Day 42. Niagara Falls, NY. 72 miles 1,400 ft climb

In A New York State Of Mind.

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Terry With Irish Damian and London Lucy

At The SAG Stop In Ontario

 After an easy, pleasant 72 miles through rolling hills and with a nice tailwind for push and cloud cover for comfort (although the sun emerged just as they got to the Falls), the riders took in the sights of Niagara Falls from both the Canadian side and the New York side.   Along with thousands of other tourists.

The Needle in Niagara Falls,  Canada

 To Terry's and most others' dismay, the Canadian side has become a tacky tourist trap, with cheap motels, T-shirt shops, amusement park rides and high rises lining the shores.   The New York side has much less of that, so the view from the Canadian side over to NY is a more pleasant one.  Still, nothing can really take away the grandeur and magnificence of the falls themselves.   Many riders rode a fast pace so they could get there and enjoy the views. 

Taking In The Niagara Falls Sights

They crossed the Rainbow Bridge from Niagara Falls, Canada  to Niagara Falls, New York, and then endured a rather long line through customs, along with cars and pedestrians.   The riders didn't go through as a group this time; in fact, they were asked to break into smaller groups of 3's and 4's.

Trying To Get Back to the USA

 The line that Terry was in with his little group apparently had some drama, as someone in a car ahead of them was arrested on the spot, handcuffed,  and taken away.  Sniffer dogs were around the car, and it caused some delay.   At first, the riders were impatient, but Terry reminded them that their rooms wouldn't be ready anyway at the motel, so why not just go with the flow and watch the "excitement".   The Customs Agent asked routine questions:  Where did you come from?, How long were you in Canada?, Where are you going?   Terry was grateful that his short-term memory didn't fail him.

Rainbow Bridge

Tour Stats:   3,144 miles.   90,275 ft climb.    8 States, 1 Canadian Province......and rolling.............

I think a special thank you is appropriate at this time to Mike Munk, the ABB tour leader.  I can't imagine dealing with all the zillions of details that he does every day to make it all work, and see to it that the riders and their bikes arrive safely every day.  He heads a fantastic team, all of whom deserve huge thanks and gratitude from the riders and their loved ones, who will all breathe just a little easier when they arrive in Portsmouth, NH.

Thanks, Mike!!!

Tomorrow is the last REST DAY.   Terry plans to take one of the boat rides under the falls, as will many of the other riders.   After the last Rest Day, they are in the home stretch with only 7 more days. The last week.  The Lasts of the Lasts.   Unbelievable!!!    I'll be flying out one week from today, one day ahead of them, to get ready to greet Terry and the riders at Wallis Sands State Park beach in Rye, New Hampshire.