Day 59 August 27 Romulus to Binghamton Sea to Sea 08

Day 59 August 27 Romulus to Binghamton Sea to Sea 08

Today’s Stats

Distance 79.28 miles
Time in the saddle 5.56 hours
Ascent 3674 feet
Current Elevation 956 feet
Average speed 13.4 miles per hour

This morning we were up at 5 AM in order to pack up our tent and gear by 530 in order to report for kitchen duty.

Hank got ready to ride at 7 AM and was going to meet Mel 7 miles down the road where Mel and Sylvia had taken had bed and breakfast place. I left camp at 810 as I helped clean up all the food and clean up the tables. The rest of the team remained to load up the trucks.

I started out by myself and was joined by Marti at about mile 20. We rode together the rest of the day. We stopped to see a local falls, which was said to be the highest west of the Rockies. They were OK but nothing spectacular. We rode up a mile hill that had a 16% grade.

Later Marti and I stopped in Ithaca for coffee on the river. It was a great place for a break.

The ride was very enjoyable even though it was quite hilly. The highest hill was coming out of Ithaca. It was a good test for some of the new cyclists and a taste for what we might have on Friday when we ride into Sussex.

The landscape was very green and lots of trees and hills. Typical New York and Pennsylvania.

I arrived at the church at 3 PM and was welcomed by the members of Valley CRC. My brother Doug and sister Grace where there to greet us. Hank had arrived before I had as he had taken a ride in with the SAG. He was very happy to be in camp. here are James Holwerda, Anne, Ralph, Marti, and I in front of the church.
Marti and I at the camp.
The local DJ, who had raised money for CHOW Pantry was there also to greet cyclists and to do a last minute pitch for donations. I was also interviewed live for the local radio station that was raising money for the local charities serving the poor.

Valley Christian Reformed church did a great job of serving us a great meal. We had a local specialty “Spiedies”, salt potatoes, baked beans, Acini de Pepe Salad, brownies and ice cream. Thanks to the church for such great treatment. The Spiedies are cooked in a special cooker by Otter and Hubbard Show.

For many of the riders it was a harder day than yesterday. There was lots more hill climbing so people are feeling very tired after riding 78 miles. It was another great day for biking in that it was cool and sunny. The temperature was about 76 and we had mild headwinds from the NE.

Tonight Hank and I are staying with my sister Grace and her husband John. We are enjoying a glass of wine. I am also getting on the Internet so I am updating both yesterday and today’s blog. I will soon be going to bed.

I saw lots of my relatives. Here is my sister with Julia and her children Ava and Abby.

My brothers John, Doug and sister Grace.
Two of our three tandems Jerry and Linda Dykstra, Marion and Marlene Betten working hard peddaling up the hill. Hills are a challenge for these tandems.