June 2, Batavia to Auburn New York

The way I see it you have two options when Tour riding on a bicycle. One you can ride casually at a pace your physical capabilities allow. See the sites as you travel, take your time, get to know your surroundings, take in the culture, meet people and take great pictures. Two, you can ride like we have planned here. We have a set distance, time schedule, an agenda of cities to reach each day. No complaints here, just a clarification of priorities. I have ridden by plenty of beautiful houses, churches, museums, historic markers and oddities that I would love to investigate on this ride. It is frustrating that we fly past these places at 18mph without taking notice. I barely have time for to pull out my iPhone, swipe the dashboard, select the camera icon, compose and press the wonderful red button poorly located at the bottom of the phone with one hand. Not to mentions that I'm holding and steering my bike with the other. Not very safe or considerate for my comrades in the group. Regardless, I squeeze off a few shots and hope I can retain those memories to share later on.

The other day we we're climbing a really big steep hill, very slowly, in great physical pain, which we seem to like. As the masochist we are. Then Tony Snyder said something that made a lot of sense. He said "Just remember we're doing this suffering for all those people who donated money." "They are getting their money's worth." So true. We are on a mission to raise money for cancer research. I can't forget our goal. There will be plenty of time later in my life to come back and investigate these great places. For now, keep the goal in mind, stay the course and get the job done.

Please keep the donations coming. You can continue to contribute through the foundation site in honor of a rider at: www.henryschueler.org

This was taken this morning as we were preparing to leave. Pat taking a picture of Matt as Majestic on a rock.

The countryside has changed. We are coming into the finger lakes region of New York which has a more climatic temperment for agriculture.

Many house with similare style along the route today.

Interesting flower shape wind generator.

Masonic temple which looks to have once been a hotel along Rt20 Rt5

Our first rest stop was at the Caledonia ambulatory unit house.

Lush farms nearly the entire ride today.

Genessee River in the town of Genessee

Hanks red jersey was safely carried by...

you guessed it, Greg Piszkiewicz

Post Office

Sean Butler leading the way down that ribbon of road Rt5

Coming into Geneva The western most of the finger lakes.

Lake Geneva Temp of the lake was pretty cold. The wind was nicely cool for a day that proved to be in the nineties on the road.

We had a stop at Geneva Bicycles for lunch.

The Geneva FD with team

More houses with Widows Watch Towers. I thought that was reserved for eastern coast line house.

Old Knitting Mill in Leroy. Birthplace of Jello. No kidding.

Afternoon stop at the Montezuma Winery. Didn't buy any wine but we did sample some Burbon.

The final mile into Auburn under escort for the Auburn

Police and Fire Department

June 3rd Route, Auburn to Cooperstown

Yea! I've been waiting for this day. I so want to see the Baseball hall of fame museum. We plan to visit the museum tomorrow evening. We have hard day planned. Like today, tomorrow will be more of the same and a little more.  Somewhat more hilly (I love climbing) and four miles longer. There's also rain in the forecast but that never stops us. Its gonna be a fun day.

June 2nd Route, Batavia to Auburn

Tomorrows route starts off with a 25 mile gradual downhill before a tough hill phase when where we enter the Finger Lakes region. This is the first day we will be challenged with some tough hills. We have an early 7am start in anticipation of the long day on the road. We are also stopping a bike shop in Geneva, about half way, to pickup a few riders who will be joining us for the leg into Auburn.

June 1, Welland Ontario to Batavia New York

Our ride today was a relatively short compared to previous days. We were all exhausted from yesterday's 105 mile ride in strong headwinds. Today we had planned to ride moderately, stay together and arrive together at the main event of the day, Niagara Falls. The ride also brought to close the chapter of our travels through southern Ontario. Though we covered so much ground, truth is that I've seen so little of Canada. What little have seen and learned about the history, geography and culture is enough to convince me that I want to spend more time here. If so, at a much slower pace. 

Today also touched a big mile stone, our halfway point in the Wrigley to Fenway ride. We are at 622 miles. Five days left to finish in Boston. Its already a little bitter sweet knowing the goal is so close.

This is my Garin activity since leaving Chicago May 26th. The mileage is actually 622.  8 miles less during our portage detour. I'm not so convinced about the calorie count. Someone mentioned that I may not lose weight here. We are eating really well. 

Our stay last evening was in the Niagara College of Canada dormitories.

During the summer months they are converted to hotel operations. Great economic alternative to hotels if you can find a college in your travels doing the same.

Niagara College

The Welland canal bridge. This is a major shipping lane between Lake Ontario and Lake Erie. The bridge is operated remotely and take about a half hour to cycle. We arrive just as the bridge was lowered.

Ship coming down the Welland Channel

We arrived into Niagara along Lundy Lane. Many strip malls, small businesses and many "Peelie Bars", they're called up here. That's strip clubs to you and me.

How many gallons an hour?

American Falls

I've seen Niagara Falls several times during my childhood. During family vacations. Also in college on trips to Toronto. Once attended a family wedding here. The experience is never tiring.

Our riding visiting partners from Welland. Bob and Kyke Lehan. Bob is a captain firefighter, with the Thorold fire department. Son Kyle is a fireman at Welland. 

American Falls.

American falls. Rainbow bridge can be seen further down.

Word of advise.

Carlos taking in the sites.

Horseshoe Falls. And.. look at the size of that drain pipe! Its going to swallow the Maiden of the Mist. (That forshortened pipe is actually about a 12" diameter a short distance down the hill.)

Matt enjoying a refreshment. That's the sky needle in the background.

Our group at the falls.

Crossing the Rainbow bridge to the US

View from the Rainbow Bridge looking at Canadian side.

Waiting for the border check. Passports please.

Our last rest stop today was in Pembroke founded in 1812. And... part of Alabama. Definitely need to read up on the war of 1812.

Some of the guys are sporting these Ignite the Spirit Socks. Pink and Black. Originally made up for the cross country ride in 2012.

Old church on the way into Batavia.

There it is. Today Pat Brennan was the proud bearer of Hank's Red Jersey

 Rider of the day Dan Degryse. We rode pretty easy throughout the day to conserving our energy. About ten miles out from Batavia a few of us decided to spread our wings and open up. Dan led the charge with a strong pull at 24mph uphill to get us all motivated.

Riders and crew relaxing after the ride.

Batavia FD graciously opened their station to host our dinner. It was Steak Tacos night. Mark from support team led the cooking with Tommy, Jack and Sam. The beef had been marinating since we left Chicago. Mmmmm Good.

Tommy grilling up the steak,

View inside of one of Batavia's engines. Geared up and eady to go.

We watched the first period of the Hawks game in Batavia's rec room