T2 Day 48 (Audrey)

iagara Falls, ON to Brighton, NY


As Taylor Swift says, “Welcome to New York, it’s been waiting for you!”


After a big hotel breakfast (and packing up snacks for later), we crossed the Rainbow International Bridge back into the US this morning. The security checkpoint was pretty busy, so instead of riding over, it felt like we were walking through a crowd of cars.


Once we got across the border, we rode through Niagara Falls, NY searching for a sound we hadn’t heard before: the Erie Canal! The first stretch of the Empire State Trail was a lovely packed gravel dust path that follows right alongside the canal. We passed through a few quaint towns and enjoyed views of beautiful weeping willow trees, old barns, and plenty more cornfields. It was a nice break from car traffic, and we used the quiet time to listen to music/audiobooks, call friends/family, and play a few rounds of “I’m going on a picnic!”


It was a long ride today (nearly 90 miles), and we got a late start with the delay at the border, so we didn’t arrive at our Warm Showers in Brighton (just past Rochester) until 7. When we first dropped our bags on the garage floor, we knew it was going to be a great night! Our host was so kind and welcoming; he had snacks and drinks ready for us, and we spent some time sitting on his patio getting to know each other. We traded stories about touring (he cycles and cross-country skis!) over a homemade dinner of burgers and salad.


Overall, today was a great day! We’re all feeling so excited for the last stretch through NY, MA, and finally back home to CT!

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