Lockport to Rochester
68 Miles / 771ft climb
The Erie canal path was simply the most beautiful setting to spend the day cycling along. In the searing heat, there is plenty of shade from the trees lining the path, some shelter from the headwind and hardly anybody else using it. The only downside is the fine gravel road surface which offers much more resistance than smooth tarmac. The gravel requires more effort and despite the extra effort, it rewards us with a much slower pace. However, by now it should be clear that speed is not our aim and so we ambled alongside the canal for the majority of today’s 70 miles.
We left the canal path for a short trial on the road but quickly returned to the trail.
The trail we are on continues to Albany. We are enjoying it so much that we will look at the route for our final couple of weeks to see if we can continue on it for a bit longer.
Tomorrow is a rest day and I am desperately in need of it! Again, ‘rest’ doesn’t really cover it. We have both bikes booked into the bike shop for new chains and cassettes, for John’s gear shifter repair and various replacement parts that have worn out during our 3,800 mile adventure so far. We also need to do some laundry and plan our accommodation and route for the next few days. Hopefully catching up with family and friends will be possible too.
I am determined that today be our last 60-70 mile day. These miles consume almost our entire day and leave little time to rest, relax or enjoy the places we pass through. Fortunately our legs keep the pedals turning as we demand of them but we are weary after so many days on the road and the last few have been particularly long.
The last few days may have been long but at least for the most part they have been flat. Caroline and Paul on the other hand have reached mountainous territory. They are increasing their daily mileage as well. We know we too will face the mountains soon but I for one am pleased we are not there yet.
The Broekman’s Day
The Anderson’s Day
Challenging Times 
Flat is good, hills bad, gravel worse 😬🤣xx
My sentiments exactly! X
A rest day and the bikes get a much needed service. Perfect.
John won’t know what to do when he is spoiled with a dozen gears to choose from!
I started to reply to you a day or two ago and then got distracted.
As Jannette had said that day, I’m completely in awe of all you’ve achieved. It was an absolute privilege to share a few minutes with you.
Of course you know that I’d be happily encouraging the gravelly route, alongside the canal as with rail trails, you’re not going to encounter too many hills.
You asked if anyone had any route advice but, unfortunately I’ve not cycled in that region at all. I do find that using the Apple Maps app, with cycling as default can indicate some good routes. I use Strava more often, that tends to send you towards more popular cycling routes.
Have fun!
you are doing a fabulous job
I cannot even begin to imagine the sense of immense euphoria that awaits you in Boston. I’m sure there’ll be tears – and you might cry too! ☺️ xx