Weekly Summary

 

Niagara Falls!

I got to check out the town and sights on our off day. First lesson: Niagara Falls is one of the cheesiest tourist traps I’ve been to. It rivals Pigeon Forge in Tennessee (which is really saying something!). I captured a couple pictures from the blocks down from the hotel. I counted at least 4 haunted houses. Believe me there was much more I could have added …

You’ll also see an image from the top of an outdoor amphitheater that overlooks the falls. The circle at the far side of the picture is the stage. So, if there was a show, the falls would literally be behind them. That is cool!

I included a few pictures of both of the falls. There is also a video below the pictures where I caught the whole scene (including a cameo from me!).

I went ahead and paid to do the “behind the falls” tour. You ride an elevator down and go through tunnels behind horseshoe falls. Then, you can get to an observation deck at the bottom of the falls as well as a few tunnels that end behind the falls. I also included a video down below where you can hear what it sounds like. I thought it was worth the effort as it was a unique experience.

My Body Has Adapted To 15 – 20 Miles At A Time

I am surprised how normal riding 70 – 100 miles has become for my body. Early in the tour, it was very difficult every day. Now, it just seems like another day. The cumulative fatigue and soreness is still there, but the daily routine isn’t a huge struggle.

The big trick is to focus on the next rest stop and not the total ride. It is always easy to believe you can knock out 10 more miles. It isn’t so easy on a hard day to imagine another 80 or 90. When I’m not having a good day, I focus on the next 10 and eventually I get a second wind.

The other day, for example, I was really dragging in miles 20 – 45. I came into lunch feeling spent and dreading the last 40. However, with some food, a break sitting with my bike shoes off, and a chance to chill, I felt much better after lunch and actually enjoyed the finish.

We’re Almost Done!

I was pondering doing this for years, seriously planning and training for a year, and executing for what will soon be 7 weeks. It is weird to think it will be over barely a week from now. A ton of energy and mindshare went into this. I’ll be glad it is complete but also will miss something so major to focus on.

Rider Updates

The gentleman who had the really bad wreck several weeks ago is still in the hospital, but hopefully getting out soon. The gentleman who had to drop out last week got home safely.