kristingbridges
19 Miles from Amsterdam to Schenectady
The hotel last night was truly awesome, but they still haven’t restored their continental breakfast service, so we tried to find something nearby. It’s a Sunday though, so the only options were another mile into town from the trail. Since we knew it was a short day, we just ate some snack bars and I made coffee in the room. Then we set out. Going back down that 18% grade was mildly terrifying, but from there, it was just a couple blocks back to the trail.
The trail was smooth going today, all on trail, alternating between very nice, smooth, new asphalt to a bit more beat-up asphalt and back again. Since it’s Sunday, there were a lot more people on the trail, which also means there are people on bicycles who don’t really know the rules of the road. I just love yelling “bike back” at Brian when someone passes me without any warning or audible notice. Passive/aggressive, yes, but also practical since he won’t think it’s me coming up to him and move left to let me in, as is his habit. And maybe, just maybe the person will get the hint that they are supposed to give audible warnings (bells, “on your left,” or even just “hello”).
My seat and knees are still angry at me, but no worse. But this ride was short since we went half the miles for today yesterday. We rolled into Schenectady in time for a late lunch. Right on the trail and just before our hotel, there was a lovely brew-pub with a really nice outside terrace. We enjoyed our first nice lunch on the trail. We both enjoyed a beer and I got a really awesome salad, while Brian went with a burger and salad. My beer was an Oktoberfest, which marks the first one I’ve had this Fall.
Speaking of Fall, we have seen a few trees here and there starting to change color. We hadn’t expected to see much color this early in the season, but were hopeful since we are more north here than we are at home. I need to make a point of grabbing a picture tomorrow.
The hotel has a laundry, which was really needed. I was feeling a bit self-conscious at lunch about the fact that I think that shirt was getting a bit ripe. After a quick shower and changing into my one pair of clean leggings and a mostly clean t-shirt, I took nearly every other clothing item we have down to the washer. That should get us through to the trip home in a couple days. Even with clean clothes, I get really tired of wearing the same things over and over, so I’m looking forward to a closet full of DIFFERENT clean clothes in a few days!
