Day 45: Today I had another flat in the rear tire, bringing my total to eight. We rode through many small towns. The shoulder on the road was often littered with glass, making the ride a little unpleasant. My cycling friends from California jumped right into the ride today and enjoyed themselves.
At five this evening John and Betsy Warner picked me up and took me out to dinner. We ate at a funky Italian restaurant. I enjoyed the meal and company very much. The Warners are cyclists so we talked about the only subject occupying my mind at the moment, cycling.
Day 46: Barbara, Sue and Connie rode out early this morning. I joined Julie, Rich and Wilson. The ride started in the hotel parking lot, fixing flat number 9 for Julie. The weather was perfect. It was sunny but not hot, making the easy 64-mile ride even easier. We weren't in a hurry today. We are beginning to realize that the end of the ride is near, and are starting to stretch out the final rides for as long as possible. It is amazing to think that we have ridden over 3,000 miles together.
Today, we rode near where the Warner's live. John waited for us at a corner and took some pictures. It was very nice. His friend, Bob Lake, who I also met last night, joined our group for 30-miles today. I think our conversation last night whet his appetite for a cross-country bike journey.
We have been riding along the Erie Canal the last few days. We visited a museum about the canal in Canastota, a small town we passed through. The Erie Canal was completed in 1825 and links the Hudson River and the Great Lakes. It was a part of a canal system to connect major waterways and open trade west of the Appalachians. In Canastota we also visited a fantastic bakery and consumed mega calories. The lady running the bakery was so happy that we visited that she called City Hall and within minutes the City Administrator came to tell us about their town. The City Administrator is a volunteer position and is not the mayor. The town doesn't have a mayor.
Day 47: I can't believe that only three more days of riding are left. It's fairly hard to believe how close we are to Portsmouth. It is difficult to think that I will have to say goodbye to the group so soon. Julie and I have become close friends, and it will hard to say goodbye to her. I know I will stay in touch with her and many others. Cycling in Europe is on many wish lists, so maybe we'll all meet again soon.