Empire State Trail Bike Ride

Follow as Hernan and Juan ride from Buffalo, NY to Battery Park, NYC

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Day 9: Sunday, 12 September, from Brewster NY to the Battery in Manhattan, NYC 67 miles. Part 3!

In the evening Luis Carlos cordially invited us for dinner in his beautiful apartment near the United Nations. He cooked pasta for us and we drank Gin and wine while recollecting how blessed we were during the entire trip. Luis Carlos generosity was evident when he opened two bottles of “Veuve Cliquot” yellow label Brut, the signature Champagne of Reims and one of the most luxurious and high quality Champagnes, so we could toast for the successful completion of our little adventure.

This morning after breakfast with NYC Bagels we spent quality relaxation time in the sauna, steam bath and pool.

I am very thankful to Hernán for the idea and the opportunity of sharing with him this wonderful experience.

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Day 9: Sunday, 12 September, from Brewster NY to the Battery in Manhattan, NYC 67 miles. Part 2!

As we got closer, we were cycling into strong face winds which cut our speed and forced us to increase the amount of effort expended and hunch over our handlebars to reduce wind resistance.

The last 20 miles of the bike trail reflected the chaos and greatness of NYC. It was crowded , full of crazy drivers, and dirty but very well maintained, with plenty of direction signs and enjoyable. As we approached the city it was exciting to see the NYC skyscrapers in the distance. As we got closer, we approached the iconic One World Trade Center which loomed straight ahead on the path. This was especially moving as we entered the city on the 20th anniversary of 9/11.

Claudia, Luis Carlos (Hernan’s brother), and his son Antonio were waiting for us at the southern most edge of the Empire State Trail at Battery Park, and we stopped at a waterfront Italian restaurant overlooking the Statue of Liberty for more “medicine” and celebratory drinks. We were excited and proud of our accomplishment and look forward to the next challenge.

Here are pictures of our triumphant entrance to Manhattan and the end of this pleasant journey which we will never forget.

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Day 9: Sunday, 12 September, from Brewster NY to the Battery in Manhattan, NYC 67 miles. Part One!

We had been on our bikes for 7 days and rode 590 miles in the State of NY from the West end of the Erie canal to Manhattan. On our final day, we started to feel nostalgic since our ride was coming to an end. After 7 days of riding we reached our goal without any accidents or incidents. We did not have any car trouble and our bikes only needed loving tender care at the end of each day. We didn’t even have to add any air to the tires during the entire trip.

Our Guardian Angel showed up this day in the form of Henry (Harlem_Henry) who we met at the northern edge of Brooklyn (after our mandatory daily stop for medication “Gin and tonic, large glass full of ice, no lime”). Henry kindly offered to guide us through Brooklyn and Harlem and get us back to the edge of the Hudson to finish our ride.

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Day 8: Saturday, 11 September, from New Paltz to Brewster NY Part 2!

We rode our bikes only 38 miles in the afternoon from Poughkeepsie to Brewster NY.

The trail was in top shape, sometimes brand new and the weather as always was perfect.

We stayed at the only motel in town which was not so bad. But for the first time we had to send an SOS to Claudia for support as the GPS was not working and we could not reach the our lodging. We stopped at a Pizza place until Claudia rescued us.

Brewster has nothing to offer except for “Las Mañanitas,” one of the best restaurants you can find in the middle of nowhere (or anywhere else for that matter. ) We walked there from the motel expecting nothing special and were surprised to see about 300 cars in a large parking lot. There were like 20 people waiting to be seated, and we had no reservations so Hernan applied his charm and talked to the hostess to help us out. OMG! did she ever! We ended up seating in the best place in the restaurant, a terrace where they had never placed tables before. In addition we were served by the owner and her son in a restaurant that had over 500 people eating there at the time. We felt like the Vanderbilts; they treated us like royalty. The food was great, the view spectacular, and the service superb.

Another great day to remember.

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Day 8: Saturday, 11 September, from New Paltz to Brewster NY Part 3!

Here is a video.

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Day 8: Saturday, 11 September, from New Paltz to Brewster NY Part 1!

After a long day in the saddle the previous day, this was an easy day on the pedals as we spent the morning visiting the Vanderbilt mansion and the Franklin Delano Roosevelt home and library. Before that we had an awesome breakfast at a crowded diner where at 08:46 I asked everyone for a minute of silence in remembrance of the terrible terrorist attack our nation suffered 20 years ago. Below are a few pictures and the websites links

https://www.nps.gov/places/vanderbilt-mansion.htm

https://www.nps.gov/hofr/index.htm

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Day 7: Friday, 10 September, from Albany to New Paltz, NY Part 3!

The trail took us by Bard University, and we stayed for the night at a college town called New Paltz where we had dinner at an Indian Restaurant and later had drinks at a great bar called Pegs where dozens of college students were dancing and singing to music from the 80’s.

Everyday we are more at awe of the beauty, organization, infrastructure, and wealth of this magnificent country.

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Day 7: Friday, 10 September, from Albany to New Paltz, NY Part 2!

We stopped for lunch at a cute little town called Tivoli; I made it a point to return to at some point. People were friendly and seemed like the type that does good for no reason. Later we took a “medication” break at the Kingston City Mariners Harbor! Next to the Rondout Creek Marina located on Kingston's historic and revitalized Waterfront.

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Day 7: Friday, 10 September, from Albany to New Paltz, NY 82.66 miles riding in 6 hours 14 minutes.

Today we cruised along the Hudson River, crossing it three times. The most impressive crossing was on the George Clinton Kingston–Rhinecliff Bridge, north of the City of Kinston and the Hamlet of Rhinecliff.

It was the hardest day yet. From the very beginning in Albany, not even 5 minutes from the Airbnb, the trail decided to punish us for having taken a day off. The entire day was a seesaw; we ended climbing 9,324 feet (2852 meters) and descending 8884. Additionally, at some points it became an obstacle course with fallen trees along the trail from the recent tropical storm Ida. But we were rewarded with magnificent views and another gorgeous day. It is becoming difficult to pick what day has been better, and this one has a top spot.

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Day 6: Thursday, 9 September, NY

Today was a rest day in Albany and then we have three more days of riding to get to Battery Park in Manhattan, NYC.

We stayed at a nice Airbnb in a house built in 1815 near the Empire State Plaza and visited

the observatory on the 42 floor of the tallest building in Albany. We also took a guided tour of the New York State Capitol which has served as the seat of government for New York since the 1880s. The building is a marvel of late 19th century architectural grandeur, built by hand of solid masonry over a period of 32 years. Highlights of the tour included the legislative chambers, Hall of Governors, Governor’s Reception Room, Hall of New York, and historic staircases and carvings that took 600 workers over 14 years to build. It was impressive!

We also visited the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception built in 1848 and the NY State Museum It was nice to rest our legs and learn a little of the history of this beautiful State.

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Day 5: Wednesday, 8 September, Utica to Schenectady, NY (Additional pictures).

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Day 5: Wednesday, 8 September, Utica to Schenectady, NY (6 Hours): 80 Miles WEST to EAST.  Erie Canalway Trail (started at village of Ilion Marina, 190 Central Ave, Ilion, NY 13357). This scenic trail continues to run by the Erie Canal with wooded lock gates, and tiny communities. We passed through gorgeous rural and agricultural landscapes, picturesque villages, and stunning views of the Mohawk River. We encountered very few people, and most of the trail was desolate, quiet, and very peaceful.

Since Hernán had an important work zoom meeting at 4pm we decided to only stop for a quick lunch at the only diner near the trail. The owner was not very friendly, and we did not feel welcomed.

After lunch we chatted the entire way while pedaling and time went by quickly. The weather continued to be very comfortable with open skies. Another great day, but we are tired. Looking forward to our rest day.

After cleaning and maintaining our “novias” (that is what we are calling our bicycles now-days), we went to dinner and well-deserved drinks.

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Tuesday, 7 Sep 2021 Sodus Point to Rome NY (74 miles). PART TWO.

After lunch at an Italian restaurant (we needed the carbs) we continued our adventure through an amazing country side. We had fun eating apples picked by us and playing in the cornfields.

Two hours into our afternoon ride, we decided to make a quick stop to refresh our thirst. The pictures are deceiving as it is not water. We ended the day after 5 hrs and 43 minutes riding, with Claudia waiting for us.

Today we must recognize the unsung hero of this perfectly orchestrated operation, Claudia our logistics chief. Without her infatigable support, cheerful attitude, attention to detail, patience and research ability this trip would not be possible. Thanks to her we can enjoy this beautiful experience.

We ended the day at a “República Dominicana” restaurant that was very good. For Hernán and Claudia it was the first time eating food from the isla del merengue. The “pure de yuca” was particularly good.

The main stats for the day and the plan outline are the last two pictures below.

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Tuesday, 7 Sep 2021 Sodus Point to Rome NY (74 miles). PART ONE!

Another excellent day with perfect weather. After departing a very nice bed and breakfast, we saw Lake Ontario as we departed Sodus Point. The beginning of the trail was very difficult and not well kept; actually it was a little scary and dangerous. We had to go into roads several times to prevent an accident. After about 13 miles the trail conditions improved.

During lunch we decided to skip our planned visits so we could search bike shops to look for chamois cream (an anti-bacterial substance that helps eliminate friction between skin and clothing, and therefore the chafing that can occur during a ride). Cyclists use chamois cream for prevention of saddle sores or worse abrasions. We also bought quality shorts with better padding to help with the discomfort associated with cycling consistently everyday on long rides over 10 days.

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Monday, 6 Sep 2021 (Labor Day) Part two!

During the lunch break we visited the Hill Cumorah visitor’s center of the Church of Jesus Christ of Later day Saints. I had never seen happier people to see tourists. We had a very pleasant visit. BTW the book of Mormon has been translated to 123 languages (including Quechua de Peru y Quechua de Bolivia)

The main stats for the day and the plan outline are the last two pictures below.

P.S.: Hernán’s buttocks started hurting today. Mine continue to be raw but improving thanks to the calendula and the crema cero. Looking forward to tomorrow.

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Monday, 6 Sep 2021 (Labor Day) Part one! The cycling day started from the nice Airb&b we stayed at and a quick breakfast at a Dunking Donuts along the way. Most of the trail was gravel and it was raining lightly in the morning but we pressed ahead. At some points we diverted to a main road to escape loose and wet gravel.

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First day of riding (Sunday, 5 Sep 2021 Final Part). Here you can see other portions of the trail during this day and our celebrating with gin and tonics (double of course) and a healthy dinner of delicious mussels, pasta, and risotto at the end of the day at Fiamma’s in Rochester. The service was excellent and the ambiance superb.

P.S: Hernán is in top shape. I started hurting; my legs are fine but my buttocks are raw. Let’s see what happens tomorrow. I did bring “crema cero” and Henan brought “calendula” cream so I applied both.