When In Rome

First off, I apologize for the less than original title of this post. I’m really hoping that I come up with something better by the time I finish typing this update. Obviously, if you’re reading this then I was unable to do so and my apology stands.

Today’s objective was to pedal to Rome, NY. Once again, this was to be another VERY manageable day of riding. About 80 km. I still feel a bit guilty for such short days. I also feel a bit guilty for enjoying such short days.

Once again, given the leisurely goal for the day, I made more than my usual number of stops during the day and said stops were not entirely brief. I suppose one could make the argument that perhaps my usual number/duration of stops is less than adequate. What can I say, sometimes I can be a bit … uh, set in my ways. But see … you can teach on old dog new tricks!

Along the way today, there were a few not-entirely-accurate routing concerns. That said, my current set up with my Garmin e-Trex 20 has been generally great. It’s not particularly intuitive or easy but I’m able to create a route in Google Maps and transfer to the Garmin. So, really … any navigational “challenges” actually come from Google, not the GPS. Fortunately, today’s issues weren’t anywhere near those of the logging road on which I found myself in Scotland last summer. Uggggghhhhh. That said, being able to follow the GPS has made things so much easier – except when it hasn’t.

Once I was able to locate the trail again, things went well. Although, I won’t lie, I’m getting a little tired of crushed gravel. Yes, traveling along the canal is scenic and flat but riding a loaded bike on crushed gravel is a bit of work.

Today I actually took the “leisurely” concept to the next level. With 25 km to go and the sweat pouring off me, I took a break under a trailside pavilion. I decided to lie down on one of the picnic tables and, well … I may have had a nap. Granted, this isn’t the first time I’ve napped on a picnic table. They’re not just for eating you know!

As I made my way into Rome, I saw a happy sight. Had I been really paying attention, it would’ve been an even happier sight but that extra happiness occurred later anyway. The happy sight in question was a Wendy’s. And where there’s Wendy’s there are chocolate Frosties … or is that Frostys. My spellchecker doesn’t like either! Anyway, there was a Frosty moments away. The extra happiness came when I ordered the Frosty and it was 50 cents. Seriously, 50 cents for a small Frosty. No, a regular priced Frosty wouldn’t have broken the bank but I was clearly surprised by it. Of course, I later noticed that the sign out front clearly advertised the 50 cent Frosty.

From Wendy’s I made my way to the home of Larry and Patty, my Warm Showers hosts for the evening. They were great hosts and very welcoming and friendly and, well … the generosity of people continues and Larry and Patty definitely are a credit to Warm Showers. Oh, and in keeping with a trend from this trip, they have three cats which means I’ve still been hosted by more animals than humans.

I had a great time talking with Larry and Patty before, during, and after a great BBQ of burgers and salad and corn-on-the-cob. I can’t remember the last time I had corn-on-the-cob but it was so good.

The downside to my stay in Rome is that it marks the end of the “planned” portion of my tour. From this point on I haven’t made any arrangements for accommodation (Warm Showers or otherwise) and I really need to figure out my route from here to Philly. Actually, I have one more planned stop lined up but I’ll save that for tomorrow as I’m not yet sure if it will work out … but it will certainly affect my route.

Side note: Time is becoming more of a factor than I had anticipated – which is a bit of problem considering I have a flight to catch. Granted, arriving in time for said flight isn’t yet in jeopardy but I was (and still am) hoping to arrive in Philly several days early to go over a few things with Gage before we fly to Kenya.

Today’s totals:
Distance traveled: 79.14 km
Ride time: 3:39:38
Average speed: 21.62 km/h
Maximum speed: 46.02 km/h

Oh, and so far I’ve done 600 km. For those that are curious about such things.