Three things I would have not believed at the start of this cross country adventure on the shores of Oregon back in 2018: a) a global pandemic would shut down the world b) the Denver Nuggets would win an NBA championship c) New York would be the rainiest state I would cross through.
Today’s ride of 62 miles started with rain. 55 degrees, and excellent air quality :). And an immediate wake-up call with steep hills right off the start – climbing up and away from Saratoga Lake on quiet farm roads. I had to remember how to frequently shift gears, using all 24. A radical departure from the canal paths which are incredibly flat, as you might imagine. By comparison, a long ride on a canal trail might use 3 or 4 gears total.
Despite the wet roads and light rain, the rolling scenery was very pleasant. And green.
Quite a bit of Revolutionary war history in this area. Which means more of my favorite Blue + Yellow NY informational signs. This one proudly proclaims that General Washington was a guest here at Sherwood’s Tavern back in 1783. If Yelp was available at the time, I’m guessing Washington would have left a favorable review.
On to the small hamlet of Fort Ann for some lunch with Jax and a dry spot away from the rain. Any dry spot will do.
Eventually I met up once again with New York’s Empire Trail, which has a North-South route in addition to the East-West Erie Canal trail we’ve been on or near since Buffalo. The North-South trail runs from New York City to the Canadian Border.
The Empire Trail is very well maintained with excellent signage. Today I spent some brief time on a beautiful section of the trail along the Champlain Canal.
As I made my way to the Vermont border, the rain intensified into a downpour. It was one last sucker punch from New York. Ha! I’ll miss those great trails and blue+yellow signs, but not the rain.
Just a few miles into Vermont is our place for the next two nights – a guest house on Lake Saint Catherine. Tomorrow is a rest day and hopefully clearing skies.
Domagala.Bike 
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