We packed up and left Middleport around 8:30. The rental car had to be returned by 1 o’clock. There were a few errands we wanted to run before that. One thing we needed to find was a store that sold Darn Tough socks. I have 2 pairs of socks with me. Several days ago I ripped one while trying to put it on my wet foot. Since being introduced to them while hiking the Apalachian Trail, Darn Tough has been my favorite sock brand. They are Merino wool which is a natural antimicrobial and they are guaranteed forever! Both pairs I had with me were at least 2 years old. We found an awesome little store, Gear For Adventure. I took my two old pairs in and they exchanged them with two new pairs! I feel bad I hadn’t washed them. I did warn the clerk not to open the ziploc bag they were in though.
With that done we went to an Aldi’s discount grocery store and got noodles, cheese, sardines and some packages of tuna. With all our errands out of the way we headed for the car return at the Buffalo/ Niagra International Airport. As we got close we kept looking for a secluded and shaded place to unload the car. I was going to put the bikes back together while Rose returned the car. We circled the car return and the Airport parking area without finding anything. Back on the main road we saw a big motel with overflow parking in the back. It wasn’t shady but it was secluded so we unloaded everything and put it on the grass.
Rose went to return the car and I started putting the wheels on the bikes. Our timing was about perfect, I was putting on the last two panniers when she came walking back. After riding a couple circles to make sure I had put everything together right and the brakes worked we headed out.
We were staying at a Warmshower host in Hamburg. About 25 miles away. Mostly it was road riding but a few great rail trails helped get us away from the busy city traffic.
There was some pretty amazing architecture along the way. Most of my years of employment have been doing construction, laying blocks and bricks or framing houses. I always notice unique structures and appreciate the effort and craftsmanship that was put into building them.
We got to our Warmshowers host around 4:15. There was another cyclist already there. Bruce was riding from New Hampshire to see his daughter in Salt Lake City, Utah. He was 73 years old and had retired from managing ski resorts. I enjoyed talking to him. Our host, Michael, Joanna and their 7 year old daughter Magda were wonderful. For dinner they cooked up a huge pot of spaghetti. They were avid cyclist as well and knew the importance of carbs! After dinner Michael, Bruce, Magda and I played a game of corn hole in their beautifully landscaped back yard. As delicious as dinner was, breakfast was even better! The eggs were cooked with chorizo and chives picked fresh from her garden, avocado, bacon and toast. And the coffee was awesome!
We left Hamburg in the rain this morning. Storms and rain is what was forecasted but we had a few hours that the sun tried to come out. Wind was our biggest hindrance. We had a strong headwind most the day. Up to 25 mph according to the weather app.
I’m enjoying being on roads again. I love the tranquility of a nice shady bike path but they always feel a tiny bit boring. When on the roads there is a sense of excitement. All the road signs with route numbers or miles to a certain destination really awakens the wanderlust in me. Usually at every major intersection, I’ll have a big silly grin on my face and a far away look in my eye just thinking of all the different places each of the roads would take me. At those times I realize I’m about as lucky and as free as a person can get. We have no pressing schedule and on our bike we have everything we need for 3 or 4 days.
We are in Dunkirk tonight. I have rode this section before and knew of a few good stealth camping places. However with all the storm warnings we chose to get a room. Before starting on this bike trip as a gift we were given an envelope that had enough money for one night in a hotel.
Rose’s blog. https://wildrosepedals.com/
MAtthew im cracked up about the cashier and those socks! she quit her job immediately
Aloha – I am so envious of your adventure and thank you for sharing. So happy for you two as well! I am building up the courage to make major life changes and this helps. Thank you
Thank you for reading! And thank you for the kind words. A favorite quote of mine by Nelson Mandela- Courage is not the absence of fear it but the triumph over it! I hope you will continue to be inspired to make your life changes. Usually the first step is the hardest! You got this!!