Monday, August 1, 2011

BigTrip2011 – Day3 – OH, PA, NY – Lake Erie and Niagara Falls

Day 3 was 311 miles and I rode in three different states: Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York. This was the first time I’ve ridden in PA and NY, so I’m that much closer to the goal I set at the beginning of the year to add new states to my list.

As I was leaving the hotel, I saw this RV pulling out with two sidecars on the trailer. The occupants and I exchanged a hearty wave.

RV pulling two sidecars

 

At a gas stop during the day, I saw some motorcycles riding around in a parking lot. I walked over for a closer look and realized they were teaching a BRC. It looked like exercise 15. I found it interesting the coaches don’t wear the ANSI-2 shirts like we do in Minnesota.

Cool! Stumbled upon a BRC in progress at a gas stop. Looks like exercise 15.

From Ashland, OH I rode north on I-71 and to Geneva on the Lake, OH which is on Lake Erie. This is my first view and visit of the lake. It was very relaxing. I found a bench in the shade and just listened/watched the lake for nearly an hour.

BigTrip2011 - Day 3

I continued riding along the lake following Lake Rd. It eventually ended and left me on US-20 which I could have followed all the way to Buffalo. This was the plan when I was looking at maps the night before, but I thought I would try to be smarter than the GPS and take a “short cut”. It didn’t work out. I spent over an hour riding around and still ended up back on US-20. I did manage to get some looks at Lake Chautauqua (below)

 

BigTrip2011 - Day 3

It was nice, but I was eager to get to my friend’s house in Buffalo. I made up with the GPS, and wound my way through the New York country side. The scenery has gotten much nicer the further northeast I go. It has transformed from the flat plains of Indiana/Central Ohio to rolling tree covered hills in New York. I found myself on NY-39 riding up and down large hills. Many of the hills were covered in vineyards. I can imagine the area being a lot more popular come fall with brilliant fall colors and tasty beverages.

 

I arrived at my friend’s house at last! She took me in her car to see Buffalo and Niagara Falls.

BigTrip2011 - Day 3

Lots of industrial chemical plans on the way to the falls.

BigTrip2011 - Day 3

My first view of Niagara Falls. You can see the Canada on the far side. Silly me forgot my passport on my desk at home, so we didn’t cross over.

BigTrip2011 - Day 3

This is one of my favorite shots of the entire day.

BigTrip2011 - Day 3

More shots of the falls

BigTrip2011 - Day 3

Horseshoe falls with Canada in the distance

BigTrip2011 - Day 3

It was a good day of riding, and a great time with my friend.

I’m writing this as I sit on her couch. Outside I have seen a squirrel, a chipmunk, a deer, and woodpecker all enjoying the bird food in her yard.

Time to go explore some more of Buffalo in the daylight.

13 comments:

  1. Nice photo's Chris , ride safe

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  2. We didn't always wear those silly-assed ANSI shirts and we weren't always "captured MNSCU employees." Some dumbass complained that we were working for the state with none of the state employees' perks, so we were moved into the state's part time system which eliminated our self-employed tax benefits and gave us nothing in exchange. I suspect Bill keeps that moron's name to himself to prevent being tagged for an accessory charge if the rest of the MN instructors beat that bonehead to death.

    I skipped Niagara the last time I went east. Your pictures make it look like a worthwhile stop. Don't miss out on the 1,000 Islands, too.

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  3. Very nice shot of the falls. I've never been to Niagara Falls before or, for that matter, very many other places in that part of the country. I agree with daGeezer that your photos make it seem like a worthwhile stop.

    Richard

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  4. Tom: there aren't that many perks left by being a state employee, but I will agree that MMSC provides nothing but a paycheck.

    the falls was nice. I had never thought about seeing it at sunset/night. I highly recommend that now. the crowds are less, it's not as hot. I will have to look up 1,000 islands. ok... they look nice. going there tomorrow.

    Dom:RichardM: thank. I'd never been here before either or really explored this part of the country much. It was a nice last night.

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  5. Dom: Sorry your comment got clipped. Thanks. the photo took a few tries to get nice ones.

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  6. Couldn't comment from the work computer. I hope someday that we are worthy of modern browsers that can handle the pop up Capatcha and the like to prove I'm human. Anyhow, I honestly was a little dissapointed with te falls when I went. It was hotter than I wanted and the flow was being kept lower than normal for some reason I can't remember now. But awesome picture. It's probably better in te evenings anyhow. As for the ANSI/Isea 207 vests... I rarely see them used at any BRC. Even fire department I worked at hadn't adopted them before I left. :( that being said I'm looking for one for me that fits my tastes and needs ... The lack of street lights here is evil. ... Maybe it wasn't my work computer ... Even my phone isn't loading it. Todkapuz

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  7. todkapuz: I'd recommend going at night. Less crowded and not as hot. Parking was free too! I was impressed by the lack of street lights there. I'd also recommend looking into hyper-lites. I have a set on my SV and another on the bench waiting for the ural or the bmw. not sure yet. they are bright and you can get them to flash for a bit before going solid. NT8 said they were very visible when he was riding behind me.

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  8. Nice photos! Even you, eh? Everybody is on great bike vacations. I'm using my vacation time to teach classes.

    Oh well, I won't begrudge you after your recent trials. Keep on enjoying!

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  9. Chris,
    Great photos. I think the Falls can be captivating one time and the next, not so much. It really does seem to me to have personality and it appears you there at a good time. It is definitely a power place.

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  10. Chris, those sunset pictures are gorgeous. I have been to the (Canadian) falls several times but the awesomeness of this wonder of nature remains.

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  11. irondad: Thanks. It took a few tries to get a couple of them. Yes, finally on vacation a few weeks later than expected!

    Keith: I would have to agree.

    SonjaM: thanks! the first was taken from a moving car ;) I have to go back with my wife and see the Canadian side. I hear it is also a great view.

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