from a morning of rain on the trail.
Heading towards lunch.
Greg and Liz were driving the van today. They did an awesome job! Liz had hot water ready for us to have hot chocolate and coffee when we came in to lunch! Greg made reservations at the Microtel in Seneca Falls- so we will be dry tonight. Some of the kids are getting in the van for the afternoon. Still riding are: Joe, Betsy, Lyle, Me, Emma, Jack and Christopher. Everyone else will help Greg and Liz with the van driving duties. Go Jack!
We had a great night at the microhotel and went to eat at a local diner in Seneca Falls that had good reviews. Rest day tomorrow- We will bike after breakfast to Cayuga Lake State Park and set up camp. The weather is supposed to dry out- Let's hope it does!
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