This update is coming from Burlington, VT, on day 13 of our Eastern Tour. We’re actually taking a rest day today as the bikes required some repairs – thanks to Ski Rack who sorted us out and replaced the bearings and springs in Pete’s rear cassette. We’re now set to go again and can’t wait to start riding again tomorrow.
Since my last update we’ve cycled right across upstate New York, averaging a little over 100 miles a day to keep on track to reach Maine.
Niagara Falls, seen on the morning of day 8, was as impressive a natural wonder as anything I’ve ever seen. Yes, sure it’s touristy, but we were there really early to beat the crowds. We stood in awe, gobsmacked that people have survived going over the falls in barrels, or even one extraordinary story of a drunk chap who thought it was a good idea to go over in only the clothes on his back. Nutcase!
From there we picked up the Erie Canal for 60 miles or so, heading due east to pass south of Rochester, before turning up to Lake Ontario. We were in rural, redneck America – most homes had a “Repeal the SAFE ACT – respect the 2nd amendment” in the front yard. It was interesting country to travel through.
The Adirondacks gave us the best riding of the tour so far – fantastic quiet roads, big mountains, bigger forests and stunning mountain lakes. This was exactly what we came for, and we have many incredible memories from this section.
Our route now takes us east over the Green Mountains and on towards southern Maine. We’re aiming for Rockport or Portland as our final destination on the east coast, before we turn south for the last leg back to DC.
Ben Collins Outdoors 
Beautiful ride, gents! Believe it or not, the kids and I missed you by just one day in Niagara Falls. We were there on Friday evening to ride the Maid of the Mist prior to driving to Toronto for the weekend. We’re cheering for you to conquer Whiteface Mountain in Lake Placid! Rock on!
Thanks John! Niagara Falls were spectacular weren’t they? We’re having a great ride but won’t have time for whiteface mtn – we also heard they’re resurfacing it so it’s down to 1 lane at the moment so maybe not the best time to try. Next time!
Fabulous photos……..love the one of the falls………..have fun on
rest of adventure. X
Thanks mum!
Really enjoy all your posts…….assume you are back on the road again?
Yup! In Maine now, 1 day to the coast and then we turn south for DC.
I’ve bike toured in Vermont four times and really enjoyed each one. I’ve also done one tour of the Maine coast that was a bit of a challenge for me but meeting nice people and have great,fresh seafood made up for any difficulties. Are you completely recovered from your fall? Thanks again for taking time to post
Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine have all been wonderful but definitely the most challenging cycling. Looking forward to seafood! Pretty much completely healed, only a little occasional pain in right wrist and back but not a problem. Thanks for asking.