Day 23: Rochester to Medina

Yesterday morning, I started my ride as soon as I finished a fulfilling breakfast made by Luke. Finally, it was a sunny day after more than a week of rain and clouds. My spirit was high as I rode on the trail the entire way.

Since it was Memorial Day, many restaurants were closed. I ended up having two lunches. One was a meatball sub at Subways in Holley and the other was a burger with fries at Burger King in Albion. I couldn’t believe my meal’s cost was $16 at Burger King. So expensive for fast food.

Just as I was leaving the town of Albion and crossing the draw bridge, I met a cyclist named Pat. He rode all the way from San Francisco and will be home in Syracuse in a couple of days. I decided to go back into Albion and chat more with him at Tim Hortons. Pat was so nice that he even bought me coffee there.

Pat will have to go back to work as a mental health therapist. He’s taking a break from work. His bike carried so many things, probably doubled the weight of mine. Pat also has a website. It’s at patsponyexpress.com. I was glad to spend some time with another cyclist over a meal. It was a much needed break.

Not long after meeting Pat, I saw a cyclist taking photos of the canal. His name is Mike and he’s going the same direction as me. Finally, I met someone who is going the same way. In fact, we were all going to Medina for the day.

Mike is a retired bus driver and lives outside of Cleveland. He’s biking from Montreal, Canada, back to home. Mike and I got along great and we were riding at the same speed.

Once we arrived in Medina, I checked out a local park for camping. Mike rode farther to Garden View Bed and Breakfast, where he will be staying for the night. We were supposed to meet back in downtown for dinner, but after waiting for him for half an hour I rode my bike to his bed and breakfast. I had ridden 51.8 miles for the day by the time I arrived there.

Garden View seemed so nice that I decided to ask the owner, Mrs. Fox, to see if I can camp in the yard. She agreed to $20 for camping and $10 for breakfast in the morning. I haven’t spent any money on lodging so far except for a $20 donation to Mike and Mary at their Hideaway house, but I decided to spend $30 this time so that I can have a riding partner the day after since Mike and I got along well.

That night, I didn’t eat dinner since I wasn’t hungry. After setting up my tent, I went to sleep soon after sunset.

This morning, I woke up around 5:30. After taking down my tent, I ate some cereal, coffee cake, banana, yogurt, along with a cup of coffee.

I will get on the road soon. Today’s destination is Buffalo, where I’ll be staying with a Warmshowers host. I had asked the host if Mike can stay at his place too and he agreed. I’m glad that Mike also has a place to stay tonight.

Another boat on the Erie Canal

Lovely weather

People kayaking by the canal lock.

Passed by many draw bridges.

Beautiful day for riding

Don't forget to look back.

Pat, going from San Francisco to Syracuse.

The northernmost point on the Erie Canal

So many geese!

Simply beautiful

Mike, going in the same direction as me.

Downtown Medina

My camping spot for the night

Meet Bob, Mrs. Fox's husband, who is 90 years old and loves fishing.

View of the backyard