Day 18: Syracuse to Port Byron

Yesterday morning, Michael made me a plate of eggs and toast for breakfast. Soon after, I packed up and left Michael and Gretchen’s house at 9 AM. I passed by Syracuse University’s campus before arriving in downtown Syracuse. Since I was too early for anything to open, I simply walked with my bike down the main drag, S Salina Street. I wish I had stayed an extra day here so I can explore the city, but it’ll have to be another time.

I got back on the Empire State Trail and left downtown. About 10 miles out of town, I met a family of five cyclists. They are the Sisco family, going from Rochester to Albany. I mainly chatted with the father. They had ridden 70 miles the day before, but today they will stop in Syracuse and will spend the next day exploring the city.

The ride was similar to previous days in that I rode along the canal for the most part. It was also different because I met different people and the vibe felt different each day.

I met a pair of cyclists, Justin and Isha, going to Albany. Then I met Bob going to New York City. He’s carrying very light and averaging 120 miles per day. Before I reached Port Byron, I met Carlos, who is also going east. He told me about Mike and Mary’s hideaway house in Port Byron, which he stayed at. I had already contacted Mike through Warmshowers and I’ll be staying there for the night.

Just before I reached Weedsport it started to drizzle. I quickly found a place called Cook’s Village Diner to have lunch and avoided the rain for a while. I had a cowboy burger that was delicious.

I only had a few miles to ride to Mike and Mary’s place. It seemed it’ll rain for a long time so I didn’t see any point in waiting out the rain. Also it was cold throughout the day with temperature in the 40s and low 50s. I looked forward to stay at a warm place.

Just as I arrived in Port Byron and turned onto the street that Mike and Mary live on, Mike saw me in his car. He quickly guided me to his house and showed me the hideaway house in his backyard. I had ridden 34 miles that day and was very glad to have a roof over my head to avoid the rain.

I stayed in the hideaway house for the afternoon. I met Mike’s wife, Mary, in the late afternoon when she came back from work. I offered to buy pizza for dinner, but both Mike and Mary have dietary restrictions. I ended up cooking a bag of ramen and eating some ham from a can. Unfortunately, the ham tasted horrible and I only ate half of it before throwing the rest away.

Last night, I slept from 6 PM to 6 AM. My sleep was really good. The rain will continue throughout the day today. Mary offered me to stay another night due to the rain, but I already have a Warmshowers host for tonight in Newark. Since it’s about 33 miles of riding today, I will leave a little later than usual to avoid the heavier rain in the morning.

I had some oatmeal for breakfast and a cup of coffee inside the main house. I really enjoyed talking to Mike and Mary. Mike is an historian and is in local historical societies. He published history books about the local area. Mike is also an autodidact and taught himself many skills, such as electrical work. I was also impressed that he and Mary use Linux, not Windows or Mac. Since I also use Linux Mint at home, Mike and I chatted about the joy of using Linux machines. Mary used to work in the local library and on the parks committee. She now works in home care. I wish I could stay and chat more with them since they are my type of people.

I plan to leave as soon as the rain dies down. Today’s high is only 51 F. It’ll be another day of riding in the cold.

Glad to be riding on dedicated bike path in Syracuse.

Columbus Circle

Clinton Square

The original Dinosaur BBQ restaurant

A goose looking across Onondaga Lake

One of many snails on the bike path

Nice lookout

Crossing over a highway

The Sisco family, going to Albany.

Finally saw a boat on the canal.

A nice rest stop on the bike path

Justin and Isha, going to Albany.

Me and Bob

Another tree blocking the path.

Carlos is cycling the Empire State Trail both ways.

Passing by a small waterfall

The path became narrower.

The hideaway house at Mike and Mary's backyard in Port Byron

Inside the hideaway house

Mike and Mary