May 25, 2025
Day 14 Long Lake to Inlet
Average speed 10.2 mph
It was a slow roll this morning getting out of Long Lake. I gave myself some more time after yesterday’s slog. That and I had to wait for my Apple Watch to charge since somehow it slipped off the charger last night. I spent a pleasant hour on the back screened in porch enjoying the early morning views of Long Lake and observing a very hard working robin searching for worms.
I did some bike prep before I got moving. I’m trying to get into a daily or every other day habit of cleaning and lubing my chain based on what Green Mountain Bikes advised me. I got moving at about 8:30, late for me. The Sandy Point Motel was fine, a classic version of motels before the big chains. Simple and clean, but sitting on a beautiful lake. Long Lake the hamlet did not have much to offer outside of the Stewart’s convenience. It was not the quaint village I had envisioned. On the front lawn of motel there is a phone booth - like the ones Superman used to change in. I thought it was decorative but then noticed several others along the ride. A working phone booth! My father would be pleased.
The ride today was nothing like yesterday. It was cool and cloudy, although the sun did strain to break though several times, but failed to appear for any significant stretch of time or distance. But, it was not raining or drizzling. A huge improvement that made the experience much easier to take. Temperature regulation was simpler and the pavement was dry, so passing traffic noise was not amplified to the point of every passing vehicle sounding like an 18 wheeler.
The terrain along 28 (the only road of today’s ride) was easier as well. I was (and am) still working through the Adirondacks so there were hills to climb, but less severe than the ones yesterday. And after about 6 or so climbs the slopes became more “rolling” or the gradual longer highway climbs as shallower grades. The mileage was half of yesterday’s as was the elevation.
The scenery was pleasant. A forested road running through a series of lakes and rivers. Different than VT or NH. Eagle Lake, Blue Mountain Lake, then the numbered lakes: Eight, Seven, I assume a Six and Five but did not see them, then Four, where Inlet is. I guess this area - I think called the Fulton Chain of Lakes, was founded by an accountant.
The small lakes and cottages reminded me of my childhood vacations at Newfound Lake in NH. It was our annual family vacation to head to Bristol and enjoy a week swimming, water skiing and playing with our “cousins,” the Higgins family. We used to go up for a week, but then after 15 years with NE Telephone, my father got three weeks of annual vacation. One week for Christmas and now TWO weeks at Newfound. We were in heaven and the memories are precious.
Convenience stores and country stores are not common in these parts. Every 30 or 60 miles, based on my two day data set. So, when I was only 10 miles in, I saw one and learning from yesterday’s ride, grabbed civilization when I could. I bought a coffee and muffin and some other food for the ride. Sitting outside I watched the local Blue Mountain Lake world go by, even though it was pretty cold (but no rain).
From here it was just putting miles under the belt, and it was a relatively easy ride. I made it into Inlet at about 12:30. It’s a very quaint little town. The type you would expect in a lake community. It has history, all the local necessary amenities, like a great little grocery store. Decent restaurants, coffee shop, bike store and tourist type places. It was busy with traffic and pedestrians. This was the “opening’ weekend and the Memorial Day weather was just starting to cooperate with a little sun (then it rained later in the day). This is a place to add to your list for a visit or at least pass through.
Tex-Mex dinner at Archie’s then back here to the Woods Inn, a historic hotel built in 1894 which sits right on the lake. It’s fine and has a classic look, but is showing its age a bit. Aren’t we all.
Tomorrow Boonville as I continue to navigate through the Adirondacks for a couple of more days.
Today's ride: 33 miles (53 km)
Total: 541 miles (871 km)
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