Starting the “Ride The East” cycling tour

Posted on August 11, 2016 by John Aylward

This summer, 2016, I will join America By Bicycle on a supported cycling tour from Portmouth, NH to Jacksonville, FL. The 1686-mile ride will cross 11 states and the District of Columbia over 25 days. We will leave Portsmouth on Aug 13 and finish in Jacksonville on Sept 7, with a rest day in DC, Myrtle Beach and Savannah.

You can visit my journal page for a daily description of the ride and some supporting pictures. Cycling statistics captured with a Garmin bike computer will also be summarized in the post.

To learn more about this ABB tour, visit their website at this link ABB RtE.

Ride The East 2016 Schedule

Posted in 2016 Ride The East, Photography | 1 Comment

Cycle the Erie Canal – Day 8: Niskayuna to Albany

Posted on July 17, 2016 by John Aylward

Today’s Highlights:
There was a severe lightning storm last night and early morning. Between 5-6 AM, we started our morning in drizzle, puddles and small streams that didn’t exist yesterday. But the sun broke out around 6:30 when the early riders started to leave. The rest of the day was pleasant for our ride.
Our last morning’s ride took us on a 28-mile paved path from Niskayuna to Albany. I spent a few minutes at Cohoes Falls, the second largest falls in NY. We ended at Quakenbush Square with a small crowd of people to greet us.

Pictures Of The Day: Click any thumbnail to see the photos in full screen mode.
Cycle The Erie Canal Day-8

Statistics: Zoom and pan the map to explore the route.

Time:
7/17/2016, 3:45:1
Duration:
03:10:21
Ascent/Descent:
700 ft 1070 ft
Distance:
30.24 M
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Cycle the Erie Canal – Day 7: Canajoharie to Niskayuna

Posted on July 16, 2016 by John Aylward

Today’s Highlights:
Today’s 45-mile ride seemed easy compared to yesterday’s long ride, and I finished before 11 AM. Our second rest stop was at an interesting place – Mabee Farm. We passed through Little Italy in Schenectady shortly before reaching our campsite in Niskayuna.
Since this was the last night of camping and being together, we had a reception followed by an amazing Italian dinner and pastries.

Pictures Of The Day: Click any thumbnail to see the photos in full screen mode.
Cycle The Erie Canal Day-7


Statistics: Zoom and pan the map to explore the route.

Time:
7/16/2016, 3:30:5
Duration:
14:36:41
Ascent/Descent:
653 ft 1082 ft
Distance:
45.63 M
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Cycle the Erie Canal – Day 6: Rome to Canajoharie

Posted on July 15, 2016 by John Aylward

Today’s Highlights:
We had a long 62-mile ride today from Rome to Canajoharie, with a nice hill climb at the end. I worked this day too, and moved along without taking many pictures. Much of the ride was on tree-lined dirt or stone trails with few open views. In Rome, there were some interesting buildings from a passed prosperous era. There was also the huge abandoned factory of Beech Nut Candy Company. The local museum had a history of the Beech Nut Company and its founding family. We also had a chicken barbeque at the museum.

Pictures Of The Day: Click any thumbnail to see the photos in full screen mode.
Cycle The Erie Canal Day-6


Statistics: Zoom and pan the map to explore the route.

Time:
7/15/2016, 2:35:5
Duration:
06:34:42
Ascent/Descent:
1073 ft 1021 ft
Distance:
62.54 M
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