We started the day off at a Dunkin Donuts in Glen Falls. What a great way to start the day! I don't know if I'm as big a fan of them as OSJ, but I LOVE DD!!
I mostly backtracked to the NY/VT border and then jumped on Rte 9 in VT to ride home. We rode all the way to Brattleboro where we picked up 119 and rode the rest of the way home.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
We awoke about 6:15 and walked one mile to a nearby diner for breakfast. Neither Ruth nor I were impressed with the Diner so we'll not go back there tomorrow. It was ok but not worth a walk so once is enough.
Today was an awesome ride!!!
We did another of the Shamrock Tours. This one was a big looping ride from Glen Falls up through the Adirondack Park and stopping in Lake Placid
before continuing home. We got going about 8 AM and did lots of riding along two lane roads. I did get lost twice during this ride and I think it was because I only had their tankbag maps, not the articles. I should have planned better for the whole ride.
In Lake Placid, we stopped at the Speed Skating rink where Eric Heiden (from Madison, WI; just north of where I grew up) swept the 1980 Olympics
.
We then headed back to the Olympic Ski Jumping site. Being Austrian, Ruth HAD to see this site and see how many of her countrymen were named on plaques there. We paid the $10/person entry fee and parked the bikes. Ruth was immediately smitten.
We were both amazed to see them jumping. The jumpers would wear the same suit they were in the winter so it was hot for them. We chatted with one and then we climbed aboard the chair lifts to go to the bottom of the jumps. From there, we took an elevator to the top of the 120m jump. The guy running the elevator had a pretty boring job. It was reasonably cool outside but the
elevator was hot and he never got to see anything. He was dozing off after pushing the button to go to the top.
At the top we were able to climb to see where the competitors stood. It was quite impressive and I don't think it was something I'd want to do!
Ruth spoke to a boy that was 11 years old and was jumping off the 90m jump. I wondered if we'd see him in the 2012 Olympics...
They also had a place for acrobatic jumpers to practice jumping into a pool. They turned on jets in the water immediately before the jumper went (perhaps to keep them from sinking into the pool too far??).
We then continued back to Rte 9 and then south to Lake George. We hung out for awhile and peoplewatched and then, when we got to the KOA, we walked to a local pub for a raddler (beer and sprite) before cleaning up for the night and hitting the hay...
Today was an awesome ride!!!
We did another of the Shamrock Tours. This one was a big looping ride from Glen Falls up through the Adirondack Park and stopping in Lake Placid
before continuing home. We got going about 8 AM and did lots of riding along two lane roads. I did get lost twice during this ride and I think it was because I only had their tankbag maps, not the articles. I should have planned better for the whole ride.In Lake Placid, we stopped at the Speed Skating rink where Eric Heiden (from Madison, WI; just north of where I grew up) swept the 1980 Olympics
.
We then headed back to the Olympic Ski Jumping site. Being Austrian, Ruth HAD to see this site and see how many of her countrymen were named on plaques there. We paid the $10/person entry fee and parked the bikes. Ruth was immediately smitten.
We were both amazed to see them jumping. The jumpers would wear the same suit they were in the winter so it was hot for them. We chatted with one and then we climbed aboard the chair lifts to go to the bottom of the jumps. From there, we took an elevator to the top of the 120m jump. The guy running the elevator had a pretty boring job. It was reasonably cool outside but the
elevator was hot and he never got to see anything. He was dozing off after pushing the button to go to the top.At the top we were able to climb to see where the competitors stood. It was quite impressive and I don't think it was something I'd want to do!
Ruth spoke to a boy that was 11 years old and was jumping off the 90m jump. I wondered if we'd see him in the 2012 Olympics...
They also had a place for acrobatic jumpers to practice jumping into a pool. They turned on jets in the water immediately before the jumper went (perhaps to keep them from sinking into the pool too far??).
We then continued back to Rte 9 and then south to Lake George. We hung out for awhile and peoplewatched and then, when we got to the KOA, we walked to a local pub for a raddler (beer and sprite) before cleaning up for the night and hitting the hay...
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Adirondacks Three Day; Day 1
Ruth and I took a leisurely morning and left for Lake George about 10:30. We rode Rte 62 to 140 and then north to Rte 2. We rode a little longer and stopped for ....
and then continued out Rte 2.
Ruth was enjoying her ride and needed a bladder break on Florida Mountain. It's a great view from there and she's always a good subject of photos. (By the way, I don't have any idea why the photos are black and white rather than color. It seems my camera was toggling back an
d forth randomly!)I then reminded Ruth about the hairpin turn coming up. Although she was concerned, she did it like a trooper! She did criticize her own technique in that she crossed the centerline on the exit of the turn but I thought she did great!
My plan was to ride Rte 2 until I got to the corner of NY and then follow a route from the April, '07 issue of RoadRunner magazine. It was in a Shamrock Tour beginning in Glen Falls, NY (just south of Lake George). It had us going route 2 to 22 to 372 to 40 to 197. I thought the route was FABULOUS!!! It was mostly two lane roads and quite comfortable to ride on. Traffic was light and I enjoyed the roads lots.
We arrived at Lake George about 5 PM and headed for the KOA that is actually in Lake Luzerne. We're camping here because of some points for the AMA Grand Tours
Both of us forgot a few things and Ruth had noticed a Target a few miles back (in Glen Falls) so we went back to it. To her surprise, there was a JCPenney there and Ruth had to visit. We also had an "Apple Fortune" at a 99 restauraunt (thanks Dick!!) and then headed back for the night.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Coming Home again
8/20/07
Well, this is it. The last day of the two month tour. After camping under the trees, we had a dry tent waking up so that made it nice for packing. There was a restaurant almost directly across the street from the campground and they were open so we went in. They had a buffet that looked good but actually looked better than it tasted. The coffee was also weak so the start wasn't what we actually wanted.
We headed to Acadia. We were going to ride the 27 mile Park Loop Road and then I'd find the TomTom point somewhere near the ocean before we headed out. I enjoyed the Park Road to Cadillac Mtn but Ruth said that riding 35 mph in the woods is boring.
Climbing Cadillac Mtn was nice. At the top I remembered that one of the AMA Everywhere towns was Cadillac so I took a photo at the top of the mtn. I don't know if it will count, but its worth the creative effort.
When we came down from the mtn, we continued on the park loop road. I saw a whitetail hindquarters behind a tree and within a minute, a buck with velvety antlers ran across the road in front of me. Ruth thought I was going to be hit but I don't think it was that close. I didn't even apply brakes although I saw it in plenty of time. It was in a hurry so I just maintained my slow speed and watched it go.
I agreed that 35 mph was becoming tedious so I headed toward the Blackstone Campground which is where the TomTom point was. The exact spot was in the middle of the campground (remember, it was full) so I took a picture of the ranger station at the entrance instead.
We then headed out of the park and south on Rte 1. It tries to follow the coast but lots of times you are inland and can't even see water. When it gets close to water, the traffic increases and slows considerably. I thought this was tedious riding but Ruth didn't want to do interstates yet. We stayed on 1 to Wiscasset where we stopped for a late lobster and steamer lunch. I then headed onto the interstates and to home. We arrived home about 5:30 PM.
The long ride is officially over.
Well, this is it. The last day of the two month tour. After camping under the trees, we had a dry tent waking up so that made it nice for packing. There was a restaurant almost directly across the street from the campground and they were open so we went in. They had a buffet that looked good but actually looked better than it tasted. The coffee was also weak so the start wasn't what we actually wanted.
We headed to Acadia. We were going to ride the 27 mile Park Loop Road and then I'd find the TomTom point somewhere near the ocean before we headed out. I enjoyed the Park Road to Cadillac Mtn but Ruth said that riding 35 mph in the woods is boring.
Climbing Cadillac Mtn was nice. At the top I remembered that one of the AMA Everywhere towns was Cadillac so I took a photo at the top of the mtn. I don't know if it will count, but its worth the creative effort.
When we came down from the mtn, we continued on the park loop road. I saw a whitetail hindquarters behind a tree and within a minute, a buck with velvety antlers ran across the road in front of me. Ruth thought I was going to be hit but I don't think it was that close. I didn't even apply brakes although I saw it in plenty of time. It was in a hurry so I just maintained my slow speed and watched it go.
I agreed that 35 mph was becoming tedious so I headed toward the Blackstone Campground which is where the TomTom point was. The exact spot was in the middle of the campground (remember, it was full) so I took a picture of the ranger station at the entrance instead.
We then headed out of the park and south on Rte 1. It tries to follow the coast but lots of times you are inland and can't even see water. When it gets close to water, the traffic increases and slows considerably. I thought this was tedious riding but Ruth didn't want to do interstates yet. We stayed on 1 to Wiscasset where we stopped for a late lobster and steamer lunch. I then headed onto the interstates and to home. We arrived home about 5:30 PM.
The long ride is officially over.
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
The End of the 4 Corners....
8/19/07
It was pretty cold when Ruth and I awoke. The neighbors were already tearing down their camp because they had two kids that were vomiting during the night so they were ready to head home.
We packed up the camp and headed back to the Tim Horton's for a bagel. As we were eating, a guy came riding up and he sought us out inside. He teaches classes that allow people to get their permit in ME so he wanted to talk bikes. When he found out I taught MSF classes, he was very chatty.
We talked about lots and then Iasked him about getting to Madawaska. He said it was about 2.5 hours there and that Rte 11 on the way back was nice. That was the plan for the day then.
The ride to Madawaska was uneventful. When we got there, I filled up at a Chevron that was on the SCMA list. The attendants knew about the 4 Corners ride and were full of questions. Ruth and I both filled up and then I rode over to the Post Office to get a photo and mail the gas receipt and totals.
After that, we decided to go to the new SCMA 4 Corners statue and get a photo there.
Now that the 4 Corners ride was over, we headed to Ft Nelson for a Subway sandwich and to get on Rte 11 to head back to Bangor and Acadia National Park.
About 1/2 way down the road we stopped at a rest stop. There were 5 other bikes there and we went up and chatted with them. They were all locals out riding and soon, four of them took off. We chatted with the remaining couple for awhile. They were riding a Goldwing and were pulling a camping trailer that Ruth and I looked at. They gave us advice on where to stay in Bar Harbor and we left a bit before them and headed south.
On the way south, we did see a white-tailed deer alongside the road.
Route 11 was definitely a more scenic way to go although it would be more challenging and dangerous at night.
We arrived at Acadia about 5 PM. I went to the vc immediately to get the stamp that would earn my National parks Gold and then we returned to the campground to set up camp.
After setting up, we crossed the street to have dinner. Ruth wanted lobster, but she couldn't be the one to condemn the lobster to death. I had to pick one out for us. I did that and she showed me the places to crack 'em open and eat 'em. It was pretty good!!
From there, we went to the convenience store to get marshmallows and graham crackers. I made a fire and we had s'mores for dessert. After it was dark, we laid down for a night's rest....
It was pretty cold when Ruth and I awoke. The neighbors were already tearing down their camp because they had two kids that were vomiting during the night so they were ready to head home.
We packed up the camp and headed back to the Tim Horton's for a bagel. As we were eating, a guy came riding up and he sought us out inside. He teaches classes that allow people to get their permit in ME so he wanted to talk bikes. When he found out I taught MSF classes, he was very chatty.
We talked about lots and then Iasked him about getting to Madawaska. He said it was about 2.5 hours there and that Rte 11 on the way back was nice. That was the plan for the day then.
The ride to Madawaska was uneventful. When we got there, I filled up at a Chevron that was on the SCMA list. The attendants knew about the 4 Corners ride and were full of questions. Ruth and I both filled up and then I rode over to the Post Office to get a photo and mail the gas receipt and totals.
After that, we decided to go to the new SCMA 4 Corners statue and get a photo there.
Now that the 4 Corners ride was over, we headed to Ft Nelson for a Subway sandwich and to get on Rte 11 to head back to Bangor and Acadia National Park.
About 1/2 way down the road we stopped at a rest stop. There were 5 other bikes there and we went up and chatted with them. They were all locals out riding and soon, four of them took off. We chatted with the remaining couple for awhile. They were riding a Goldwing and were pulling a camping trailer that Ruth and I looked at. They gave us advice on where to stay in Bar Harbor and we left a bit before them and headed south.
On the way south, we did see a white-tailed deer alongside the road.
Route 11 was definitely a more scenic way to go although it would be more challenging and dangerous at night.
We arrived at Acadia about 5 PM. I went to the vc immediately to get the stamp that would earn my National parks Gold and then we returned to the campground to set up camp.
After setting up, we crossed the street to have dinner. Ruth wanted lobster, but she couldn't be the one to condemn the lobster to death. I had to pick one out for us. I did that and she showed me the places to crack 'em open and eat 'em. It was pretty good!!
From there, we went to the convenience store to get marshmallows and graham crackers. I made a fire and we had s'mores for dessert. After it was dark, we laid down for a night's rest....
Back at it...
8/18/07
Ruth had to work last night so she wasn't ready to go right off but she was ready pretty quick. We were on the road by 8 AM. The first stop was a GPS point in Portsmouth, NH. The GPS pointed me to a woodlot next to the Community School so I took a photo of the school but as we left, there was a waterpark on the backside of the woods so I took a photo there also. The second GPS point was in York, ME and it was in their downtown area. There was an animal park that I think was closest so I took the photo of that.
We then headed north. The next four stops were Everywhere stops; Waterville, Wickson, Pittsfield and Bangor. Bangor also had a GPS point at some downtown buildings.
We made it to Bangor faster than I'd thought. I planned to stop here for the day but it was too early so Ruth voted to move on the Houlton (on the US/Canadian border). It was about 110 miles away but it was all interstate in remote areas. We made it there by 6 PM but Houlton was celebrating their 200th anniversary so EVERY hotel room in the town was occupied. Its a good thing we'd brought camping things and we took a nice campground on the edge of town. It was nice grass and fairly quiet. We set up camp, returned to town for a quick dinner, and then back to the campground for bed.
It was very cold during the night. I'd imagine it was in the mid 40s so both Ruth (in my warmer sleeping bag) and I were cold and had to put on jackets to stay warm.
We did 412 miles today, the longest Ruth every did....
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Photos uploaded
I've uploaded the remainder of the photos to my pbase account. If I get a chance tomorrow, I'll add some select ones to the blog. It may be until next week for that though because of the maintenance on the bike I've got to do.
http://www.pbase.com/drtryan/alaska__4_corners
http://www.pbase.com/drtryan/alaska__4_corners
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