Days 15 and 16: Troy to Fort Plain, then to Utica

Yesterday, Chris and I were having a great discussion about politics during breakfast that I ended up leaving late, around 9:20 AM. I had about 70 miles to ride to a campsite in Fort Plain so it was a long riding day.

After crossing the Green Island Bridge over the Hudson River one last time, I came to the junction where the Empire State Trail splits. I took the westbound route toward Syracuse, Rochester, and Buffalo instead of the northern route that goes toward Montreal, Canada.

The path was nicely paved with asphalt the whole time as I rode along the Mohawk River. Soon, I met a long distance cyclist named Mike going from San Diego, California, to Massachusetts. He started his cycling tour in early March. So glad to meet adventurous people on my trip. I’m not the only crazy one after all.

I made it to Schenectady after riding about 25 miles and it was noon already. There was a farmers market in downtown since it’s Sunday. I ended up having a BBQ sandwich at the only vegan restaurant in town called Take Two Cafe. The sandwich tasted so good that it’s like eating meat. It was my first vegan meal of the trip. I make sure to explore different kinds of food in addition to exploring places and meeting people on my trip.

There was some light drizzles. I welcomed it because the cooler temperature makes for good riding weather so I didn’t overheat.

I passed by some canal locks on the bike path. After the town of Amsterdam, I met my second cyclist of the day. His name is Scott. He’s 35 years old and is riding from Buffalo to Albany. This is his first bike tour. Farther down the path, I met my third and final cyclist of the day. His name is Harry and he’s also riding to Albany from Buffalo. I give out my contact card to all the cyclists and hosts I meet. I think it’s fate that we get to meet each other in this lifetime.

I made it to Fort Plain around 5:30 PM, just as I finished all of my water, which was two bottles worth. I saw a Save A Lot grocery store on the side of the bike path so I bought some beef jerky, trail mix, and a can of ham in case I need to have some protein later.

I had a subpar dinner at Mediterranean Kitchen in downtown Fort Plain. It was a plate of meat and rice, no vegetables. Daddy’s Place in Easton, PA, was so much better.

The campsite was at lock 15 on the bike path that’s just outside of the town. By the time I stopped riding my bicycle for the day I had ridden 69.8 miles, my new record. I averaged 10.4 miles per hour, not including rest time.

It took me 30 minutes to set up camp next to the river. I wish I wasn’t the only one camping here so I can have some company, but no one showed up.

My sleep wasn’t good since my body felt sticky and there were trains that ran on the other side of the river. There were also some strange noises at night and the temperature dropped to the low 40s. I was awake at 6 AM.

After packing, I rode back to downtown Fort Plain and had an omelette at 5S Diner. It was the only restaurant that opens that early. The hot coffee and the warm food heated my body up for the ride today.

I planned to ride to Utica. There’s a Couchsurfing host named Thomas who might be able host me, but he’s helping his friend move until 6 or 7 PM. He didn’t give me his address so I don’t know if he’s actually going to host me. I decided to ride to Utica and see what happens.

On my way, I met another cyclist on the bike path. His name is Howard and he’s going to Albany from Buffalo, just like the two previous cyclists I had met yesterday.

I came to a closed bridge on my route at Frankfort so I had to take a detour. Good thing there were signs for the detour and I had no trouble getting back on the route.

Finally, after riding 42 miles, I arrived in Utica. For lunch, I had a bowl of spicy tonkotsu ramen at Taichi Bubble Tea and I’m charging up all of my devices at the restaurant while typing up this blog post.

Not sure what I’ll do after leaving the restaurant. I sent a message to Thomas to see if I can help him with his friend’s move, but he hasn’t given me his address.

At the junction of the Empire State Trail

Mike, going from San Diego, CA, to Massachusetts

Feels like I've been here before

Schenectady

Take Two Cafe, the only vegan restaurant in Schenectady

Passing by a lock

A cyclist's memorial

Riding beside the Mohawk River

Another lock

The castle in Amsterdam

Scott on his first tour, going to Albany to Buffalo.

Harry, also going to Albany from Buffalo.

Tree down on the bike path

Save A Lot saved me as I got more snacks for the road.

My campsite at lock 15 in Fort Plain

Omelette is my favorite breakfast for bike tours.

Another tree down

The paved asphalt turned into loose gravel.

Howard, also going to Albany from Buffalo.

About to go into a tunnel

Passed by some granaries.

Took a rest under the pavilion.

Bridge is closed in Frankfort.

Another stream crossing

Cycling on the shoulder of a country road.

Spicy tonkotsu ramen for lunch