Wow! Heat, Wind Devastation and Mileage

June 23, 2025

How I ended up in Little falls

I tried to get out early today to help minimize my time in the heat in the day, alas I barely manage a 5:15 start.

So grateful to get out earyiish. First 50 -60 miles basically along Erie Canal Trai, shaded, quiet... Somewhere around mile 55-60 I'm hearing lots of generators ( the trail follows roads sometimes) and seeing wind damage. Some damage very severe as in trees over houses, etc. I asked someone along the way and they say there is a big regional blackout that might take a day or two to get back together. My riding on the trail proper, that is to say off road, has been slowed by a bunch of hike a bike... Many trees down across the trail. At this point I decide to go the rest of the way by road. Passing through Utica, I passed a 3 generation family out on the porch of their house. I asked for water and the interaction was just what you want, especially by .the passel of young ones. Grandpa has no idea as to how long the black out would last. But as I rode on within blocks I'm seeing power on. Obviously most of the damage was to the west. Tons of electric trucks and tree trucks.

The rest of the trip was uneventful if not hot! I've been staying in motels as there are no camping grounds in the area and more importantly, it's HOT!

I do want to add passing through Syracuse was such fun.... Much better then last I did it about a decade ago. So glad to get to go by some of the buildings and monuments that make Syracuse a special place.

That one will be taken under advisement.

This is the top view. What I saw was mist along the river the went below the canal.

Onondaga Creek was heavily flooded just days ago. The rails were nearly completely under water.

My first dope slap that I should just forget about the towpath.

Soldiers and Sailors Memorial in dt Syracuse.

This was one of the hardest hike and bike today. See my bicycle under the tree center right. It was easier to drag it through.

I may be losing a bit of weight on this trip. The mileage is up as is the heat, leading to a loss of appetite. But tonight, I'm eating a real meal. Soup, salad, chicken dinner and dessert. This super market dinner ( with a few small other items) actual ran to $40. The price of calories.

Today's ride: 111 miles (179 km)
Total: 2,213 miles (3,561 km)

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