July 15, Day 45

July 15, Day 45
Erie, PA to Hamburg, NY
Mileage: 84.2
Weather: Couldn't have been better

Dear All,

Well, today we returned home in a sense given that we ended up a mear 20 minutes (by car) from home.

After a nice rest day in Erie we started out at a respectful hour (7:30 am) and effectively rode the entire day on Rt. 20 and Rt. 5. The weather started out great and got better by the mile. What a wonderful way to introduce all of our fellow riders to our neck of the woods. After about 15 miles or so, the Lake was visible on our left and as Amy said “it looks like lake linoleum”. There was only a slight breeze which was from the East but not enough to really make things tough. Route 5 and 20 are delightful with gentle hills and a wonderful shoulder.

As we rode we started seeing signs for places like Ripley and Dunkirk which seemed strange after 44 days of reading signs for places we have never heard of. The vineyards were always on our left and right with the Lake in the distance. At one point we saw a machine working the vineyards and Gary, from CA, who has a couple of acres of grapes at home described what the machine did. We still didn't quite understand, but it was interesting to watch it work. It was a great way to show off our area to all of our new found friends. For some reason we felt responsible for the area and were delighted that we could show it in all its splendor. We're not sure any of the riders are ready to move to the area but at least they all seemed impressed.

At the 20 mile mark we officially entered the Empire State, our 11th state.

At about the 60 mile mark we were met by our neighbor, Mark Mahoney, who had ridden from Hamburg to meet us. The three of us rode the rest of the way together with Mark taking us on a slightly different route than planned. It was really a delight to ride with Mark.

As we rode into the hotel, waiting for us were everyone from John's department at Phillips Lytle. That was really special for both of us. We chatted and had a great time. They even had put together a poster which you should be able to make out in the picture. Later, others from the office arrived to wish us well. We really can't express our gratitude to all of them for taking the time to come visit It means a great deal to both of us.

As if seeing our friends from John's office wasn't enough, the office arranged for the Buffalo News, The Law Journal and Channel 4 to come out and interview us. It all made us feel very special.

Then, to top it all off, our daughter, Meg, and John's sister, Peppy, and John's brother-in-law, Hugh, arrived. Hugs were shared by all. They stayed for route rap and for dinner. That was the icing on the cake.

Thanks to all for a really great day. It really was terrific.

Tomorrow we continue our journey and head to Canandaigua. It's a long ride (95 miles) so we're certainly praying for a westerly wind. Your assistance with prayers to the appropriate gods will be appreciated.

Today was a really special day (among many special days) which both of us will always remember. Thanks to all.

Keep up the good vibes.

Amy and John