It rained overnight in Erie which significantly cooled things down. We left this morning under partly cloudy skies and a 7 mph N wind. No big deal. Of course, leaving cities is a far more congested, stressful experience than our pastoral small town exits.
Morning departure out of Erie, PA. No, the cruisers on the left were not providing an escort.
Starting in Erie County, PA and continuing up to Silver Creek, NY is the Chautauqua Wine Country. This area constitutes the largest grape growing region east of the Rockies. There are 23 wineries in the area, which is mainly known for its white wines.
Vineyards in Chautauqua
Just before the New York state line, we came upon a nice little stream, working its way to Lake Erie a short distance away. The stream was teeming with salmon. In the following video clip, I was not able to confirm the type of fish. However, I managed to get a decent photo and am convinced that they are indeed salmon.
I think this guy went at least 18-20 inches.
The ride today was one of our most scenic. The backdrop in the east, beyond the vineyards, was a distant ridge of mountains topped by cirrus clouds. To the west lay Lake Erie with the road affording us beautiful views all day long. To top it off, the road conditions were among the best that we've seen. This is a place that I could return to.
Lake Erie
They keep falling, one by one.
We do a little ceremony at each of the state line crossings. CrossRoads gave each of us a small container of sand from the Pacific Coast. At each state line, we sprinkle a smattering of sand. It's supposed to bring good luck kind of like the coyote blood, which worked so well.
An idyllic little natural harbor along the Lake Erie shoreline
River gorge coming into Hamburg
Total Miles: 80 Total Vertical Climb: 2700 ft.
love the pics...but you left behind the fabulous rootbeer floats : (...always glad to see my dear brother's smiling face...gives all of us encouragement that you are okay!..take care my dear brother...Mary Therese
ReplyDeleteIn your pic I couldn't help but notice McDonald's is featuring "Blueberry banana oatmeal-new" I'm sure it was cooked up just for the Crossroads Bikers. If they only knew you extreme athletes had traded health food for rootbeer floats 70 miles to the west. You're knocking off the miles so quickly you may even have time for a little wine tasting.Be safe and have a good ride in the wine country.
ReplyDeleteLove you,
Diana
That area looks really pretty ,the vineyards would be a nice place to go back to. Continue to have good weather and a safe ride Mike.
ReplyDeleteSounds like it was a wonderful riding day. The scenery was apparently so good, we received no menu updates, unless it is not a coincidence that the morning picture was taken in front of McDonald's. Heading out to do 60 this a.m.; hope they come close to what you have been seeing.
ReplyDeleteCan't believe you are already in NY, and with a personal police brigade at that, you Crossroads riders must be a big deal. The area does look gorgeous, the town of Westfield and the vineyards look too appealing to just ride through without stopping for a glass of vino. I'm sure Kyle will be disappointed you didn't stop and catch a big one, I guess it will have to wait until a return trip :) Love you and see you very soon.
ReplyDeleteno matter what you say it looks to me like the police were very happy to get a bunch of rowdy bikers out of their town.i was wondering if any of your fellow travelers are also writing a blog about their trip. it would be interesting to view the journey from another perspective,one without your pikno,commie slant. steve
ReplyDelete