We didn't know what to expect today. We knew we had to get through Buffalo, NY and didn't know if that would be an urban survival ride or something else. Lucky for us, it was unexpectedly nice!
When we left Angola this morning, we planned to follow the river up to Niagara Falls. It was a crisp 58 degrees and the sun was shining. It didn't even feel cold. Buffalo was only about 15 miles up the road. We grabbed a quick breakfast on our way out of town to get us to Buffalo. As we started towards Buffalo, we looked at Google maps and the route maps and decided to go rogue on the route again. We found a great state highway with bike route signs and large shoulders that wasn't very busy on a Sunday morning. We could see downtown Buffalo and the lake along the way.
As we neared Buffalo we found a network of bike paths that took us along Lake Erie and skirted most of the urban areas. There was an organized ride in Buffalo today and they closed the Skyway bridge to traffic so riders could go across and back. We ran across several riders throughout the late morning and early afternoon.
One of the highlights of today in Buffalo was getting to ride the bike ferry across the Buffalo River. It costs $1 each way and the ferry captain was quite the character!
As we were going through Buffalo, we looked at Google maps again and saw what we thought were bike trails across the bridges to Grand Island. We all voted to try that route as it would reduce the mileage for today some and would be fun. The bridges had separate sidewalks for bicycles that were protected from traffic. They were both good climbs, but the views from the top overlooking the Niagara River were wonderful. Our trip through Buffalo and across Grand Island surpassed our expectations for today.
The second bridge crossing leaving Grand Island with views across to Niagara Falls, ON.
Once we got off the bridge from Grand Island we were in Niagara Falls, NY. There were bike paths all the way to the falls and we headed there for our tourist photos before heading to camp. The first two photos are the river as it nears the falls.
We are camping a little east of Niagara Falls tonight. It has been breezy and cool - I'm wearing leggings and a light jacket. I think the socks will go on when I climb in my sleeping bag! It is currently 66 degrees, which is a treat in August. I need to enjoy it because I will be back in hot Houston pretty soon!
How cool that you rode to Niagra Falls! Yes, you better enjoy that cool weather, because it is hot, hot, hot!
ReplyDeleteThe weather has been a wonderful break from the hot weather of Houston. I'm enjoying it while I can!
Delete