Utica to Johnstown
63 miles. All day to cycle it. What could possibly go wrong?
Quite a lot, it would seem.
Cyclist Collision
Not us! Two very inebriated cyclists crashed into each other just as we were leaving our hotel this morning. A complete tangle of limbs and bikes, a lot of cursing, a few yelps of pain and off they went! I suspect when/if they are ever not inebriated, they will feel the pain for a few days.
The Rain
It rained hard and heavy for the entire day. It didn’t let up. Not even for a minute! Neither of us had waterproof shoes or overshoes. Big mistake. I have no idea how long our trench foot will take to heal. Despite the best quality waterproof jacket and tops, ten hours in the pouring rain proved too much for them and we were soaked to the core for the latter part of the day.
The Wind
With 30 mile an hour gusts and a strong headwind, the first 25 miles were hard work and slow.
A Puncture
I had a puncture from a small shard of glass within half an hour of leaving our hotel. mending it in the rain scored 0/10 for fun.
Diversion
We love the challenge of finding a way through a ‘road closed’ sign but the absence of bridge was one thing we couldn’t find a way through. The diversion was up and straight back down an enormous hill.
Cyclist Collision
Our turn this time. Pulled over to the side of the bike path, stationary, rear light flashing, high viz jacket on, checking the route when John careers into the back of me and sends us both flying. A complete tangle of limbs and bikes, a lot of cursing, a few yelps of pain! We will definitely feel the pain for a few days.
Killer Hill
To add insult to injury, after 60 miles, for the last couple of miles there was a killer hill to climb.
Late
It was dark by the time we arrived at the hotel and after the 8 o’clock restaurant curfew. Anything within a five mile radius was shut. We managed to eat courtesy of DoorDash an American app where it is possible to order junk food from a wide range of restaurants and supermarkets have it delivered to the hotel within half an hour.
It’s now a quarter past midnight so the day is well and truly over. Thank goodness.
For those of you who cycled LEJOG with us, today was the ‘Shap’ day.
I’m actually looking forward to tomorrow, because it can only get better!
Challenging Times 
You are both absolute troopers! The memories of cold, shivering, soggy everything … and that was without carrying absolutely everything on panniers! Totally in awe. Wishing you easy hills on the final miles towards your incredible achievement xx
What a day! I felt the shock & pain for you both re the collision. John must have looked off to sight see! Well u 2 are pretty incredible lasting through it all. I’m quite sure both Scott & I would have been on a plane home or at least it would have been seriously thought about! 🫣🤭 Is it just the 2 of you for the remainder of the trip? Where is the stop state again? What an adventure! I’m so happy to see John committing to this with you! Lots of good memories to recall together. 🥰 Liz 🐝
What a day! Definite similarities with Shap and some! Hopefully the hills will be fewer, and more down than up in the coming days. You’re doing so well – keep going 👏🙌💪🏻❤️😘
Oh good grief, I was really hoping to read about your rather long ride in that pleasantly cooling drizzle!
The best laid plans and all that.
While the first cyclist collision may have elicited a few wry giggles, I’m sure the second did not (at the time).
Some days it seems that the entire day is testing you.
Still, you made it and you’re that much closer to the Atlantic, well done!
And on a positive note to John, my friend who competed in the World Transplant Games won a gold in the time trial and silver in the road race.
Hard to find positivity in a day like that. Thankful that the collision was only between bikes and you can still ride another day.
🤣🤣🤣not even Friday 13th. What a day. I’d love to have witnessed the ear bashing Quincy got for crashing into you but I am sure when he recollects it he will alter the blame for the collision 🤔😉🤣
Ah guys. Thinking of you and hoping today goes better.
And it is no surprise that you made it and are stronger for it.
Your daily stoic:
“The trials you face will introduce you to your strengths” – Epictetus
Wow! What a day. I’m almost jealous of another ‘Shap’ day!
Your journey has been amazing – I’m going to miss checking your progress every day.
Cheers
What an awful day. No doubt it’ll be one you remember for all the wrong reasons. As you say, it can only get better 🚴♂️🚴♀️
Oh yikes that was some day, sounds worse than Shap! Thank goodness you were able to pick yourselves up and make it to the hotel after your own collision. Hoping tomorrow will be a breeze or at the least dry & without diversions. Xxxxx
I thought of Shap as I was reading, I didn’t think it possible, but it sounds worse 🙁. Well done for getting through it! You deserve a great day tomorrow xxx
Wh