Sunday, October 4: Clyde to Jordan
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The Schwinn - preparing to depart from Clyde
Saturday, October 3
Gondola Joe leaving Brockport
Saturday AM, I left Pittsford and headed out. I was very thirsty all day. The weather was very nice and every time I reached for my water bottle, it had fallen off somewhere. aaaahh
Went to Tom Wahls for lunch in Newark... a couple of small burgers (with hot sauce) and a home made root beer gave me the energy to make it to Clyde, NY. Six hours on the cruiser with the small 26" wheels and wide tires - she's a pretty bike but definitely not built for speed. I probably should not have had that extra burger ...
Escaping the rain under a bridge
An unintentional detour... I don't think this is the bike path!
Friday, October 2
What a day ! It rained every minute that I was riding my bike. I left the boat launch area outside of Brockport and headed east. I had a meeting with the Rochester Democrat and Chronical to discuss the trip. I met Leo in a gazebo in Spencerport. After the interview, I found myself downtown Spencerport totally wet, cold and super hungry. I sloshed down the rainy main street on my bike and spotted Texas BBQ. What a great score - people were staring as I removed most of my clothes and slung them over my booth. I stayed for an hour - ate soup, enjoyed a huge cup of tea and dried out a bit -except for my shoes !
Back on the road 1:30 ish. Somewhere in Greece, NY, I missed the turn to cross a bridge to the other side of the canal. I continued straight for at least another 2 miles as the path kept getting narrower and bumpier. I back-tracked and found the path again. At this point I was resigned to the fact that it was going to rain all day. Squish squish as the water poured out of my shoes ...
The Genesee Valley Park area is really beautiful. I look forward to rowing thru there in the future. I would love to row up to Corn Hill and have Tai food. But alas, must press on to Pittsford and a friends house. I finally reached Pittsford at 6:00 PM. Totally wet - my rain pants leaked, I had been drinking rain water off my jacket since I had dropped my water bottle somewhere ... I parked my cruiser in Soren and Collette's driveway. I showered, put on dry clothes and had a glass of red wine AAAAAHHHHHH. Collette asked me: "Free range roast beef and new potatoes with gravy OK ? " ah YAH
Needless to say, the day ended amazingly - thank you Collette and Soren !
Friday, October 2, 2009: A Difficult Decision
Due to continued inclement weather including daily rain showers, steadily decreasing temperatures and the biggest factor, high winds, there has been a change in the trip format. Although this decision was difficult to make, since it follows weeks of preparation and training, the concern is that the gondola could be damaged. It is difficult to control a gondola while standing on a narrow slippery, wet deck for hours in heavy wind gusts. While fighting to keep on course, the boat could easily be swept to shore and damaged on the rocks lining the canal.
Therefore, starting just west of Brockport, NY, I will be completing my journey along the canal path by bicycle. Unwilling to give up, I plan to ride alongside the canal on the Schwinn beach cruiser that was brought along in the gondola and used for evening transportation in the canal towns.
The Schwinn Beach Cruiser: Gondola Model
Ironically, this adjustment to a new form of transportation is emblematic of the disease, ALS, for which we are attempting to raise awareness. I am determined to complete the trip but am forced to adjust to conditions beyond human control.
I'd like to try again next SUMMER !