kristingbridges
Just as so many other traditions, we missed a year of cycle touring last year. Instead, we stayed close to home and did a week of longer rides near home that could be done in a day. This year, we are taking baby-steps back to travel, and given the current situation, we know we made the right choice to plan to stay state-side for our tour this year when we were planning it back in the spring.
The Eerie Canal trail has been on our list of possible trips for a few years now, so this seemed like the perfect year for it. We’ll start in Buffalo and travel about 350 miles to Albany over 9 days. From there, we’ll catch the Amtrak Empire service back to Buffalo. Before we get on our bikes, we’re going to head over tick a bucket list item off our list and see Niagra Falls. Because there are still restrictions (even though we’re vaccinated), we will settle for seeing it from the US side, though we’re told the Canadian side is better.
Similar to 2 years ago, we don’t feel like we’ve put enough miles in to prepare, but we will just have to build up while we’re on the trail. Fingers crossed for no heat waves this time!
We have our packing started, our stops reserved, and our maps ready. And since we’re driving to the starting point, no dismantling the bikes for the plane and rebuilding when we get there. The only downside with touring in the US is that we really have to plan and reserve our stops each night, so no ad hoc “ooo, let’s stop here for the night” or “I’m not feeling up to more than 20 miles today.” What were once bustling towns along the canal path are now very sparse, with few options for lodging most of the way. The same thing holds true on most rail trails in the US.
So check back soon for our first installment of this “Eerie Trip!”
Note: For those who have followed us before, you’ll notice we’ve migrated off of Blogspot to WordPress. All the previous content has been moved, but I still have some cleaning up and organizing to do, so bear with me while I pick away at that!