It's a Wonderful Life

This morning we left Geneva in a pouring rain. Nothing you can do about it - just keep pedaling.

Along the way we crossed over a bridge in Seneca Falls. It's the very same bridge where George Bailey, of Bedford Falls, discussed the importance of one life with Clarence, his angel.

It's been a bit of a tough day with hours of rain and Marilyn getting three flat tires!

But we met some terrific people who stopped and helped us change the tires. We enjoyed the coffee shop and the wildlife sanctuary along the way. And the ride along Cayuga Lake was quite beautiful - even in the rain.

All in all, I'd have to say it really is a wonderful life.

Beautiful Campus

We've had a relaxing day in Geneva and the folks at Hobart have really made us feel welcome.

We all had a delicious dinner at Emile's restaurant, close to downtown.  The Bon Ton provided trolleys to get back and forth from our camp grounds to Geneva's business district.

It looks like rain tomorrow all the way to Auburn.

Rest Day

Today we didn't ride. So what did we do instead? We visited a bike shop! Geneva has one of the top 100 bike shops in the country.

What a treat!

Vineyards and lakes

Geneva on the Lake

We ended day four of riding in the city of Geneva on the western shore of Lake Seneca. Another 48 miles on the bike.

We are camping tonight on the campus of Hobart College. They fed us VERY well; all you could eat broasted chicken, lots of pasta, veggies and endless desserts!

Tomorrow is a REST day. I sure need it! Looking forward to exploring Geneva. Everyone is well and feeling really good.

Cycling through Grapes

Farewell to Keuka

The hill that climbs out of Hammondsport is not intended for bicyclists. It is not intended for any vehicle with less than 450 horse power. I saw two chipmunks and a mouse, all dead on the road from the sheer exertion of trying to reach the top.

The struggle yielded a great reward; a wonderful sunrise over Lake Keuka.

We are on our way back to Lake Seneca - this time at Geneva.

Seneca to Keuka

Day three took us another 48 miles through the wine country as we rode from Lake Seneca to Lake Keuka.

The route Included some gorgeous scenery through the Amish country. We then hugged the eastern shore of Lake Keuka and saw some beautiful lake front homes and bed and breakfast places.

Tonight we are camping at a school grounds in Hammondsport. Dinner at the nearby fire station.

Dessert at the Choclatier of Hammondsport.

Goodbye Lake Seneca

Hit the bikes at 7:45 this morning to face another multi-mile hill.
At the top we saw the sun over Lake Seneca and a beautiful winery.

This is where all the calendar pictures come from!

Watkins Glen

It was a hard day with the hills and the head winds. But again it was
also a day filled with excitement and wonder.

After dinner several of us walked a few blocks to a state park. There
we hiked two miles of the incredible Watkins Glen. I was exhausted,
but I would not have missed this beautiful hike for anything!

47 miles on the bike today. Time for sleep.

Lunch at Seneca Lake

After fighting vicious winds from Cayuga to Seneca Lakes, we enjoyed a wonderful lunch at a winery on the shores of Seneca. Beautiful!

A finger lake

Great morning! Lots of rain last night, but clear this morning.

Started out uphill for 8 miles -- not kidding. Descended to Lake Cayuga.

Incredible beauty

Day one: HILLS

The reports were true! There are real hills here. Not whimpy Hueston
Woods style hills -- but heart throbbing climbs and white knuckle
descents.

But what a glorious day! 54 miles, no rain, incredible beauty. We all
made it in fine shape. Now for dinner.

Tent City

Home sweet home. Fairground In Corttland, New York.

Take Off

The rain moved out over night and we have a beautiful day for riding.

We had a police escort to the edge of Cortland. A great start!

The night before: RAIN

After 12 hours on the road we have safely arrived in Cortland, New York.

Had dinner at Doug's and now back at tent city. Raining hard. We hit the bikes tomorrow at 7:30 am.

Six Days, Five Lakes, 300 miles

With just five days left before the start of The Bon Ton Roulette, we are getting in the last few training rides (working in lots of hills) and starting to pack. And studying the handbook and maps. It looks like the ride will be through some absolutely beautiful territory. It also looks like we will be climbing some really significant hills over the six days of the ride.

I hope to make updates to this blog -- maybe with a few pictures of the scenery -- throughout the ride. So wish us luck and be sure to check back from time to time for updates next week.

Jim Enjoys a Break

After about 40 miles of biking Jim stops to enjoy lunch of pizza pie and ice cold beer.

Countdown to Bon Ton

Monday six of us had a wonderful ride from Lebanon to Milford and back along the dedicated bike trails, just about 60 miles total. We stopped in Loveland at a pizza shop called "The Works". Great pie and great company.

Less than a week now before the Bon Ton. Time to get final preparations done.

Quite a Group

The summer is moving quickly, and much of it has been devoted to preparing for the Bon Ton Roulette coming up at the end of July.

As usual, we had a great Saturday morning breakfast ride today. But what was a bit unusual was the size and make up of the group of riders. We set a record with 20 riders. But even more impressive was the fact that our youngest rider was 30 years old, our oldest was 79, we had one rider all the way from Michigan, another from Columbus and yet another all the way from New Zealand!  And here's the kicker;  One of our riders has a broken leg (in two places!).  He can't walk on it, but he can ride.

It was great fun and we all enjoyed breakfast at the Hueston Woods Lodge.  Thanks to Pat for supplying the photo of the group.