Covering 11 states and Ontario. The ride is a fund-raiser for the American Lung Association (http://www.lungne.org) and is in cooperation with Adventure Cycling Association (http://www.adventurecycling.org) of Missoula, MT. This ride is my fourth trans-continental ride and and my third Northern Tier ride. It is in celebration of my 15th anniversary as a fund-raiser for ALA and of the 100th anniversary of the American Lung Association.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
17 August Tuesday Ridgeway, ON – Niagara Falls, ON
Starting Point: Ridgeway, ON
Ending Point: Niagara Falls, ON
Via: Fort Erie
Mileage: 26.3
Time: 2:33
Mph: 10.3
Terrain: flat
Vertical climbing: 251
Temperature High: 78
Temperature Low: 67
Lunch: PB&J sandwich
Dinner: restaurant
Weather: warm, sunny
Lodging: Niagara Falls International Hostel
Cumulative Mileage: 3,509
Miles to Go: 591
Projected Distance: 4,100
Days completed: 73 (including 8 rest days) – includes Niagara Falls, ON Rest Day
Distance Completed: 86%
Days to Go: 14
The cycling day was so short, there isn’t much to report. A phenomenal encounter did happen briefly on the way along the Niagara Recreation Trail along the Niagara River. I heard someone call my name “John!?” I answered, “Yeah!” A bicyclist said, “Fischer?!” Again I answered the same. I looked at the two cycling in my direction from the roadway. The man yelled, “Frato!” Ken and Joan Frato are the parents of Katie with whom I completed the 2004 Northern Tier ride from Anacortes, WA to Brunswick. Ken mentioned that Katie told him to be on the lookout for me, but he wasn’t sure he’d find me. They were on the way home from a bicycle tour around Ontario. What a fantastic surprise! The chance of crossing paths with someone on this route is slim, but here again is another fine example of synchronicity! We visited only for a few minutes before we went our separate ways.
Niagara Falls - A Still Life
Arriving in Niagara Falls was as exciting as ever. The crowds are still there. The falls are still striking, hypnotic, beautiful and awe-inspiring. As I walked my bike along the promenade by the falls, a Quebecois asked me if my recumbent bicycle was easier to pedal than a “normal” one. We had a long conversation about bikes and travel. She and her family were vacationing in Niagara Falls and were from Val-Morin which is where one of my favorite cross-country skiing areas and a hotel are located. She related the sad news that Auberge le Rouet (the hotel) had burned to the ground.
It was awsome meeting you! (this is Jessica the girl you met in Brockport at the cafe) After our conversation I am very interested in following your blog and maybe even getting involved in cycling. Good Luck with everything...your almost done!
Adventure Cycling Association - 2010 Northern Tier Expedition
A 4,400-mile journey across the United States from Anacortes, WA to Brunswick, ME. That covers 11 states and Ontario. The ride is a fund-raiser for the American Lung Association (http://www.lungne.org) and is in cooperation with Adventure Cycling Association (http://www.adventurecycling.org) of Missoula, MT. To pledge go to: http://pledgejohn.lungne.org
2010 marks my 15th anniversary as a fund-raiser for the American Lung Association. My goal is to achieve the 4,400-mile Northern Tier ride with Adventure Cycling Association of Missoula, MT. I hope to raise just over $33,500 so that I can reach $250,000 as my total funds raised over the 15 years. To contribute: http://pledgejohn.lungne.org
You're almost home! I always enjoy your posts, even if I don't comment. I'm a quiet lurker.
ReplyDeleteIt was awsome meeting you! (this is Jessica the girl you met in Brockport at the cafe) After our conversation I am very interested in following your blog and maybe even getting involved in cycling. Good Luck with everything...your almost done!
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