Sculpture Park, Ti Ferry, a Steep Climb, and a Star Trek Museum Tour

Outdoor sculptures are fun experiences.

As August weather cooled this summer, I was inspired to get on with my proposed trips. I pictured this 3-event adventure as an Amtrak overnight, but weekend weather hadn't been conducive. Instead, we packed everything into one day, driving first to Lemon Fair Sculpture Park (on a busy road), later parking in a small town to tackle the rest by bike. 

The sculptures are composed by multiple artists exhibiting their work. We walked a mown trail through a hayfield, sending grasshoppers jumping everywhere! I was drawn to several works: shiny, hammered metal ones, and especially the quad of horses, from lattice depictions to full body to the foreground mixture of both.

The ferry route is the longest running crossing of Lake Champlain, dating to 1759.

On the Vermont side of Lake Champlain, we boarded the Ticonderoga cable ferry, crossing narrow water, then pedalled a few more miles into the small town. It was getting hot.

Ending the one-hour tour on the Bridge!

While not a Trekkie, per se,  I've wanted to visit the Star Trek Museum per rave reviews. The owner has reconstructed the original season film set from plans, and as we later learned, had altered some things to make it more authentic, due to changes observed on film. We barely made the reserved timeslot, showing up sweaty!

A knowledgeable tour guide walked a small group around the set, explaining everything from how they filmed to the intricacies of backdrop decorations gleaned from the studio's stockpile (that appear in other TV shows!). What struck me the most was the flimsy walls, open ceilings, and rooms that were configured to represent multiple rooms on the Star Ship. Other interesting notes: Lucy and Desi Arnez studios financed the first three original seasons (I think?) - because filming Sci-Fi was expensive. The public clamored for more, and thus the reruns propelled the original cast and shows to stardom. I am of that generation, watching in the 1970s. In the lobby, there are many original outfits, plus the museum hosts special screenings on the Bridge. And maybe best of all, cast members show up each year - William Shatner, in his 90s, came last fall. 

Well worth the visit!

: 

Pressed for time, and not knowing how long it would take us, we climbed the 500ft road to Mt. Defiance. It was tough! We also were low on food and a bit dehydrated, but we made it. The breeze cooled us. What a view and strategic overlook of Fort Ticonderoga on the flat peninsula below.

Mt Defiance is notable because British General Burgoyne's army in 1777 built the road to place artillery overlooking both Fort Ticonderoga and Fort Independence, (located on what's now the Vermont side). The same road that's now, thankfully, paved!

The descent tested my brakes, but it seemed only a hot minute back to the entrance.

We discovered a food coop - who knew? - in tiny Ticonderoga village. Refreshed and satiated, we ferried back and arrived at our car in less than 10 miles.

3 Day Tour Around Lake Champlain - Oh, the Lilacs!

On Memorial Day weekend, I set out on an easy, scenic 100-mile route circling northern Lake Champlain, doable with my current fitness, divided into 3 manageable days. I like to enjoy roadside wildflowers, architecture, historic markers, and even garage sales! I waited until the bike ferry opened; it's a pleasant lake crossing, bypassing a busy road in favor of pedaling South Hero's gorgeous Westside Road. With some rain in the forecast, I hoped the light itinerary would allow me to choose a dry window for cycling each day.

Lilacs were in bloom, their heady scent perfuming the route, so much so that I dubbed my adventure "the lilac tour." Mmmmm.

Point Au Roche's rooms purposely lack a TV, overlook manicured grounds, and have private decks. It's a wonderful spot to enjoy birdlife, and I even saw a woodchuck.

One of my favorite places to stay is Point Au Roche Lodge. Located at "D" on the map. It's a low-key, rustic place with lovely, large rooms, a gazebo to relax in (or park your bike discreetly out of sight), and a kitchen to cook your own food. I brought some items from home for dinner and breakfast, supplemented with convenience store food.

The lower right photo shows the remains of a wooden railroad trestle that once crossed the lake.

It rained early on the second day, but let up by 10am, so  I cycled northward on an amazing tailwind, all the way to Rouses Point! I ate a breakfast bagel at Lakeside Coffee Roasters, relaxed for an hour, then slowly climbed and descended the Missisquoi Bridge to Vermont, amidst buffeting sidewinds. 

The roadway was busy, though with wide shoulders, until I turned towards Alburgh, then located the Alburgh Rail Trail, a few yards off the main road. The trail is only 4 miles, but the remoteness and nearly singletrack through wetlands were a delight, with a birdsong serenade. The trail conveniently intersected with a side road to my destination, the Alburgh RV Resort, located at "H" on the map.

It was raining by the time I arrived at the campground, so I ducked into the recreation hall. I had a good experience last year at this spot. While primarily an RV resort, there's a communal grassy area beneath trees that serves as a tent area; people are nice; there's a lakefront area, and I called ahead to pay, because reception is often closed, though the proprietors are only a phone call away. It was a chilly 50F and still windy, so I snuggled inside my packable jacket - a necessary item - and read for a while, until the rain stopped. I set up my tent, then returned to the sheltered entryway to cook dinner before settling down to watch a movie on my Kindle in the tent.

I was warm and comfortable, earplugs blocking out the rain that continued overnight, but for some odd reason, that has never happened before, I didn't sleep for more than an hour - that was a long night! 

I had planned to make coffee on the third morning, but after packing up a soaked tent, I wanted to start on my 40+ mile journey south, once the storm had passed, knowing I could eat breakfast at a Maplefields convenience store 20 minutes away. The coffee and waffle breakfast sandwich tasted great!

The rest of the ride was pleasant. A slight headwind didn't hinder progress; Google's routing kept me off busy Route 2, and the lilac fragrance freshened the gentle island miles. I'm always amazed at the nicer waterfront homes slowly emerging along the lakeshore. I stopped for a rest at Hero's Welcome, engaged with cycle tourists from St. Louis, and waved to a lone tourist soon after I set off. 

I ate half my sandwich at the familiar Grand Isle ferry landing, filled water bottles, and an hour later returned on the bike ferry, arriving home at 3pm.

What a great route!

Riding the Bassi Rachel on an Overnight to St. Albans

Lunch spot along the Lamoille River in Milton.

 
When spring warms, I start thinking about bike overnights. I have several easy ideas based on riding the bike ferry, which bypasses nasty, high-trafficked roads. Amtrak is also a good resource. This time I decided to revisit a trip I did 4 years ago, starting from home, northward to St. Albans, but take my Bassi Rachel, that tackles rolling terrain with aplomb. 

It's easy to pack two panniers with overnight stuff, as I had reserved a hotel room. At the last minute, my husband had a minor injury, so he promised to meet me later. Pump up tires, wipe the dust off Rachel's shiny frame, fill water bottles, bring simple snacks, requisite tools, and a lock, and I'm off! 

A peaceful interlude: mossy banks, maple sap lines, and privacy.

30 miles each way is doable, even with the forecasted headwind in each direction! The sun felt great, in the 40's F. Red-winged blackbirds serenaded my adventure. I varied my route from last time, revisiting downton Milton and cruising by Arrowhead Lake, sprayed from the dam's roaring cascade, before rolling west, curving northward through farm country and housing sprawl. Between the water-filled gullies and lack of public land, it is difficult to find a private spot, but I eventually did.

I avoided the lakeshore because of the strengthening headwind, in favor of quieter roads before reaching my destination. 

I have always loved the family-friendly ambiance of 14th Star Brewery. Too early for hotel check-in, I hung out, grabbed a snack, and a flight, and coincidentally live bands performed all afternoon. 

I love this spot with a view of the railroad high bridge over the Lamoile River.

We had a quiet evening, then enjoyed breakfast together, before I set off Sunday morning. It was considerably warmer with less wind. I was enjoying the route south, very similar to the previous adventure, past wetlands, farms, and rolling hills. 

The Rachel was the perfect companion: cushiony tires, low gears - a cruising machine. This is the third saddle I've tried, and sadly, it needs another refresh. 

Mini adventures always curb my wanderlust. With retirement on the horizon, I can't wait to spend endless time in the saddle.

Ideas for 2026

My goal in 2026 is to keep the cycling momentum by incorporating new trails and routes. Besides the  Colorado trip, I want to complete another weeklong bike tour - last year's was great - where is yet to be determined.

• In March, I'm heading back to the Philly Bike Expo, this time with my husband! I'm excited to meet up with cycling friends, ride with others, attend seminars, and, of course, attend the main event. It's also the 250th anniversary of the US, and we may stumble upon some of Philly's special events.
• Because bike touring in summer's heat was successful, I plan to do it again. It has its merits: cooling off in streams, packing less, and being able to bail on local adventures. Ideas include a 3-day Champlain Islands loop, an upstate New York adventure using the Adirondack Rail Trail, and a one-way journey using Amtrak. So many possibilities!
• With a front rack and comfortable bars installed on the Downtube Dyan, I plan to test its handling capabilities on an overnight. The long-term goal is to lower the gearing and try wider tires for more adventurous multimodal trips, but one step at a time.
• I'm heading back to Colorado, which has now become an annual pilgrimage, visiting family and friends in Fort Collins for more cycling/hiking fun. 
• We'll continue to explore more mountain bike trails. Ideas include Woodstock, Millstone and North Branch, all in VT, and Blueberry Hills in Elizabethtown, NY.

Slow Rolling with Adele - Lodge Life, Restaurant Finds, and Garage Sale Adventures

Adele and I know how to have a good time. Dating back to the 2014 inaugural Tour Du Ticonderoga, we've been touring annually, except for a hiatus during the pandemic. Recently, I made a last-minute weekend lodge reservation, and Adele was game! 

As the one-way trip would be only 25 miles, we left from my house, easily boarding the Causeway Bike Ferry just a few miles later. Behind a line of folks exiting the ramp to get on the path, someone ahead shouted, "Hold it! Mink family incoming!" We stopped to watch a momma mink with a youngster in her mouth, and two other young following behind as they all scampered by us down the gravel path, then dove into the bushes. What a treat!

Return trip the following day, waiting for the bike ferry. There's a story behind why I'm carrying tires on my rear rack...

We pedaled along the quiet roads of Grand Isle, crossed another ferry to New York through a hazy, smoke-filled afternoon, due to Canadian wildfires, then gradually made our way to Point Au Roche Lodge. The price was reasonable, with great reviews, and easy check-in. The hostel-style accommodation had a large kitchen, allowing you to bring your own food, while coffee and tea were also provided. We didn't see any staff. Our room was large, complete with a sitting room and a screened porch. What a great spot! 

On the deck at Doc's on the Water at Mooney Bay.

Typical Adele - foodie extroardinaire - had scoped out a restaurant ahead of time so we didn't need to bring dinner with us. It was a ten-minute walk and a lovely setting! We marveled at the marina view, tasty fish and chips, and the fact that we were on the same wavelength, ordering the same meal and drink.

We stored our bikes for the night, out of sight, tucked into a corner of the lodge's gazebo.

The next morning, with caffeinated and snack-filled bellies, we ambled along a loop beside the lake, marveling at waterfront homes, lawn ornaments, and newly planted cornfields. A slight tailwind pushed us south along a back road, eventually returning to downtown Pattsburgh for Eggs Benedict at another Adele find: Campus Corner, a local's diner. Sitting on swivel stools, hustling waitresses, full plates of yummy food - everything one would expect from a diner.

Inside the Campus Corner diner.

Admiring Plattsburgh's historical homes and monuments.

26x2" 45 North studded bike tires - a cargo net comes in handy! Adele and I are on the Grand Isle ferry.

Three routes connect Plattsburgh to the Cumberland Head peninsula and the NY/Grand Isle, VT ferry: Two outer lakeside roads and an interior, more direct way with a segregated bike lane. We took the fast way the previous day, but upon return, I suggested a winding, scenic shoreline road (formerly the main route until the inner expressway/bike lane was built about 20 years ago). 

Adele had mentioned that it would be great to stop at garage sales. We think alike. On previous adventures, I found a nice watch, and my favorite earrings came from a secondhand store in Canada - all from previous trips with Adele. So it was fortuitous that the route I suggested, of course, was hosting a neighborhood garage sale!

As it was a Sunday afternoon, sellers were tired, and many included a curbside free pile. I was semi-interested in studded bike tires with little wear. I asked the price. "What would you offer?" They accepted $5 for both - a steal. Adele picked up a  free folding organizer bag. 

I don't think I've laughed this much on an overnight bike tour, in quite some time!

Ideas for 2025

Cycling goals for 2025: keep touring, painting, and exploring new bike styles.

I make an annual pilgrimage to the Kingdom Trails, but with good weekend weather, I plan to explore more of southern Vermont. Some of the ideas below require planning.

• In May, I'm returning to Fort Collins to visit family and once again explore by bike.  This time, I'm excited that my husband will attend.
• Inspired to find another folding bike, I've been researching the Tern Node and Dahon Briza. Both have 24" wheels, but should fall under Amtrak's free onboard, non-reservation status for folding bikes. I prefer a used bicycle - the goal is to locate either model within a reasonable distance for test rides.
• Touring ideas include a loop connecting the Cross Vermont Trail and the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail, and/or portions of the VTXL or a compilation of all three! Both Cross VT and LVRT trails sustained significant damage from 2023 and 2024 floodwaters. Due to ongoing maintenance, expecting both to be passable from end to end is unrealistic. Including the VTXL means there are more options for an interesting weeklong route.
• I have a travel painting kit. I plan to ride locally for inspiration and try out mini paintings.

5 Years after The Pandemic - the Beauty of Exploring

The Trek Marlin 7 continues to provide comfortable meandering on nearby wooded trails. It's a perfect vehicle
for discovering flowers.

Since 2020, I've learned to take nothing for granted, a feeling that still resonates: not our health, our 2020 move to a beautiful location, the ability to travel, or the natural world that continues to provide peace and connection. I have so much to be thankful for. 

Riding with my adventure buddy on the Colchester Causeway; our home and backyard view.

I love to travel by bike, whether driving to ride rail trails or carrying gear for multiday excursions. 

Brewery in North Hampton, NH. Tacos at a food truck in Fort Collins. Real maple creemees only 3 miles from home.

Stops for food and beer are destinations themselves.

Visiting our son in Fort Collins, Colorado, and riding Soapstone Prairie's trails. Riding Pine Creek Trail with my husband in Pennsylvania.

Riding with family is always an opportunity to connect and explore.

After work or on weekends, rides rejuvenate me, whether pedaling along Lake Champlain during daylight or at sunset, even year-round. I frequently visit an icefall to watch its spring-fed metamorphosis. We discovered a local sugar house this spring!

Amtrak fuels adventure opportunities. Take the train to a new locale or use the service one-way and pedal back.

When our axis shifts and world events spiral faster than seems possible, I try not to feel hopeless. In some respects, we've been here before, 5 years ago. Instead, I remind myself, how truly lucky I am.

2024 Rewind

2024 started off well, plunged into winter conditions, easily adapting to riding safely on snowy bike paths. I set my yearly intentions to have something to look forward to - it's the way I roll.

I broke my ribs in late January. Fortunately, it was only a hiccup in my cycling life. I fully recovered in 6 weeks and attended the Philly Bike Expo. The bonus was meeting and riding with online friends! 

I put together these bags for our son the bike mechanic. No two are alike.

On the creative front, I explored gouache painting for the second year for the Coffeenuring Challenge, tried a new stem bag pattern, and later sewed 4 more.

In June, I visited our son in Fort Collins, Colorado, and came home in awe of their cycling infrastructure and surrounding beauty.

Pine Creek Rail Trail in Pennsylvania.

My husband and I purposely sought new local trails in 2024, experiencing the D&H Rail Trail, Adirondack Rail Trail, two trails in New Hampshire, and a weeklong adventure in Pennsylvania. 

I went on solitary Amtrak adventures: riding one-way from Hudson, NY to Saratoga Springs during peak foliage (part one) and finishing a few weeks later, and from Castleton, VT homeward.

It's interesting to see the Monday-Friday progression.

Yearly accounting: I sorted the rack situation between the Rachel and the Hard Rock so both are touring-ready. I made it, finally, to the Philly Bike Expo after several years of trying (the pandemic didn't help). Due to two years of flooding, what's still elusive is riding across Vermont and back. 

I went out of 2024 with a bang, finishing the year with 3532 miles!

Bike Overnight - Amtrak One Way, Castleton to Home

Double panniers and a Soma Lucas front rack proved the best setup on Rachel.

I'm always thinking of the next weekend overnight. What new destination motivates me? Should it be one-way or two? Use Amtrak or leave from home? Foremost, the decision hedges on a dry weekend forecast and secondly, where there's an open campsite. When these factors align, usually on Thursday, then I have two days to pack, leaving on Saturday. 

Roll to the station, and remove the front wheel on board.

In July, I decided to take Amtrak 2 hours south to Castleton, then ride north on rolling hills to Crown Point State Park, one of my favorite camping spots, then homeward the next day. And bonus: my husband wanted to drive and set up the tent, so I was excited to have company for the evening.

Smiling, hydrated, and riding over the safe, wonderful, and historical Champlain Bridge crossing.

I hadn't ridden this segment of the Lake Champlain Bikeways route for about 15 years, back when I looped the southern portion - from Burlington south. I have, however, stayed at the campsite periodically, twice on my own, and once with Adele. 

I disembarked Amtrak, easily put my bike back together and set off. Since I originally planned to camp on my own, I carried 4 panniers, everything but the tent, which in hindsight added some difficulty, yet I was determined to see it though. With nearly 50 miles ahead of me in mid 80's heat, I grabbed some food, and set off. The route was more hilly, of course, than I remembered, and needing to cut off elevation and snaking turns, Google helped straighten the route, through orchards, over a beautiful mountain, adding more dirt roads to the mix. I was tired and ran out of water (note to self, don't ever do that again), but my husband rode from the campground, lifting my spirits, giving me liquid.

I learned how well Rachel handles with 4 panniers, so they're keepers! No jostling, rattling, or unwieldly handling. I've used front low rider racks in the past on other bikes, but the bargain Soma Lucas worked perfectly. And I was reminded again of Rachel's sweet low gearing - she climbs mountains! 

We had a milk shake, and I rehydrated from the restroom, taking a much needed break, before crossing the amazing bridge to the campground.

The evening was very warm. We roamed the campground, discovered the Samuel Champlain monument was open to visitors - who knew? We climbed the claustrophobic, circular stone staircase to a spectacular pre-sunset view of the lake and bridge. What a treat.

I did myself a favor leaving the second set of panniers in the car on Sunday morning. After early showers, a cold front moved in, and the next 50 miles homeward, was lovely! Fortified with scones, plenty of water and gentle terrain (only a few hills), the return was pleasant on paved roads. Lots of farmland, orchards, old cemeteries, and mostly quiet roads. 

Feeling like myself on the second day, I took a long break to eat a big lunch before riding the last 20 miles. The thistle-like monsters towered over me on Greenbush Road in Charlotte.

I cruised the last flat miles on the Burlington Greenway, by the Amtrak station, until reaching home.