2015-06-08 - NY - Day 12 - Sodus Point to Rochester
I woke up at 5:00 am to two pleasant surprises. First, I was dry despite a thunderstorm outside! And also, the rain was getting lighter and seemed to be stopping. Brian, Andy, and Catherine ("BAC") left early, before 6:30 AM, but I wanted to leave later and save money by eating out of the food I keep in the van. Brett did come with free Badass Power Cookies after all! Apparently he did not come last night because a tree fell on his house.
Most people did not leave until much later, around 8 AM. I rode with a sizable group until something fell out of my pocket and I had to stop. On top of that my backpack straps got caught in my wheel. Lucas caught up and drafted off me for a bit before speeding on ahead. I ended up riding within eyeshot of Stefanie most of the way to the first rest stop. Svetlana also caught up to us and rode with us for a while. We passed the farmhouse where Mormonism was born.
It started raining pretty heavily in Palmyra, where the first Book of Mormon was printed and sold. While there I looked to try to find a place in Rochester to shower and stay overnight via the Warm Showers Community, a web-based hospitality exchange for cyclists.
After waiting out the wind a bit in the van, Ken, Zack, and I headed off. I absolutely loved this stretch. The Erie Canal is probably my favorite road to bike on so far. Perhaps I miss mountain biking too much. The rain stopped eventually, and I rode slowly to take in the views and capture photos.
Pittsford, the second rest stop, was further than expected, but I made it. There I bid farewell to Zack and Ken who were ready to leave the van and head to Spencerport, foregoing the detour to Rochester. I on the other hand got my things ready. Several residents had agreed to host me, and I accepted the first offer, from Karen and Brian Managan.
I visited two bike stores along the way and purchased a trunk bag, a sleeveless jersey on clearance, reflective ankle straps for my rain pants, and a plastic map holder so I don't lose my map again. I probably spent about $175.
I finally arrived at the Managans' house at 5 PM. Brian welcomed me and let me rinse off my bike before helping me carry it downstairs. They had about a dozen bikes and a laundry machine in the basement which I used. On the main floor, Karen provided a towel for me to use to shower and had prepared dinner for us. I enjoyed delicious salad, mac and cheese, and brownies as their two cats wandered around.
I visited two bike stores along the way and purchased a trunk bag, a sleeveless jersey on clearance, reflective ankle straps for my rain pants, and a plastic map holder so I don't lose my map again. I probably spent about $175.
I finally arrived at the Managans' house at 5 PM. Brian welcomed me and let me rinse off my bike before helping me carry it downstairs. They had about a dozen bikes and a laundry machine in the basement which I used. On the main floor, Karen provided a towel for me to use to shower and had prepared dinner for us. I enjoyed delicious salad, mac and cheese, and brownies as their two cats wandered around.
I had an amazing time chatting with them about adventures and life. At one point, I asked Brian about his current job as a guide for the American Cycling Association. He responded:
-"You'll probably be great at it. You know what they're really looking for? Someone with the heart and passion."
-"That sounds perfect."
I eventually fell asleep at midnight after finishing laundry and working on my website for two hours.
-"You'll probably be great at it. You know what they're really looking for? Someone with the heart and passion."
-"That sounds perfect."
I eventually fell asleep at midnight after finishing laundry and working on my website for two hours.