Erie Canal and Tow Path: Niagara Falls to Holly

September 15, 2012

Greetings from Holly, NY. Camped beside the canal at a designated spot with tables. Alone.

Could have pitched just about anywhere for the last 36 miles. No "Not Allowed's."

Folks, don't ride the tow path if you think 10 mph is a funeral derge. Don't ride the tow

path if you're afflicted with getthereitis. Don't ride the tow path if you're not into

casual visiting with strangers. Don't ride the tow path if gaggles of Canadian geese who

won't move over for you is not your thing.

The riding day started at 8 and ended at 7. Rolled onto the tow path at Locksport, 20 miles

from the motel. Beautiful day with a tail wind. The surface is hard pack and very smooth. A

rodie could do it. But wouldn't. Not as spectacular as the Mickelson, but with a subtle,

soothing beauty that continues for over 400 miles. Maybe the most relaxed distance

riding I've ever done. Quite a change from the last 12 days. Lots of local history. Google

for it. The pictures will speak volumes about my day. And what a day it was.

The canal started out 14 feet wide x 4 feet deep. It's now 75x14. It's drained in the winter

to about 2 feet deep and becomes a snowmobile run. Rednecks(see pictures)gather scrap metal

if the winter is mild and the ice is thin. The geese never migrate as there is enough food

in the fields. The towns are usually 6 miles apart 'cause that's when the mules that towed the barges had to be changed out.

Will head due south in am for about 20 miles to connect with HWy 20 toward Boston. My 'mother

road' I think. Off to tent and sleeping bag now. Expecting a colder than average night with heavy dew.

(It's Sunday morning now at Sam's Cafe in Holly. Could be 1955 'cept for the free wifi.)

Quiz: How many hours long was my riding day? How long is the Erie Canal tow path? What animals were used to tow the barges?

Today's ride: 56 miles (90 km)
Total: 560 miles (901 km)

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