Maybe the final post but I don't promise

I have finally had some time to add the link to the news clip that featured the arrival into Deerfield.
I think that the burning of the religous statue on I75 ended my 15 mins of fame. Somehow thats appropriate!
Below you'll also find Jimmy Fallon's monologue where he mentions my bike trip. It is at the end, so you can fast forward through until there is about 37 seconds left.

We made it !

By now I suppose most of you know that we completed the ride on Thurs. afternoon. Along with the Goodrichs, we had a an escort from Deerfield on the last 2 days. On Wednesday Keith Streeter, in the alumni department, took us for a nice ride away from the traffic. You can't avoid the hills so we did about 5,000 ft. for the day.
The only problem was the rain which arrived for the last 2 hours of the ride. At the same time the temp. dropped significantly and so the end of the ride was pretty miserable. We ended the day in Shelborn Falls about 10 miles short. we still did 45 mi.
Thurs.,Nolan Bishop, a Sophmore on the Cycling Team, met us in Shelborn Falls to escort me into Deerfield. It was an easy ride of 15 mi. We arrived with the press waiting. Two television crews from two stations were there. It all started with the article in the Springfield (Ohio)News-Sun which apparently got picked up on the news wire. Anyway, I have have had telephone,internet and in-person interviews. Someone has even seen a story in the Minneapolis paper. I think that is the definition of a slow news day.
I am hopefully going to attach one of TV interviews. I will post more pics and update the itinerary soon. Final distance was about 865 mi.

The Sunny Day that Wasn't

Hal checked the computer radar and there wasn't a cloud in site. I wonder what state he checked for? At any rate we started off from where we left off yesterday and got 6 mi down the road when the skies opened up and the temp dropped.Meanwhile we are zipping down the hills we have been climbing up, freezing our buns off and can't see while 18 wheelers are bombing past. It might have been scary if one had time to think about it but it sure as hell was cold. When all of a sudden there appears ahead like a beacon of hope The Man from Kent Pub. If that isn't enough to make you a believer you have no faith. This place is straight out of Jolly Olde. In through the rose covered doorway and into warmth of a bar with Guiness on tap. If there was ever a medicinal quaff this was it.
The rest of the ride was pretty uneventful. We were joined by the ladies for about 5 mi. Of course that is just half of what they had to ride. We hurried to get changed and into The Clarke Museum here in Williamstown. They have (I believe) the largest collection of Renoirs. We were 2 days early for "Picasso looks at Degas". Another entertaining day with the Goodrichs.'Nite all.

On to Vermont

The Goodrichs joined today and we had a very representative ride, a little trail ,a little city, a little country highway and a dose of hills.We rode about 45 mi today starting just west of Schenectady NY and ending outside Bennington, VT. I'm thinking the Lord could use a big iron on this state to good purpose.Actually the steepest hills we encountered were on the RPI campus in Troy,NY.
We had great tour of Schenectady and spent quite a while riding past the GE Research facilities. Peg and Beth did some great driving today to catch up with us at various places throughout the day.As usual we had 3 different maps none of which quite matched. Oh well if we ever do something like this again we'll correct that.
Acouple of pics today one of Hal on a particularly pretty piece of trail in Cohoes, NY and one of both Goodriches with a plastic Moose. Well its time for bed,'nite all.
PS I have posted 2 blogs at once. don't miss the previous with pics of Sean.

Another Surprise!

Peg and Sean Planting the flag before the rain engulfs.

Saturday morning Sean flew in from San Francisco to give his old man a little riding support. Long way to come for two days riding. At least Meg got in three days. Good kids! (I told them the inheritance might not be worth this much attention)
We spent last night at a B&B called Hazelnut Farm. Is about 8 mi outside Fort Plain, NY. A lovely old farm house with big spacious rooms and a spectacular breakfast. They sent us to a restaurant about 15 mi away at The American Hotel in Sharon Springs,NY. We had a really special dinner. The food was spectacular, so was the price.
Sunday we managed to ride 35mi between big rain storms and then took Sean back to the Albany Airport. Tomorrow we meet up with the Goodrichs. They will help get me over and thru the Berkshires. That will be the final challenge - I hope. 'nite all.

"cycilists attacked by Geese"

There are more Canada geese along the Canal than are in Canada. And they all have an attitude especially when they have their brood with them. Both Peggy and I have had them jump up and fly at us. Sort shocking the first time. Now I shout on my approach. I'd hate to have anyone around to hear my conversation with the geese. 'Round the bend for sure.
The ride yesterday was punctuated by traversing both Rome and Utica NY. People seem a bit edgy in both communities. But it was a change from geese. We quit on the east side of Utica.
Day off today!!! We'll start again on Sat. for the last push. Super-domestiques, Hal and Beth Goodrich coming in to get us over the Berkshires(I hope).
The bottom picture is sort of a typical view of the canal and bike path when both are at their best.

Can you cycle to Canastota?

Well we did today. Pedaling thru Syracuse was no fun, but the bikepath on either side was fine. This gravel bikepath is good in that there are no traffic problems and no questions as to whether you are on the correct route but it limits the speed you can go and shakes the heck out of you. You're never quite sure when you are going to hit a soft patch and end up on your nose. Peg put in 24 mi. today so she is feeling chipper.
You will note a pic I have included of Johann(Peg) studying her maps to organize the attack today. Also some pics of the Old canal and the path. 'Nite all.

June 1, 2010 - Tues (I think)

To the left is one of the flags we stick in the ground to show where we stoped and where to start in the morning.

Well here we are in beautiful downtown Weedport,NY.I am here at the Days Inn while Johann(Peg)is out looking for a wash-dry. I don't think Johann did this for Lance. We need more domestiques. Not that I am lance either. Well we ran out of bike path today and were back on the highways. Good wide berms though so no problem. We took a side trip to the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge. We saw several bald eagles which made it worth the time.
Yesterday we rode from Spencerport to Palmyra. Pretty ride along the Canal at least until about 3:00PM at which time the heavens opened with a real frog strangler. I tried to find bridge underpasses but at that point they seemed far apart. Our B&B had no computer hook up, or TV for that matter, but the breakfast was dynamite.

Sat. & Sun. May 29,30

Yesterday and today were spent circumnavigating Buffalo and approaching the Erie Canal Bikeway. Buffalo has some wonderful bikepaths but no signage. riding along the Niagara River when your suddenly confronted with 8 ft tall construction fence and no detour sign. Also a good thing we were there yesterday instead of to today since the Buffalo marathon was run today(a real stampede).
Today was the first day on the Erie Canal Bikeway. An idyllic setting with canal and the overhanging trees. However the path itself is crushed stone and while for the most part it is quite serviceable it is is variable and sometimes you hit a soft patch. But no traffic and that is great. All in all a beautiful ride of 55.5 mi.

Fri. May 28, 2010 Dunkirk to Lackawana

Redundant perhaps, but another beautiful day along Lake Erie with great views and easy riding. At least until the last 2.5 miles when the road turned into a freeway where bicycles had no business being. We made it out in one piece thanks to Peggy. Had dinner last night at Schwabl's, a Buffalo tradition and listed in 1000 Places to
Go before you Die. We had Beef on Weck. To die for!!!

I just received an email from our reunion committee and I thought you all might get a kick out of their take on my choice of transportation to Deerfield...

" As added incentive to increase our participation in the 50th Fundraising effort, our beloved classmate, renowned and revered class agent, dedicated Reunion Committee member, and alumnus extraordinaire, Peter Noonan is forgoing planes, trains, and automobiles, and is instead traveling to campus by bicycle. This heroic, if misguided, feat will involve 795 miles of highways and byways, which Peter will ride in a mere 22 days. He left Ohio this past Thursday, and with hope, luck, effort, etc. will arrive at Deerfield in time for Reunions on Thursday, June 10th."

Thursday , May 27, 2009

Had A great day off today at Ann and Glen Colliers house at Lake Chautauqua. They have certainly shown us a great time. Hopefully everything will continue to operate tomorrow. We ended yesterday in Dunkirk NY after the best day of riding we have had yet. Sunny, warm but not hot along the south shore of Lake Erie.Very scenic views of the lake. Wind was on the quarter or slightly from the west. Averaged good times all day.Total of 381 miles to date. After Buffalo we're in to a new phase along The Erie Canal. Please see my list of thank yous under "support" . Time for bed, 'nite all.

May 25, Tuesday - Ashtabula to East Side of Erie

52 mi.I feel as though I am making real progress, being in a different state. A nice ride today generally along the south shore of Lake Erie although we didn't see much of the lake. Of course the best part today was having Meghan riding with me.Peggy is getting pretty sneaky these days. If you are ever in Conneaut ,OH and looking for someplace for lunch don't miss The White Turkey, Drive-in. '60's Music on the jukebox and great turkey sandwiches.

Well here it is Sunday night and already I've missed one report . I guess

I should report that Andy and I arrived in one piece in Doylestown OH. Andy did have a flat about 3 miles from the end and took shelter in a cemetery. Cathy managed to find him though.

Some of the scenery was most picturesque.On Saturday the Amish were out in full force; I have never had to pass a horse and buggy with a bike before. I think the milage was about 56 on Sat. If I can get my Instrucuress to help I think I can pass along some Pics.

I should retrace a bit and go back to Sat if only to take time to thank Mike bell for finding Gann, OH in the rain but also to remind him to not listen to the radio with the engine off.
Eddie Bell also gets a tip of the helmet for driving on Sat. AM.

Today Bob Hellmuth came and joined on the ride to Ravenna. With all the time traversing Akron we were very fortunate this was a Sunday. We had beautiful weather and some interesting bike trails along canals. Nonetheless I hope most of the urban riding is behind for a while. Today was relatively short at 38 mi. But I think I make up for it with a long one tomorrow. Had a flat at the end of the day today and fixed it but the blew the tube filling it at the B&B. Peg will hit a bike shop and check it out while I ride "ol Yeller. Ashtabula and Lake Erie is the destination tomorrow. Hope all is well where you are. 'nite all.

This will be brief. Great start yesterday although long. Approx. 66 mi. to Westerville,OH. The rde bacame long trying to cross through Columbus. Details and pics when I have more Time. I have company today. But also rain.

Finally have office issues in some semblance of order. But makes for a late night. Pretty day scheduled for tomorrow and back to S'field to see Eddie Leventhals induction into JAHoF. Best Jewish QB since Benny Freidman . Nite all

Packing tonight. Picked up car. Nice gray Trailblazer. It has 4 wheel drive which I hope to hell we never need. It does have a tow bar so we will be able to use that mounting for the bike rack. I believe that will facilitate access to the rear. Thanks to Dean Blair for the use of the vehicle. He sold 3 others he was going to let me use so maybe we're good luck for him.

A word about pledges- I have purposely separated the Ohio and MA. causes. Class of "60 I hope will consider adding to there previous gifts just a little or using this as a way to join in(participation is what counts ) And in S'pfield or anywhere else for that matter- the $'s go to the Springfield Rotary Lesotho Project - Dorm and bathroom for HIV/Aids affected orphans in Lesotho. A great project! Thanks for any help.

'Nite all

Welcome to my first blogging effort. I must acknowledge Meghan Noonan as my Blog instructress. I shall now try to insert my updated Master Itinerary (always subject to change). Click here.

There are only a limited number of e-mail address that I enter who will receive notification each time I post. I will try to e-mail those who have indicated an interest the link to the blog which you must have in some way if you are reading this.

My intent is to update daily. I hope I will figure out how to do photos off my i phone. Just check back occasionally to see what tidbits may be here.