Day 4: What were we thinking???!

Good Morning Mike!!!!

ZZZZZZZZZZ This is going to be a long day!!!!

Viktor writes: I'm happy to say that we arrived safe and sound and much earlier today. I would have sent information to you all sooner except my phone would not connect to the AT&T carrier here in Ogdensburg. It kept trying to connect to Roger's in Canada... So, this is being sent as an email from my computer from a hotel room!

Here's a summary of the final day with Mike and Viktor riding together:


We departed North Syracuse around 7:50AM and headed north on Route 11. We stopped fairly early on when we met up with 2 fellow cyclists in the area who were preparing to go around a local lake. Sadly we didn't get a chance to ride with them, but we did get their photos. Say hello to Mark and Chris..



By 11AM, we had made okay time, but were ready for a hydration break. By 1:30PM, we made it up to Watertown and were mid-way through both time andmiles-wise for the day. We actually stopped by a bike shop (which will remain nameless) that we had actually contacted before the trip. They were not any more helpful in person than they were on the phone. There was no one in the shop either and I think there may be a good reason. Regardless, we then stopped for lunch and took a few photos in the heart ofthe town. By 2:30PM, we started off again - better hydrated and fed!

Now recall that the terrain is basically flat and that there's a steady 10 or so mile per hour head wind, so we're doing okay, but my (Viktor) front derailleur is starting to shift sloppily. Uh-oh, cable is fraying... We'll replace it at the next rest stop (yes, I had a spare cable), but no luck -cable breaks. Took longer than it should to fix, but okay, off we go again.

Riding a bit more and then about 15 miles later, the clouds open up and boom- lots of water everywhere. Fortunately, we ducked into a local gas station to wait it out. At that point, Leslie, Marisa and Julianna (Viktor's family) who were driving up at that point, stopped to keep us company. They continued as the rain started to slow and about 20 minutes after we stopped, we had started again. Unfortunately, that put us about 40 minutes behind our target schedule. However, we then came upon a sign that we were really getting close...



Soon thereafter, we meet up with Yves Dupont, a fellow WCCC rider who moved up with his wife Mary Lou to Huevelton, NY (just southof Ogdensburg) and who was kind enough to take Mike in for the evening (Viktor and family stayed at a hotel).



Yves had a good time, at least until Mike got a flat - 10 miles from our final destination!!!

When the tire was changed, we continued on and actually past the hotel whereViktor was to stay and found the "Welcome to Ogdensburg" sign ...

..and continued to the bridge to Canada. Mike then went home with Yves and Mary Lou (in the car) to shower and get ready for dinner and Viktor rode back 5 miles to the hotel and showered/changed. We all met for dinner (including Viktor's family) and laughed and ate and enjoyed each other's company!!!

Yes, it was a good day and a great way to end a 4 day, 465 mile trek.

More observations tomorrow, after I get done with my 60 mile ride to Ottawa. I'm not allowed to ride across the 2 mile metal bridge, but as soon as we get across and I clear customs, I'm back on the bike and will update you on both other thoughts about the trip to date and on the fun from the border to Ottawa.

Enjoy - we did!!

Mike's Comment: WE FINISHED THE RIDE! (short and sweet!)