Campsite on 73 to Lake Placid: I still love climbing

October 8, 2016

I was not at all prepared for the weather this morning. High Peaks, October, you'd think I'd be ready for some chilly temperatures. And I was.

Which is why I was so bewildered when I woke up and noticed my sleeping bag was completely unzipped. I was even more bewildered when I got out of the tent and was comfortable in a t-shirt.

And I had camped at a high point, too. Even the huge descent that immediately greeted me wasn't chilly (after I finished pulling twigs out of my wheels and hair; it wasn't the easiest trek back out to the road, and I was not happy to see a tent in a parking lot after I put so much effort into observing the camping regulations).

What else can I say about the day? Cars, climbing, clouds, fantastic views of fall colours at their best. I think the pictures are worth several thousand words, so I'll shut up now, except to brag about racing the rain and winning. Take that, Nature.

When I was unlocking my bike after a meal in Lake Placid, a young guy rushed out of Subway to catch me before I left. He had biked across Canada a couple years ago, and being Canadian, was pretty much apologizing for talking to me, so it was a short conversation, and mostly about the impending weather. There are a surprising number of cyclists out there; I like meeting them. I didn't get to do that in Europe.

I think they put this barn here just for tourist photos. There were several very nice ways to shoot it. I spent most of the day hoping, in vain, for a bit of sun to light up the trees.

"All-American Food." Welcome Canadians. I saw Canadian flags throughout the Adirondacks, a bit surprising--there were no American flags in Canada.

Whiteface Mountain is red. Many people taking photos, then turning their cameras away from the mountain and toward that bear made of hay bales.

No shoulder along this part, but the roads were usually good, though still busy.

Quit living in the past. I don't care that you hosted the Olympics before I was born. You have so much else to brag about.

Today's ride: 62 km (39 miles)
Total: 1,548 km (961 miles)

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