Back on Native Soil

Debbie & Dennis on the Erie Canal.

August 6, 2009: Ridgeway, ON to Holley, NY

After a fun-filled day on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls, we were ready to return to the good old USA. Today’s route would take us across the Lewiston-Elizabethton Bridge to New York State. Once in New York State, the route wound through rural New York up to Holley, a small town on the Erie Canal. Altogether, the route was about 70 miles long.

The trip across the bridge was somewhat of an experience, since it did not have a designated bicycle lane. Instead, bicycles and automobiles shared the same lanes, which made for an interesting mix.  Once we reached them, the customs people at the border could not have been nicer, as they welcomed us back to the U.S.

Having crossed the bridge, we cycled through Lewiston, NY and made our way onto Upper Mountain Road and into rural New York state. This area was a welcome relief after dealing with the dense traffic around Niagara Falls. Most of today’s route followed the Erie Canal trail, a densely packed sand and gravel pathway that was actually nice to ride on.

A fellow traveler on the Erie Canal.

We arrived in Holley, NY and are currently camped at the Firemen’s Park. The park has a nice pavilion, complete with a kitchen that we are allowed to use. Our thanks to Fran for all of his help in making us feel welcome and setting us up in this nice location!

Tomorrow’s ride should start to get us back into climbing shape, as we head for the Adirondack Mountains. The 90+ mile route will take us to Sodus Point, NY.

Read Full Post »

Photo Blog: Niagara Falls

August 5, 2009: Rest Day at Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls - U.S. side.

Niagara Falls - U.S. and Canadian sides.

Canadian side of the falls aboard the Maid of the Mist.

Marshall aboard the Maid of the Mist.

Suzi on the Maid of the Mist

View from beneath the Falls.

Read Full Post »

Heading Back Toward the Border

Mark on the Friendship Trail.

August 4, 2009: Port Ryerse, ON to Ridgeway, ON

We are still in Canada, and probably all agree that one of the main reasons that we would like to see Canada in our respective rear view mirrors  is the lack of adequate camping sites. The upside of our northern neighbor, however, is definitely the people; they are generous, out-going and a lot of fun.

The route today took us from Port Ryerse to Ridgeway, a distance of some 75-80 miles, depending upon the route that one chose to take.

No cell phone service at Port Ryerse.

Chuck, Dennis and Debbie took the longer route along the coast of Lake Erie. Chuck mentioned that the area had a distinct smell all along the route related to algae and bacteria problems in the lake.

Sue and Mark stayed on County Road 3, which was more inland and direct.

Both groups ended up on the Friendship Trail in Port Colborne, adjacent to the St. Lawrence Seaway. The trail, which is an established walking/biking path, extends from Port Colborne to Niagara and the Canadian/US border.

The St. Lawrence Seaway.

We are currently camped at Knights Hideaway RV park in Ridgeway, Ontario. Tomorrow we will bicycle the short distance to a KOA camp in Niagara and spend the majority of the day experiencing Niagara Falls.

Our hosts at Knight's Landing - Thank You!

Today’s Bicycling Distance: 75 or 83 miles, depending upon the route.

Read Full Post »

First full day in Canada

Lake Erie as seen from Port Rowan.

August 3, 2009: Eagle, ON to Port Ryerse, ON

After a night in the “party camp” near Eagle, Ontario – Canadians really know how to party and because they are on a three-day holiday, Sunday night was no exception – we headed towards Port Ryerse, a distance of 80+ miles.

The day was beautiful, the wind was favorable, but, again, the shoulders were essentially non-existent. The region of Ontario through which we were bicycling was once a major tobacco-producing area, but is now converting to an assortment of row crops, such as cucumbers and beans.

Tobacco Drying Shed - Port Stanley.

While Sue and Mark were passing through Port Royal, they met Dennis Shram, a local bicyclist. After a visit, Dennis invited the Petersens to his house just east of Port Royal, where they met Dennis’ wife Wanda, and had a nice visit. Prior to leaving the Shrams and heading for Port Ryerse, Dennis presented the Petersens with lighted safety vests for all of the riders in our group. The vests are great!! Thank you Dennis and Wanda for your kind hospitality and for the terrific vests.

Tomorrow’s ride will take us closer to the US border and Niagara Falls, as we make our way to an area east of Fort Coburn, Ontario.

Distance Bicycled Today: 85 miles

Campsite at Norfolk Conservation Park.

Read Full Post »

Going International

Canada Bound!

August 2, 2009: Marine City, MI to Eagle, Ontario, Canada

After experiencing yet another early morning rain shower, we packed up and headed for the ferry that transported us across the St. Claire River to Wallaceburg, Ontario. As we passed through Wallaceburg, one of the local police officers actually turned on his flashing lights and escorted us through town!

Police escort through Wallaceburg.

The Canadian roads and highways were well-paved, with the exception of the shoulders; there were virtually no shoulders until we reached Elgin County, Ontario (About 30 miles into the ride).

Since this is a long weekend in Canada (its a civic holiday with no official name – Canadians tend to just call it “August Long Weekend”), camping sites were limited. We finally found a place about 2 miles east of Eagle, Ontario, near the banks of Lake Erie.

A real highlight for today came when Chuck, Sue and Mark broke off of the route in Dresden and visited the home of Josiah Henson, one of the first beneficiaries of the Underground Railroad. Henson’s memoirs served as the inspiration for Harriette Beecher Stowe’s Uncle Tom’s Cabin.

Sue at the home of Josiah Henson.

Distance Bicycled Today: 70 miles

---

Marshall riding the ferry to Canada.

Camp near Eagle, Ontario.

Read Full Post »